Advice needed! How to sort out the mouldy wall under sink cupboard after a water leak which lasted for ages!

[Houseworkheadache]

Everything was certainly all dry last October right before we replaced the washer machine. We now think maybe the guy installing the machine accidentally knocked out/loosened some connections.

The leak was only discovered last night when I heard dripping sound. After quite a bit fussing about, we realised a connector screw was loose and water has been dripping constantly! It was probably the water intake pipe for the dishwasher. (I have no idea why only noticed last night!)

Anyway, it seems to have stopped after the screw was properly fastened. But the problem is the completely damp plaster under the sink with mould started growing.

My question:

1. The floor under the kitchen unit is rather messy, covered with all sorts of pipes and hoses lying across. I don't have a clear visibility to the far back because of that. So I was only able to clean up the water where I could reach. Shall I just rely on it to dry naturally?

2. the plaster! The water seems to have soaked up to about a metre high. I will try to clean up the surface use bleach. But I'm unsure how to deal with where I can't reach!

And also, I guess the plaster will just have to dry on it's own course and there's not much else I can do?

Can I use hairdryer to speed it up? Or just dehumidifier. But I also fear the remaining unreachable mould would get blown everywhere if I do so!

Some pictures to show the extent of problem.

Oh dear. I'd suggest using a dehumidifier maybe to dry out the wet plaster but not sure if it's better to dry off naturally, others might knoe? You could attach your phone to something and try to film any damage or I'm sure Amazon sell things especially for this, snake cameras or something,,?

Are you insured for water escape?

Can you explain further please? We have house insurance. But there's no cost incurred (yet).

Do you mean any cost to replace the plaster?

It's fine OP, just mould from the damp.

Remove (if possible) the machine to allow airflow: otherwise it will take ages to dry out.

Make sure all leaks are fixed.

Once dry, use a mould killer, then get a tin of B.I.N Aqua, it's a mould killing primer. Paint after primer has dried.

You MUST wait for the plaster to be fully, bone dry before you primer or paint. This could take a few months.

Thank you for the tips.

I've never heard that prime paint before!

Yes, may be a good idea to move the machine out...

Sorry, does your home insurance cover the damage to fixtures caused by leaks? I'm just thinking ahead that you might need replastering and floors re adhered and grouted. Also check the cabinets haven't been damaged. I had a leak and luckily only slight damage to the back of a kitchen unit. After everything had dried there was a bit of a fusty musty smell & a couple of tiles had lifted but I removed & restuck and grouted them. My handyman replaced the back of the unit and all was well, no claim needed. This is just worse case scenario, water can be terribly destructive. I agree, Zinsser bin aqua is excellent. Also Hagesen or Hegasan? do excellent mould killers.