Mold is more than an unsightly nuisance; it can also be a health hazard for the occupants of a building and can damage materials and structures. This is why it’s important to find effective solutions to deal with the problem as soon as possible. Contact Mold Removal Salt Lake City for professional help.
Before proceeding to the cleaning, always put on rubber gloves and a face covering to avoid direct contact with mold spores.
Once the source of the mold is found and the water issue is fixed it’s time to begin the clean up. This can be done by either a professional or, for smaller areas, it is possible to do on your own. The first step in cleaning up mold is to wipe the visible surfaces. This can be done with a damp cloth or with a mixture of oxygen bleach and hot water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and saturate the area. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes and then wipe it clean. The area should then be air dried. This can be done with a hair dryer or room fan, and it’s important to keep the windows and doors open.
The next step is deeper cleaning and scrubbing. This is where products like vinegar or clear ammonia come into play. They can penetrate the surface of porous materials such as drywall and wood, removing hidden spores. It’s also a good idea to use a cleaning product specifically formulated for mold as these tend to be more effective than standard household cleaners.
When using vinegar or any other cleaning agent, it’s always best to wear rubber gloves and a face mask to prevent inhalation. Also, never mix ammonia with any other chemical as it can produce poisonous gas. For more stubborn stains, try mixing baking soda with water to make a paste and scrub the area. Be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly.
For more serious issues, it may be necessary to use a mold-removal kit or antimicrobial cleanser. This type of cleaner contains chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or formaldehyde that penetrate the surface of the material to kill the spores. It’s always a good idea to hire a professional for this type of remediation.
Regular cleaning and inspections will help to stop future mold growth by preventing the accumulation of organic material, which is what causes the spores to grow. It’s also important to regularly dust and vacuum. This will prevent the buildup of dust and other debris, which can trap moisture and cause new growth.
Remove the Infected Materials
The next step of mold removal is to remove any infected materials from the affected areas. This is the most intensive part of a cleanup and it involves removing porous materials, like carpet or fabric, that can’t be cleaned, as well as non-porous materials, such as wood and drywall, if they are infested with mold. The items are bagged and thrown away to reduce the risk of spreading mold spores.
To limit the spread of mold spores during this step, it’s best to isolate the work area and cover any vents that can’t be covered. Closing doors and hanging plastic sheeting between the affected and unaffected areas is also helpful. Using a fan to pull contaminated air away from the area and exhausting it outdoors can help as well. A HEPA filter on a vacuum cleaner can reduce the amount of mold spores that are redistributed when cleaning.
Mold can be damaging to the materials it grows on and can also cause health effects for occupants. People with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions should avoid any area where mold is present. If an individual’s symptoms worsen after being in a moldy environment, they should contact their healthcare provider.
It’s important to check and fix any water leaks in the property as soon as possible to prevent future problems with mold. Any wet materials should be dried as quickly as possible using dehumidifiers, wet/dry vacs and fans. It’s a good idea to use an EPA-approved fungicide on any porous or semi-porous items that are infested with mold. Non-porous materials should be scrubbed with soap and water to ensure they are clean and sanitized.
Many items that are damaged by mold can be saved if the situation is caught early. However, it’s important to have a professional mold inspection and mold cleanup before trying to save any items to make sure that the mold is fully eradicated. This also ensures that the property is safe for prospective buyers or renters. Regular health checks can also stop mold from recurring after the cleaning process is complete.
Disinfect the Area
Mold spores can become airborne, irritating the nose, eyes, and throat of anyone exposed to them. These spores can also trigger asthma and other respiratory problems in sensitive individuals. As such, it is important to clean and disinfect surfaces affected by mold.
Chlorine bleach can kill mold on hard non-porous surfaces such as sinks, tubs, and tiles. It can also be used to wipe off wood and drywall that is infested with mold. Before using bleach, be sure to read the product label and follow the manufacturer’s directions for use. Bleach can irritate the skin, eyes, and throat and should be avoided if possible by those with sensitivities.
Clorox Disinfecting Bleach and Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover both contain the chemical sodium hypochlorite (bleach), which is effective at killing mold. These products can be purchased at most grocery stores and hardware stores. Both products are recommended for use on areas that are heavily infested with mold and should be wiped down thoroughly with a cloth or sponge to ensure that all the spores are removed.
White vinegar is another natural and effective way to kill mold. It can be sprayed directly onto the surface and scrubbed with a brush. After scrubbing, the area should be rinsed with water and left to dry completely. If the mold is very stubborn, a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water may be applied to the area.
Ammonia can also kill mold on hard non-porous areas, but should be used with care because it is a harsh and toxic substance. Ammonia can also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. A safer alternative is to mix a solution of 50% clear ammonia and 50% water in a spray bottle and apply it to the surface.
The most effective natural solution to kill mold is tea tree oil, a powerful antifungal agent that can be found at many health food stores. It is derived from the plant Melaleuca Alternifolia and should be added to a water solution in a ratio of 1 teaspoon oil per cup of water.
Clean the Air
Using a dehumidifier to lower moisture levels is a good idea when dealing with a mold problem. It reduces the likelihood of future mold growth and re-contamination. Also, a professional can use more advanced equipment like a thermal imaging camera to detect hidden moisture behind walls and under floorboards. This information can be extremely useful in identifying and repairing the source of the moisture.
Most importantly, you must take the time to dry the affected areas. The use of wet/dry vacs, dehumidifiers and fans will expedite the process, as materials dried within 24-48 hours will not be able to grow mold. Porous materials such as drywall and insulation should be bagged and discarded if they are moldy.
For larger patches of mold, you can use common household products to kill the fungus and prevent further growth. The best choice is a mixture of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. These natural substances are effective at killing both the visible spores and the underlying roots that often go untreated.
Make sure to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a respirator, gloves and non-latex, vinyl or nitrile rubber gloves while handling moldy items. Mold spores can be inhaled or ingested, resulting in a range of symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, coughing, itchy eyes, rashes and other irritations.
Mold removal can be a daunting task, but it’s vital to protect your health and the safety of those living or working in the affected area. If you’re unsure of what to do or need assistance with mold cleanup, contact a local mold remediation company. They have the training and experience to safely and effectively clean up mold and can advise you on the best preventative measures to take in order to keep the problem from recurring. They will also be able to identify the source of the mold and recommend the corrective action necessary. Depending on the severity of the mold, this may include repairs to plumbing or the structure itself. It could also mean removing carpeting, drywall and other building materials. Then the area can be cleaned, disinfected and re-inspected for any signs of mold.