Removing mold requires more than scraping off the surface. Mold grows on many indoor surfaces and can trigger allergies and asthma attacks in a sensitive individual. The most important step in mold remediation is identifying and eliminating the moisture source that allowed mold to gain hold in the first place.
From minor bathroom mold to catastrophic flooding, learning how to eliminate mold and knowing when to call a professional can save time and money.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Watch for warning signs: Watch for musty smells, water stains, wall condensation, and localized patches of mold and mildew growth as possible warning signs of indoor moisture issues.
- Protect yourself: Protect yourself by wearing appropriate PPE and use caution when cleaning mold, especially around kids and pets.
- Eliminate the source: Eliminate the source of water or humidity that caused the mold to appear in the first place.
- Seek professional help: Consider professional mold remediation for large infestations, porous material colonization, or contaminated water exposure.
Mold Removal Vs. Remediation: What’s the difference between the two terms?
Mold removal typically refers to the physical cleaning or elimination of mold from a surface, while mold remediation is a more comprehensive process that refers to stopping mold spread, eliminating existing mold, and preventing future mold growth.
It’s not enough to just spray some bleach and call it fixed; if there’s still moisture in the wall, mold will return no matter how much cleaning or scrubbing is done.
Determining the appropriate threshold for calling a professional can depend on several factors, including the type of structure, nature of materials, occupants’ sensitivities, and infestation size.
Where Does Mold Grow in the Home and How to Recognize Hidden Mold Growth?
Indoor mold can grow on ceilings, walls, floors, and carpets, as well as inside walls, under floors, or behind cabinets. Mold can grow anywhere there is moisture. Some of the most common mold locations in the home include:
- Bathroom and Kitchen: Moisture from running water, leaking plumbing, wet cabinets, grout, and condensation around the shower are a few common moisture sources that encourage mold growth.
- Basements, Crawl Spaces, and Attics: Improper drainage, leaking roofs, groundwater seepage, and lack of ventilation can lead to moisture accumulation in these hard-to-reach places.
- Behind Walls, Cabinets, and Fixtures: A slow plumbing leak can leave a moist spot on the wall cavity, creating favorable conditions for mold to colonize.
- Around Windows and Exterior Walls: Condensation can build up around windows, particularly during periods of high indoor humidity.
- HVAC Vents: If mold is suspected inside the heating and air conditioning system, it’s best to call a professional to deal with it. Mold inside the HVAC system can be challenging to reach and might spread throughout the house when the system runs.
How to Remove Mold From Small Surfaces (Under 10 sq. ft.)
Here are a few general guidelines for cleaning mold on hard surfaces:
1. Stop the source of moisture
Before starting any mold removal process, fix the leaking pipe, dry the wet spot, or adjust the humidity-causing appliance.
2. Prepare appropriate PPE equipment
Remove kids and pets from the area and put on disposable or washable clothes, waterproof gloves, eye protection, and a respirator. A simple N95 mask can offer some protection, but a higher-grade respirator is better for small-scale home repairs.
3. Isolate the work area and avoid spreading spores
Close doors to restrict the spread of contaminants into the rest of the house. Avoid disturbing mold unless necessary. Don’t use fans to circulate the air in the room as this can cause mold spores to become airborne and infect new surfaces.
4. Scrub the mold off the surface with an appropriate cleaner
Use a mixture of soap and water to scrub the mold off the surface. The goal is to remove the mold, not necessarily just kill the mold on the surface. Never use bleach or other disinfectants without first checking the manufacturer’s directions for the proper dilution ratio and application method. Avoid mixing bleach or other cleaning solutions, particularly with ammonia or acids, as it can lead to the formation of toxic gases.
5. Dry the surface thoroughly
Once the mold has been removed, make sure the surface is dried completely. If the surface is still damp, it might be wise to re-examine the source of moisture and see if it can be dealt with permanently.
6. Dispose of contaminated materials
If the mold has colonized a porous surface, it may have penetrated deep into the material and cannot be reliably removed. Such materials should be placed in bags and disposed of in the dumpsters.
Remember that mold remediation is not meant for extensive mold infestation; hence, if the problem goes beyond a few spot treatments, call a professional to deal with it. Some mold remediation jobs require professional-grade equipment and expertise to handle properly.
The 5-Step Professional Mold Remediation Process
- Containment: The professional will set up a containment zone to limit the spread of mold spores into the house. These barriers may be physical or created through controlled airflow.
- HEPA Filtration: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration equipment may be utilized to remove airborne particles from circulation and prevent the spread of mold contamination.
- Removal: Damaged materials must be disposed of, and mold must be physically removed from the surface. The goal is to eliminate all contaminants from the area of infestation. The materials affected by mold will be discarded or steam-cleaned, depending on the remediation company’s techniques.
- Sanitization and Cleaning: The work area must be sanitized and cleaned using appropriate cleaning products for the affected materials. Industrial vacuum cleaners can also be utilized to extract and remove particulate matter from the air. Chemicals should be used sparingly since they are not always effective against mold.
- Prevention: Finally, the source of moisture must be eliminated. The professional will recommend steps and materials to prevent mold from returning.
Controlling humidity and eliminating sources of water are crucial for preventing mold from returning.
How to Prevent Mold from Recurring in the House and Around the Home
Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen to remove excess moisture. Dehumidifiers are also an option in particularly damp areas.
A few places to check for water damage and mold infestation include:
- Roof, gutters, and downspouts
- Plumbing and supply lines
- Washer and dishwasher water lines
- Water heater
- Air conditioner drain
- Window air conditioning units and condensation-prone walls
- Basement and crawl space areas
- Exterior grading and drainage
Water-damaged materials must be removed and disposed of correctly. The sooner water-damaged materials are dried, the less chance there is for mold to develop.
If mold keeps growing back, it means that there is still moisture in that area, which needs to be found and fixed. Not all sources are obvious, but a professional can often identify the culprit and fix the problem. The source of continuous moisture might be a leaking water pipe behind the wall, poor home ventilation, groundwater seepage, or even air conditioning drip.
When to Call a Professional for Mold Damage?
Mold remediation is a service that homeowners consider when the mold infestation is too large to deal with themselves. It’s also an option when the mold has contaminated porous materials extensively, water damage is severe, or the mold is in the HVAC system. A professional can manage such infestations more efficiently and safely.
Professional intervention is also recommended if the moisture source is unknown or undetectable by the homeowner. Sometimes the water source might be something like a broken water main under the street or a ruptured water line in an apartment building that the homeowner cannot access.
If family members are suffering from chronic respiratory problems or allergic reactions triggered by a damp indoor environment, seeking medical advice from an appropriate professional is the ideal solution.
Homeowner Mold Prevention Checklist
Use this list to keep your home free from mold infestation:
The most effective strategy for dealing with mold is prevention: removing the source of moisture, controlling humidity levels, and safely removing any contaminated materials. In some cases, minor issues may be dealt with by the average homeowner. However, large-scale issues, or ones that are out of reach, recurring, or hazardous, may require the assistance of professional mold remediation to restore your home or business to a safe condition.
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