How To Do Safe Mold Removal

Mold is a form of fungi that can grow on a variety of things such as houses and food. There are good and bad forms of mold. The good kind can contribute to biodegradation. The bad kind can be toxic. Mold removal in a home is important because left untreated; mold can be hazardous to a human.



There are approximately 100,000 species of mold known to man. Not all of these fungi are visible to the human eye or found on everyday objects. The most common household molds: cladosporium, mucor, aspergillus, penicillium and alternaria. The stachybotrys fungi are found in items with high levels of cellulose: paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood products. It is considered toxic.



Mold often exists in damp or wet areas. It can often be found where there is moisture. Poorly ventilated areas with stale air can also breed the fungi. Roofs, pipes and walls are commonplace for these fungi to grow.



Detecting this problem is important. If you catch it early, you can prevent the spread, which can be good for your home and your health. Most of these fungi have a velvet, cotton or leather appearance. It does not come in a particular color. A good indicator is smell. Most have a musky stench to them. Some are hidden behind walls or under floors and others are too small to see with the naked eye. Having a professional inspect your home is recommended. Your declining health can also be an indicator. Allergies to the fungi could result in eye or throat irritation, headache, rash, congestion or respiratory problems.



When going about treatment, it is important that you protect yourself. It could be very harmful. Because it can disrupt air quality, wear a mask or respirator. Also, take breaks from working to get fresh air. Make sure to wear protective goggles, gloves and clothing that can be quickly disposed of later.



If the issue is in more than one location, take it one section at a time. Use plastic covering and duct tape to section off the areas. This will prevent the fungi spores from spreading around. All of the infected areas should be cleaned at separate times.



This issue can be handled if it is not widespread. Most removal is done by homeowners. In extreme cases, it is recommended that a removal expert be called on. The chemicals used to kill of the fungi are usually water, soap and bleach.



If you are working with a dry surface, mist the area with water before beginning the removal treatment. Use soap and water to remove as much fungi as possible. Cover nearby areas in this solution, even if there are no visible fungi. After washing the surface, you will need to disinfect the area. To do this, mix bleach and water. Apply the solution to the areas and let it soak in for 10 to 15 minutes. Once that has adequately soaked in, rinse the area. The quicker the area dries, the better, so use fans to help speed up the process.
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