Water damage can cause a variety of problems in your home, but one of the most serious is mold. Mold can grow on wet surfaces in as little as 24 hours, and it can quickly spread throughout your home, causing respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and other health issues. In addition to the health risks, mold can also damage your home's structure and furnishings. It can weaken walls and ceilings, and it can stain and discolor carpets, furniture, and other belongings. ## Does Water Damage Smell Go Away? One of the most common questions about water damage is whether or not the smell will go away. In most cases, the smell of water damage will go away on its own as the water dries out. However, if the water damage is severe, or if it has been present for a long period of time, the smell may linger. There are a few things you can do to help remove the smell of water damage from your home: * Ventilate the area by opening windows and doors. * Use fans to circulate the air. * Place bowls of vinegar or baking soda around the affected area. * Clean all surfaces with a strong disinfectant. If the smell of water damage persists, you may need to call a professional water damage cleanup company.