Mold removal is a complicated process. In some cases, specialized cleaning or a complete renovation of a room may be needed. A professional can assess the situation, remove any wet or porous materials and then clean and vacuum non-porous hard surfaces to remove spores. In addition, they can dry the area using fans or dehumidifiers. The company can also address the root cause of the issue to ensure it doesn’t return.
Before you start removing mold, it is important to put on protective gear, including rubber gloves, goggles and a mask that is labeled as N95 or better. Mold spores can irritate your skin and eyes, and can also be inhaled into the lungs. It is also a good idea to use a fan and block off doorways with tape to prevent mold spores from spreading throughout the home.
The EPA recommends cleaning any visible mold growth with a mild detergent or a solution of one part bleach to three parts water. If the mold is painted, a soft bristle brush or toothbrush can be used to scrub it and then rinsed with clean water. If the spores are still present, a small amount of baking soda mixed with water can be applied to the affected surface to scrub it and then rinsed again. You can also try spraying the mold with three-percent hydrogen peroxide (first-aid grade) to kill mold spores and lighten discoloration, though it will work more slowly than chlorine bleach.
If the drywall is badly damaged by mold, it will need to be removed and replaced with new drywall. A pro can do this, but it is not something most homeowners can do on their own. The pros will also check and seal any other areas of the home that may be contaminated by mold, to keep it from growing elsewhere.
When a homeowner finds mold, it is important to act quickly to reduce the spread of spores and avoid potential health issues. This can include repairing leaky roofs and plumbing and improving air circulation in humid areas. It can also mean adding a dehumidifier to basements and crawl spaces and cleaning mildew and mold-prone rooms weekly, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Ideally, mold should be addressed by a remediation company that has the specialized knowledge and experience to handle such an issue safely. Remediation companies can also help prevent mold from recurring by addressing the conditions that allowed it to grow in the first place, such as a lack of ventilation and high humidity levels. A good remediation company will take all of these steps and more to ensure that the problem is completely resolved. If you notice a sign of mold, don’t wait to call for a free estimate on professional Mold Removal services. The longer you wait, the more difficult and costly it will be to get rid of it.