How do I remove mold found in a house?
Mold is a type of fungus that decomposes dead organic material. We encounter mold every day – some foods, drinks, and medications are derived from molds, it grows outside on decaying trees and other materials, and mold spores, the reproductive cores by which mold reproduces, are found virtually everywhere. Problems arise when molds are given a chance to grow in homes. Moist areas tend to create an environment that is attractive to molds where spores can land and grow into mold colonies. Visible examples of moisture and mold-prone areas in a home would include bathrooms, areas around window frames, kitchens, and cooler spots on exterior walls behind furniture, or in closets where air doesn’t circulate well. Concentrated areas of mold growth are dangerous and should be removed. A colony will release mold spores, which can cause respiratory issues or aggravate asthma and allergies.
Should I clean up the mold myself?
You can usually clean up small areas of surface mold, as long as you use the proper precautions and equipment. A “small” amount of mold is generally considered to occupy no more than a few square feet. For example, there may be mold growing on the ceiling of a bathroom, or a window frame may have a mold colony if condensation from the window drips down onto the frame. Larger areas of mold growth are best evaluated by a professional. A large area of mold might occur in a roof due to a leak gone unnoticed, or a neglected crawlspace where ground moisture has contributed to excessive growth. On a larger scale, a professional will best be able to prevent mold spores from spreading to other areas of the home during the cleaning process. Another way to decide if you can perform the clean-up yourself would be to estimate the amount of time that it would take. Mold removal should take less than one hour. Any longer, it is best to leave it to a specialist, who will have the protective equipment that will limit exposure. Finally, don’t attempt to clean mold yourself if you have asthma, severe allergies, or a weakened immune system.
Items with mold, such as bedding, furniture, carpets or books, should generally be thrown away as cleaning of the item sufficiently is typically more costly than replacing it. When disposing of these items, put them in a plastic bag so spores do not spread during transport.
Cleaning mold
There are three basic steps to cleaning up small areas of surface mold. First, gather protective equipment. You should use rubber gloves, eye protection, and good fitting dust mask with a minimum N95 particle filtration rating. Prepare the room where the mold is growing by making sure it is ventilated, doors to other rooms are closed, and if a forced air system is used for heat, it should be turned off. As a precaution, people sensitive to molds such as babies, the elderly, people with breathing difficulties and/or allergies should leave the house during cleaning.
Surface mold can be cleaned with a sponge, mild detergent solution (such as dishwashing liquid), and some scrubbing. A light misting from a spray bottle containing water mixed with a few drops of soap applied beforehand to the area to be cleaned will help keep spores from spreading. In the past, bleach solutions were also recommended for mold removal, but current thinking is that bleach is best avoided as the chlorine fumes are harmful, it can be dangerous when mixed with other cleaners, and the use of bleach does not prevent mold from returning. After the mold is removed, allow the area to dry thoroughly.
Finally, you will need to take steps to prevent mold from returning. Removing the mold colony itself will not guarantee that mold will not return – you must eliminate the source of moisture that allowed the mold to grow. This may mean fixing plumbing leaks, reducing indoor humidity levels using dedicated mechanical ventilation, sealing out moisture, and allowing air to circulate freely in areas that are colder and more prone to attracting condensation.