Do you suspect moisture presence in your home? If left unresolved, moisture has the capacity to result in mold, as this fungus thrives on humidity.
Therefore, understanding the role of moisture is necessary for effective mold remediation. Homeowners facing this issue should document the damage, get the right gear and cleaning products, and commence the remediation process.
Keeping your health protected during the cleanup is particularly recommended for people with allergies and respiratory issues. Homeowners can also turn to professionals for assistance if reluctant to handle the cleanup on their own.
The following helpful tips lead to effective mold remediation.
Understand the role of moisture
The initial step toward successful mold remediation is understanding the role moisture plays in the growth of this fungus. Even though most homeowners look for visible signs of fungus growth, mold is usually a sneaky invisible intruder spreading around the house without homeowners knowing.
Nevertheless, the reason behind mold growth is always a moisture problem. Moisture is usually caused by water leaks, high humidity, damp soil under the basement, everyday activities like drying clothes and washing dishes, etc. Hence, identifying the source of moisture is necessary for locating the root of mildew.
Moreover, this fungus grows in a specific way by releasing spores into the atmosphere, which are invisible. It can thrive as long as oxygen and moisture are present in the house. The surfaces that harbor mildew the most are tile, drywall, wood, and insulation. Click here to have a look at a brief guide to mold and moisture in your home.
Document the problem
Prior to devising a remediation plan, homeowners are advised to document the issue in the form of videos and photographs. Such documentation should be provided to mold remediation companies in order for them to use to create a remediation plan. This plan is supposed to include information such as the start and end of the project, the types of testing, and the professionals performing this job. Any potential relocation of the homeowners should be included as well.
The extent of contamination has to be calculated before the remediation procedure starts. Since mold doesn’t grow in a single area, these calculations will determine the exact amount of contamination homeowners are facing. This information also influences the best approach to removing and cleaning up mold.
Mold identification can be performed with a couple of drops of household bleach on the black spots you see on the wall. Those spots that disappear when coming in contact with bleach are mildew, whereas the ones that fail to disappear are dirt mold. Given some species are toxic, trusting the remediation process in the hands of experts might be the best decision, especially in people with allergies and respiratory problems.
Arm yourself with the necessary gear
Wearing the right protection is essential for keeping safe in the course of the remediation process. The harmful effects and odor of mold are so strong that a thin mask would have no effect on your protection. In terms of clothes, you are advised to wear clothes that you can get rid of after the cleaning process is over. Washing them together with your other clothes in the washer will help mold spread to every single piece of clothing.
In addition, wearing goggles and gloves is also recommended to protect your eyes and hands from harmful particles. It’s the only way to prevent them from reaching your eyes. Regarding the face mask, you are advised to wear an N-95 mask, which is much costlier than thin masks. Instead of an N-95 mask, you can wear several thin masks.
Ventilation is especially important in the remediation process, as spores are highly likely to spread in the air. In case you don’t want to expose yourself to the harmful effect of mold, you can hire remediation experts to eliminate the presence of this fungus in your home. There is a variety of mold removal companies, such as PrecisionMoldRemoval.com, helping clients enjoy a safe and healthy environment. These contractors have the necessary tools and gear to perform the job on your behalf.
Start remediation
This process involves removing existing mildew and preventing the growth of new spores by locating the source of moisture. The size of the contaminated area will determine the exact level of remediation you need in your situation. Level 1 is used for areas affected by mildew not larger than ten square feet, whereas level 2 covers areas whose square footage ranges between ten and thirty feet.
The process should start by repairing the water problem so as to prevent new spores from developing. Afterward, you should isolate the contaminated area by closing the doors and windows between it and the other rooms. In the event of level 2 remediation, all doorways should be covered with polyethylene sheeting. The following step involves removing all moist materials damaged by mildew. You can check the guidelines provided by EPA if not sure which materials to remove.
These moist materials should be disposed of in plastic bags as long as you make sure the bags are tied properly. If you wish to dispose of these bags as normal trash, you need to wipe them with a moist cloth or rag, and detergent on the outside. All wood and non-porous material surfaces have to be cleaned with a proper cleaning solution. Since bleach is considered harmful, homeowners are recommended to use borax, referring to a white powder found in grocery stores.
Borax should be mixed with a gallon of hot water and applied to the moldy surface. It should then be scrub with a brush until the fungus is removed. Nevertheless, borax isn’t recommended for cleaning porous surfaces such as drywall, as these materials induce water absorption. Other DIY cleaning solutions you can use for mold removal include vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, etc.
Final word
Mold is an enemy of almost every homeowner. It’s sneaky and requires quick action to prevent uncontrolled spreading!
