Mold spores are microscopic and can spread throughout a building. When they are stirred up, they can irritate the lungs and skin. People with allergies or existing respiratory problems may experience more severe symptoms.
Professional mold remediation involves assessing the severity of an infestation, removing and disposing of contaminated materials, cleaning and treating non-porous surfaces, and sanitizing porous ones with antifungal agents. Clearance testing follows treatment to ensure that the fungus is gone for good. Contact Mold Removal Provo for professional help.
Most cleaners found under your sink work well on dirt and grime but mold requires an out of the ordinary cleaning solution. This is because mold spores aren’t easily dislodged by a spray of cleaner and then simply wiped away. Mold spores must be killed and their roots broken up to prevent future growth.
Chemical cleaners typically contain harsh chemicals that may be harmful to human health when inhaled or touched without proper protection. Examples include bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite), ammonia (Ammonium Hydroxide), and phenols (found in perfumes, dyes and disinfectants) among others. They have the advantage of being fast acting and offer results that are visible to the naked eye but they can also be toxic if not properly handled and disposed of.
Bleach and other chemical cleaners are effective at killing bacteria, viruses and fungi and can be used in a variety of applications like disinfecting toilets and bathtubs. However, they can cause a variety of serious health problems including skin and respiratory irritation, eye damage and can be poisonous to cats and dogs. They are also a danger to the environment and if not disposed of correctly, they can pollute water and soil.
Many of the “Mold & Mildew Cleaners” you see on store shelves claim to kill mold. However, these are usually bleach-based products that merely discolor mold and not actually kill it. These products typically include Chlorine bleach, Sodium Hypochlorite, or Ammonia in liquid form.
A safe and natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners is white distilled vinegar. When applied to moldy surfaces and left to sit for an hour, vinegar kills up to 82% of the mold species [10]. White distilled vinegar can be found in most households and is a great substitute for expensive commercially available mold killers that are usually made with bleach and other harsh chemicals.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are other easy-to-find, cost-effective cleaning solutions that work well on small areas of mildew and mold. When used together, these products form carbon dioxide gas and heat which kills fungi. Be sure to spray the surface of your choice and scrub thoroughly with a scrub brush or toothbrush. It is also important to wet the surface to remove spores and then wipe it dry. Dry wiping can disturb spores and send them into the air to grow again.
Natural Cleaners
There are many natural cleaners that claim to be the perfect eco-friendly cleaning solution. However, they often use harsh chemicals to clean surfaces, which is not good for the environment or your health. Using a natural cleaner, such as white vinegar or baking soda, can give you the same great results without the chemical fumes.
Vinegar is an effective mold killer that kills 82 percent of mold spores and also sanitizes surfaces. It can be used on porous surfaces like grout or drywall, as long as you scrub well and rinse the surface. You can even make a scented vinegar with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as eucalyptus or lavender.
Baking soda can be mixed with vinegar and water or used alone to effectively clean mold. Mixing equal parts of the two makes a great spray that can be used on porous surfaces. The solution can be left on the surface for a few hours, but it should be scrubbed and rinsed to ensure all of the mold is dead. You can also try making a natural cleaning product by mixing three percent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the mold and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
Tea tree oil is another great natural mold remover. While it may not kill the spores as fast as vinegar, it is still effective at cutting bacteria levels in the air. Just like vinegar, it has a strong scent, but can be dissipated with a few days.
Grapefruit seed extract is another great nontoxic mold killer that doesn’t have the pungent odor of vinegar or tea tree oil. It is not as powerful as other natural mold removal products, but it does have a pleasant citrus fragrance that can be refreshing to the senses.
To prevent mold from forming, make sure your home is properly ventilated. Keep windows open and run a circulating fan while cleaning. You can also reduce moisture levels by sealing crawl spaces and installing dehumidifiers in basements. If you are experiencing severe mold growth, it’s best to contact a professional instead of trying to remove the problem yourself.
Inspecting the Area
A first step in dealing with any mold outbreak is to make sure the growth you’re seeing really is mold. A variety of other substances, including dirt, dust, stains, and conditions issues such as fatty acids leaching from oiled leather bindings and printing inks can look like mold and may be mistaken for it by some. Check temperature and relative humidity in the area where you suspect growth. Mold thrives at higher temperatures and in areas of high humidity, where water may be seeping in.
Once you’re sure the mold is actually mold, the next step is to identify and fix the issue that led to it. Molds need moisture, organic material for food, and proper temperature to grow. Failing to find and address the problem will guarantee future growth. You can usually tell if an area has a mold infestation by a musty odor.
If the mold infestation is limited to a small area, it’s often possible to clean it yourself using household cleaning products. If the mold covers a large surface area or is accompanied by significant water damage, however, it’s generally best to call in a professional. Professionals have specialized equipment and expertise that enables them to locate hidden mold, dry areas more thoroughly, and prevent future growth.
If you’re planning to do the work yourself, wear protective gloves and a face mask to avoid exposure to mold spores. Also, if you suffer from respiratory issues, allergies, or a weakened immune system, it’s typically safer to let professionals handle the cleanup. Tenants have won multi-million dollar lawsuits against landlords after suffering serious health problems caused by toxic mold found in their apartments. Don’t take chances with your health – consult your doctor before proceeding and follow all safety guidelines. For even better results, try adding baking soda to vinegar to create a foaming mold cleaner. This combination works just as well as bleach but doesn’t release harsh fumes and is far more environmentally friendly. Follow all instructions for use and be sure to dry the area completely afterward to help prevent regrowth.
Removal
Mold removal is a multi-step process that typically includes assessment, containment, and remediation. The first step involves identifying the source of the mold growth and the best approach for removing it. This may include testing porous surfaces and determining the level of contamination. If the contamination is severe, specialized antifungal and antimicrobial treatments may be needed to treat the mold and prevent it from returning. The second step involves isolating the affected area to limit the spread of mold spores during the remediation process. This often includes setting up an anteroom to serve as a space for changing and washing equipment, and setting up a negative pressure HEPA filtration extraction unit in the room requiring remediation.
Once the area has been isolated, it is time to begin cleaning. It is best to work in small sections at a time to prevent spreading spores. The cleaning solution should be applied with a spray bottle, damp rag, sponge, or low-abrasive scrub brush. After scrubbing, it is important to rinse the surface with clean water and let the area dry completely. It is also necessary to dispose of any contaminated materials and disinfect anything that came into contact with the mold or cleaning solution.
A HEPA vacuum is ideal for removing large quantities of mold, but it is crucial to use it with an extension hose and a filter to prevent the redistribution of spores. A mask and rubber gloves are also recommended to reduce exposure. The most common cleaners used for this purpose are bleach solutions, white vinegar, and tea tree oil. A combination of these can be a very effective way to kill mold and is less toxic than many chemical cleaners.
Once the area has been cleaned, it must be thoroughly dried to prevent regrowth. This may require the use of industrial dehumidifiers and drying equipment. Any structural damage caused by the mold must be repaired, and any non-porous items that were impacted by the mold must be replaced. Finally, a thorough inspection of the home is needed to identify and address any potential sources of moisture that can lead to future mold growth.
