Get Rid of Mold Problems

How do I get rid of mold problems?

Molds when present in your homes can progressively destroy the things they grow on. Preventing damage to your home and furnishings, saving money, and avoiding potential health problems is simply getting rid of mold from your dwellings. You can do this by controlling moisture and eliminating the growth of mold.

Generally, mold and mold spores found indoors are impossible to eliminate totally. Some mold spores are even found in house dust and some floating through the air. However, studies revealed that molds linger and survive and grow on moisture. Therefore, moisture is the dominating factor in mold growth.
By controlling indoor moisture, indoor mold growth can be prevented and controlled. Once mold growth is detected in your home, clean up the mold and attend to fix the water problem. Cleaning the mold without fixing the water problem could result in the mold recurrence.

The cleanup project actually depends on a number of factors. The first consideration is the size of the mold affected area. For a 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch) area in your house, you can easily clean and handle the job yourself.

However, for a more sever situation, you can follow these simple guidelines:

• If the mold growth covers more than 10 square feet and you have lot of water damage, consult EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. This site may be focused on schools and commercial buildings, but this document is applicable to other building types such as your house.

• Generally, most people choose to hire professional service contractors or service providers to clean up and correct the problem. Choose the right contractor who has previous or extensive experience in cleaning up mold and correcting water problems. Note your references and require your contractor to adhere recommendations from EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. These are the collated guidelines from professionals and government organizations, and of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Your professional contractor may have a handbook of this guideline with him as a tool to mold remediation.

• One undetected area for mold growth is on your heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system. If you suspect mold has grown in this system, consult EPA’s guide should you Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned. These systems are part of an identified moisture problem, where mold can grow near the intake of the system. As part of a precautionary measure, before taking further action, do not run the HVAC system that could be contaminated with mold or it may spread mold throughout the building. Let your contractor do remedial action; cleaning, washing and drying the unit, before you can re-use your HVAC system.

• In some cases where the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated or gray water, call in a professional who has specialized and experience in cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated and gray water. They are also into mold remediation and control practice.

• When mold problems cause health concerns, consult immediately a health professional or a Medical Doctor before starting remedial action.  But get rid of mold too.