How to Clean Mold

Homeowners wishing to clean up mold themselves are urged to take proper safety precautions. These include wearing gloves, protective eye wear (like goggles) and a mask or respirator. This will ensure limited contact with the mold and greatly reduce the risk of an adverse reaction to it.

Finding the Mold

Mold usually surfaces in areas that have excessive moisture and humidity. Wood seems to be an ideal breeding ground for mold. In order for mold to be eradicated safely, the area must first be sprayed down. Infected surfaces needs to be scrubbed and wiped until they are clean. If you simply wipe off the mold without spraying it, you run the risk of releasing the spores into the air, thus spreading the problem.

Mold Cleanup Procedures

If you are suffering from mold related issues, fear not! Help is available to you. There are many products on the market from household bleach to EPA regulated commercial products that can help you eliminate your mold problem permanently.

The Environmental Protection Agency states that you should perform most mold cleanup following these simple steps:

1. Wet vacuum the area. 2. Clean the area with mild detergent and water. 3. When the area is dry, vacuum it using a HEPA vacuum.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends using a mild 10% bleach solution to remove mold from household surfaces. You could use a stronger solution of bleach to remove mold stains.

Another source published by the US Forest Products Laboratory recommends a solution of 1 part detergent to 10 parts bleach to 20 parts water. Then apply this solution to the affected area with a stiff brush and scrub it clean.

It is extremely important to be sure that the detergent you use in the mixture does not contain any form of ammonia. Mixing household bleach and ammonia creates a chemical reaction resulting in the release of a toxic gas. If inhaled, this gas can damage your lungs.

Also be sure to have proper ventilation in any area where bleach is being used. In addition, wear proper safety equipment like gloves, eye protection and a mask or respirator. If you decide on a commercial product, be sure to read and follow the manufacturers directions for proper use and disposal.

Minimizing Mold Cleanup

The best way to cleanup your mold problem is to determine if the mold is active or not, as the cleanup techniques may vary. Active mold, which is colorful and slimy, has a definite odor. Inactive mold, on the other hand, has a powdery look and feel and does not always have much of an odor.

Regardless of the type of mold you have, steps must be taken to isolate it. This will minimize the further spread of the mold and will protect those who may have adverse reactions to it. This is especially important for individuals with respiratory ailments like allergies and asthma.

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Do I Have Mold?
Beginners guide to determining if you have mold.

Preventing Mold Problems
Quick information about how to prevent mold from happening

Getting Rid Of Mold
Tips and ideas on how to get rid of mold.

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