Mold can be safely removed with a few common ingredients found at the hardware store or your local grocery store. When working with chemicals, it’s important to be well-ventilated and wear special PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, and an N95 mask.
First, all wet and moldy materials are sprayed using biocide, and any non-porous surfaces are vacuumed and scrubbed. This controls airborne spores and keeps mold from growing back. Contact Ace Mold now!
Mold is one of the most insidious and elusive of home invaders. It thrives in a damp environment and can cause serious health problems for those with sensitivities. If you have a significant problem or have had major water damage, hiring professional mold remediation services may be necessary.
A reliable mold removal company will take the time to perform an inspection before beginning the cleanup process. This will include air quality testing to ensure that the area is safe for reoccupation after cleanup. A good company will also provide a detailed explanation of the steps taken to remediate the problem.
In most cases, a mold cleanup will involve cleaning up any visible and hidden areas affected by the growth of mold. This may require removing drywall, carpeting and other materials that have been damaged by the growth of mold. The mold damaged materials will need to be discarded and the space cleaned before reconstruction can begin. This can take from a few days to a week, depending on the extent of the mold damage and how long it has been present in the home.
Some surfaces such as wood floors can be cleaned by using a cleaning solution. Vinegar is a common and effective mold killer for many surface materials. However, you must be careful not to use vinegar on stone or aluminum surfaces as the acid can damage these materials. Bleach can also be used as a mold killer. A diluted bleach solution of 1 cup of bleach and 4 cups of water is recommended for cleaning most surfaces in the house. You should always wear face protection when using bleach.
Before cleaning a surface, it is best to wet it down with a hose or bucket of water. This will prevent the cleaning solution from drying too quickly. Apply the mixture to the affected surface and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Using a brush or sponge, scrub the affected surface in a circular motion and rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution and mold debris. The area should then be allowed to dry, either with fans or dehumidifiers.
Identify the Source of the Mold
Mold is often accompanied by a musty smell that gives away its presence in your home. It may also grow on walls and other surfaces in damp or dark areas of your home. Mold spores can trigger respiratory problems in people who are allergic to them, causing symptoms such as coughing and sneezing. Some types of mold, particularly black mold, can even cause skin irritation. If you suspect that you have a mold problem in your home, it is important to treat it as soon as possible.
The best way to prevent mold growth is to remove it at its source. Check your home regularly for leaky pipes and other water damage, and take steps to control humidity levels. Keep your gutters free of debris, and wipe down all surface areas of your home to reduce the number of places for mold to grow.
When tackling a large area of mold, you should wear protective clothing and a mask or respirator to minimize the risk of exposure to airborne mold spores. Use a brush or sponge to scrub the mold and remove it. After scrubbing, you should rinse the affected area and dry it completely. You can also use a commercial product that kills mold and prevents its return, though this may not work on all surfaces.
If you have difficulty removing mold from surfaces that are porous, such as drywall or ceilings, you may need to hire professional help. However, you can clean non-porous surfaces such as counters, cabinets and vanities by wiping them down with soapy water. Using a stiff scrub brush or sponge, wipe the surface until it is clean and then dry it completely.
If you have a small area of mold on your clothes, you can wash them in hot water with laundry detergent or bleach to get rid of it. You should also replace any fabrics that cannot be washed, such as curtains and mattress covers, with washable versions to avoid further contamination. Finally, you should disinfect the area where the mold is located with a strong cleaner such as hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar, or a commercial product designed to kill mold. When you finish, open the windows and use fans to improve ventilation and clear out the lingering odors from the cleaning solution.
Vacuum Up the Mold
Mold should never be ignored, but even with preventative measures like keeping humidity levels low and cleaning regularly, mold is sometimes unavoidable. When that happens, it is essential to clean and disinfect any affected surfaces so that spores do not spread to other parts of the house.
In addition to making the area look worse, mold spores can trigger health problems in some people, including respiratory irritation and allergic reactions. If you notice that a portion of your home has minor mold buildup, it is possible to get rid of it with basic cleaning products found in most hardware stores. However, if the amount of mold is significant, it is recommended to hire a professional remediation company.
Using a HEPA vacuum cleaner that has a special micro tool attachment will ensure that the microscopic mold spores are not re-distributed into other areas of your home when you are finished. It is also important to use a respirator or mask that fits properly, and preferably an N-95 mask to avoid any inhalation of mold spores while working.
If the mold is on hard surfaces, it can usually be removed with a diluted solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. This should be sprayed or applied directly to the affected surface, and then scrubbed vigorously with a brush or sponge. Afterwards, the surface should be rinsed with clean water and allowed to dry completely. If it is possible to do so, leaving the windows open and using fans can speed up the drying process.
On the other hand, porous materials like carpet and drywall that have come into contact with mold will likely need to be replaced. Mold can infiltrate and fill in the empty spaces or crevices of porous substances, making it very difficult or impossible to clean entirely.
In many cases, it is possible to save porous materials by sanding and then repainting them after the area has been cleaned and dried. But in the case of severe mold damage, it may be necessary to replace a large portion of the affected area.
Disinfect the Area
During this phase, mold remediation experts will treat the affected areas with biocide/fungicide/moldicide solutions. They will also use fans and dehumidifiers to help dry the materials. The goal is to get the area as dry as possible, which will discourage future mold growth and prevent the spread of spores.
Mold removal is a complex process that requires professional training and experience to do correctly. If you have a serious mold problem, or if the fungus is spreading rapidly, call a professional right away.
Before you begin cleaning, it’s important to protect yourself from mold spores by wearing gloves, safety glasses or goggles and a mask. You may also want to wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants to avoid getting any spores on your skin. Once you’re ready to start cleaning, it’s best to work in an open area with good ventilation.
You can use common household cleaners, such as hydrogen peroxide and distilled white vinegar, to clean surface mold. Mix equal parts of each substance together to create a paste and apply it directly to the moldy areas. Let the paste sit for 30 minutes, then return to scrub the area. Scrub until you see the stains disappear. Rinse the area and dry it with a cloth or towel.
There are also many natural mold removers available. Borax is a popular option that doesn’t produce toxic fumes and can be safely used on non-porous surfaces. It works well for removing mold from tile, glass and grout, but is also effective on fabrics, wallpaper, carpeting, and drywall.
After you’ve successfully removed the mold, it’s essential to disinfect the area to prevent further growth and recurrence. You can purchase products formulated to kill and remove mold, such as RMR-141 or RMR-152. These products don’t emit toxic fumes and are safe to use on most porous or non-porous surfaces.
While it is possible to clean and remove surface mold on your own, you should hire a professional to address deeper issues with your home’s humidity levels and to fix any leaks that may have contributed to the mold growth in the first place. A professional will also be able to help you prevent further problems by suggesting ways to control the moisture level in your home and stop further mold growth.