Mold is a type of fungus that can grow both indoors and outdoors. It typically forms in areas that are moist and have poor air circulation. If a person has a mold problem at home or office, it can be a very frustrating experience. Hiring an expert to remediate the mold is often the best course of action, but there are some things that a person can do themselves to minimize the growth of mold.
Identify the source of the moisture
The first step in remedying a mold problem is identifying and correcting the moisture source. This may involve fixing a leaky roof or fixing a leaking toilet. If they can’t be fixed, a plumber or roofing contractor should be able to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Dry out the area as much as possible
Once the source of the moisture has been corrected, it is essential to dry out the area. This can be done with a fan or by opening windows and doors to allow air to circulate. A person can also use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air and dry vacuum the area to remove the mold spores.
Allow time for the mold to die off
Once the air is no longer moist, it will take time for the mold to die off. It is important not to disturb the mold during this time, as it will release spores into the air.
Clean the area with a detergent and water
Once the area has been dried out, it can be cleaned with a detergent and water. This will remove any mold that is already present.
Seal the area off
If the mold problem is extensive, it may be necessary to seal the area off until it can be adequately remediated. This can only be done if the site is a room, not an entire house. In this case, a person should wear protective gear, plastic sheeting, and duct tape taped to the walls, ceiling, and floor. This will keep the mold spores from getting into the rest of the house.
Evacuate the area
If the mold problem is significant or if it is not possible to clean the area, it may be necessary to evacuate the area. This should only be done if it is impossible to remediate the mold or seal off the area. People should wear protective gear and remove all items from the area. It is also essential to keep children and pets out of the area until it has been treated successfully.
Hire a professional company to remediate the mold
If a person is unable to clean the area themselves or if the mold problem is more severe, it is recommended that they hire a professional company to remediate the mold. This will ensure that the mold is removed properly and does not return.
Take a photo of the area before mold remediation
It may also be helpful to take a photo of the area before mold remediation. This can help show the area’s appearance before the mold problem began. This will help a person identify issues that arose because of the mold problem.
Comply with the company’s requests
If a person decides to hire a professional mold remediation company, they should comply with all of that company’s requests. This may include not touching or disturbing the mold before it has been treated, following any additional instructions that are provided, and ensuring that items in the area are not moved. By following the company’s requests, a person can help ensure that the mold is removed correctly and that it does not return.
Take a break
Remember that working with mold can be extremely frustrating. Working with mold for long periods without proper equipment or protection may result in illness. It is important to take a break and not push yourself too hard.
Mold can be a very exhausting problem to deal with. By following this guide, a person can minimize the growth of mold and may be able to clean the area themselves. However, if the problem is more severe, it is recommended that a person hire a commercial mold restoration company to remediate the mold.