When a Florida home sits closed up for months, small problems have time to grow. A slow leak, an AC that couldn’t keep up with the humidity, or a storm that pushed water in can turn into stained ceilings, warped floors, or a musty smell by the time you get back. Here’s what to check in your first hour home, and what to do if you find something.
Before You Even Unpack
- Smell the air as you walk in. A musty, earthy smell usually means moisture and possibly mold somewhere. Note which rooms smell strongest.
- Look up. Check ceilings for stains, bubbling paint, or sagging, especially under bathrooms, the AC unit, and any upstairs laundry.
- Look down. Check floors and baseboards for warping, swelling, loose tiles, or dark lines along the bottom of walls.
- Open the AC closet. Look for water in the drain pan, rust, a wet floor, or dark spots on the walls and air handler.
- Check under every sink and behind the toilets, refrigerator, and washing machine for water stains or soft spots.
- Look at the water heater. Rust, puddles, or a damp base are early warning signs.
- Check closets and guest rooms that had their doors shut. They often get the least air and show mold first.
- Glance at your water bill or meter. Higher-than-normal use while you were away can point to a hidden leak.
If You Find Water
Shut off the water at the main valve if the leak is still active. Stay away from wet areas near outlets. Take photos and video before you move anything, then call your insurance company and a restoration company. The longer materials stay wet, the more damage and mold you’ll have. See what to do in the first hour after a burst pipe.
If It Just Smells Musty
Don’t just open windows and spray air freshener. In South Florida, opening windows lets in more humid air. Run the AC, and if the smell doesn’t fade in a day or two, get it checked. A musty smell almost always has a moisture source behind it. FL Cleanup offers a free visual inspection with moisture readings to find where it’s coming from. Lab mold testing is available separately if you need documented results. Learn more about musty smells in the house and mold in the AC closet.
Before You Leave Next Time
- Shut off the main water valve, or at least the water heater and washing machine supply.
- Leave the AC on, set to keep humidity down. Many owners use around 78 to 80°F, but ask your AC company what’s right for your system.
- Have the AC drain line cleaned before you go.
- Leave interior doors open so air can move.
- Ask a neighbor, property manager, or home-watch service to walk through every couple of weeks.
- Consider a water leak sensor or automatic shut-off valve.
Still Out of Town?
If your manager or neighbor finds a problem while you’re away, we can coordinate access, dry the home, and send you photos and moisture readings so you know exactly what’s happening. We serve seasonal homes across South Florida, including Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Wellington, Aventura, and Naples.
Call FL Cleanup 24/7 at 877-224-2532. Rated 5 stars on Google by 200+ customers. Licensed, insured, and IICRC certified. Hablamos español.
