Home Mold Removal

Getting rid of mold can be a long and tedious task. However, the first step to mold cleanup is to stop or control the moisture problem. The source of the moisture must be identified and corrected. Run a dehumidifier and keep windows closed until relative humidity is below 50%. Discard porous materials contaminated with mold growth such as drywall, carpeting, paper and ceiling tiles. Keep in mind that all wet materials should be thoroughly cleaned and dried within 48 to 72 hours of becoming wet. If that is not possible, they should be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out and replace. Secondly, follow these steps on how to clean mold. Mold removal should be attempted once all instructions have been reviewed and supplies have been collected. Mold growing on hard surfaces such as wood and concrete should first be cleaned with regular detergent and water, then rinsed and dried. Small areas can be scrubbed with a cleaning rag that is wetted with diluted detergent. The cleaned areas must then be disinfected with a biocide solution to kill live (viable) mold spores.

How to kill mold?

To disinfect, mix one part bleach with ten parts water, mist the area, and let dry. When using a bleach solution, ensure that enough fresh air is available because bleach may cause eye, nose, or throat irritation, and never mix bleach with other chemicals. Rubber gloves, a N95 rated dust mask and goggles are recommended to be worn during mold clean up. For a large mold problem or if you are highly sensitive to mold, an experienced professional should do the work. Continue to recheck cleaned areas for new mold growth and signs of moisture. This may indicate the need for further cleaning, repairs or material removal.

Removing Mold

Here are some important suggestions for removing mold from your own indoor environment:

• All areas should be HEPA (High Efficient Particle Air) vacuumed prior to cleaning when possible.
• Bleach solution or other biocide should be rinsed well from metal surfaces.
• You may consider doing a test for mold when all recommendations listed above are completed.
• Consider getting the Sick House Solutions book which details the complexities of removing mold in greater detail.
• When all else fails, you may wish to consider consultant services provided by the Sick House Doctor.

Go to Mold Information from Home Mold Removal

Go to Home Page from Home Mold Removal