Mold Restoration Do's and Don'ts
Mold is everywhere in our environment and poses little risk until it is allowed to grow indoors. When it grows in your home it is slowly destroying it while releasing MVOC's (Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds) and producing massive amounts of spores.
These elements combined can create a hazardous environment for humans and animals alike. When handled properly by a professional or capable homeowner moldy homes can be remediated and brought back to normal.
Do's
- Use common sense. Fungi needs moisture to produce food, MVOC's, and spores, by finding and eliminating the source of water you can stop mold from growing and ultimately reoccurring after remediation.
- Wear protective equipment when coming into contact with Fungi.
- Assess the size of the colony. If it is larger than a 3 foot by 3 foot square do not disturb the colony and call a professional. Or visit our "Ask a Pro" blog.
- If the moisture source has been stopped and the colony is small (10 sq ft or less) remove any porous surface (drywall) that you can without disturbing any permanent or structural framing. All trash should be bagged in a black 3 mil contractor bags and sealed before removing to the outside.
- Treat affected area with an anti-microbial chemical while wearing protective gear (mask, gloves, etc)
- While still wearing your protective gear scrub any remaining colonies with a detergent and water combination.
- Sand any wood items with heavy grit sandpaper, you only need to shave the very top layer. Some of the discoloration is enzyme staining and of no concern.
- HEPA vacuum the area from top to bottom, wet wipe hard surfaces.
- Seal with a primer/sealer the remaining wood. Allow to dry before repairing.
Don'ts
- Touch or attempt to clean up large amounts of mold growth. Spores are invisible to the naked eye and slight disturbances in the air can spread millions of them.
- DO NOT PUT BLEACH ON MOLD. There are far better and safer anti microbial products available. Bleach releases dioxins and does not effectively kill viable spores and source colonies before evaporating.
- Do not hesitate to call a mold professional and ask questions.
