In most cases, the first step in mold remediation is to assess the damage. Mold Removal Provo specialist will visit your property to determine what needs to be done.
Mold can be dangerous, especially if certain varieties are toxic. To keep harmful fungi at bay, it’s crucial to control humidity, clean often and fix leaks promptly.
Mold on walls not only looks ugly, but it can also cause serious health problems. Inhaling spores from certain types of mold, such as cladosporium and stachybotrys chartarum, can lead to allergy symptoms including sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath and irritated eyes.
Removing mold from interior walls requires a combination of preventive measures to reduce moisture levels and thorough cleaning to kill remaining mold spores. Ideally, you should address the source of the moisture problem as well as remove and replace the affected drywall. This will prevent the mold from regrowing and spreading to additional areas of your home.
Start by assessing the condition of the drywall. If the drywall is crumbling, bowed out or covered in black or bluish splotches, it should be removed and replaced. If the drywall is intact and only has mildew or dirt spots, you should be able to successfully clean them using household items you probably already have on hand.
Protect yourself by wearing protective eyewear, rubber gloves and a face mask to avoid inhaling mold spores during the cleaning process. Also, open windows and run a fan in the room to promote ventilation and to help dissipate the mold odors caused by the cleaning process.
Thoroughly wet the mold-infested area of the concrete wall with a cleaning solution such as white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or commercial bleach mixture (one part bleach to three parts water). Apply the cleaner to the affected area of the wall and scrub it with a brush or sponge, working in small sections at a time.
Rinse the cleaned wall thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue from the cleanser and to dislodge mold spores that may have been loosened by the scrubbing. After the wall is dry, you can apply a mold inhibitor or sealer to protect the surface against future growth.
If you’re dealing with a large area of mold on your walls, consider hiring a professional to safely and effectively handle the removal and cleaning. Mold removal specialists have the tools and equipment to remove severe mold infestations without damaging painted or wallpapered surfaces.
How to Remove Mold on Furniture
Moldy upholstered furniture is not only unsightly, it can also pose health hazards for those with compromised immune systems or respiratory conditions. Fortunately, before you junk that favorite couch or armchair, you can take steps to eliminate the mold and restore your furniture back to its original condition.
When cleaning fabric, it is important to use a mild detergent that will not irritate the material. You will also need rubber or latex gloves, eye protection and a face mask to protect yourself from inhaling the mold spores. The best cleaning solution is one that contains vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Using these cleaning solutions will not only kill the mold, but it will also remove any dirt and grime that has built up on the fabric surface. Mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar and apply to the affected area with a sponge or washcloth. Then, rinse the area with clean water and dry the fabric thoroughly.
Hydrogen peroxide will also kill mold on fabric, and it is safe to use with most fabrics. You can buy a 3% solution at a drugstore and apply it with a sponge, washcloth or brush. Be sure to test the peroxide on an out-of-the-way part of your furniture to ensure it will not discolor the material.
If you have wood furniture that has been infested with mold, it is a good idea to contact a local mold removal pro. They will be able to determine the extent of the mold, the cause and recommend a remediation plan.
For wood furniture that has deep-penetrated mold, a power sander may be necessary to remove the growth. Be sure to wear a mask, goggles and gloves and be in a well ventilated area when using a power sander.
For larger mold infestations, it is recommended that you hire a professional to perform mold removal. A local mold remediation company will be able to inspect your home, determine the extent of the problem and recommend a treatment plan. They will also be able to provide you with recommendations on how to prevent future mold outbreaks.
How to Remove Mold on Soft Surfaces
There are a number of household cleaning products that can be used to clean and remove mold from soft surfaces. Some are non-toxic, natural options; others can be harsher and contain potentially dangerous chemicals. Whatever you use, you should always wear appropriate protective gear like rubber gloves, safety goggles and a respirator. Before starting to remove mold from wood furniture, floors or walls, a thorough inspection should be made to determine the extent of the problem and the best way to treat it. If you discover that the mold has caused health problems, seek medical attention immediately.
A common place to find mold is on the walls of a bathroom, and several products are available that can be used specifically to address this type of problem. Often, the underlying cause of mold on walls is due to high moisture levels or water leaks. This could be the result of a faulty toilet, shower or bathtub, a burst pipe or a leaky roof.
To eliminate mildew and mold from soft surfaces, apply a solution of water and bleach. Then, scrub the area with a brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly with clean water to prevent spreading the mold spores.
Alternatively, you can use white vinegar on soft surfaces. Simply pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the affected areas. Let the vinegar sit for at least an hour before rinsing the surface and allowing it to dry.
If the soft surface you are trying to treat is outside, wet it down first with a garden hose or bucket of clean water. This will prevent the cleaning solution from drying too quickly. Standard bleach works well to kill and clean moldy surfaces, although it can be harsh. For this reason, it is recommended that you use a non-toxic alternative to bleach when cleaning outdoor surfaces.
For clothes that are stained with mold or mildew, you can try washing them in a normal cycle using warm or hot water. You can also run the garment through one more wash with baking soda to remove any lingering mold spores and eliminate the moldy odor. If the item is labeled “dry clean only” or is very delicate, try calling a dry cleaner in your area that offers mold removal services.
How to Remove Mold on Drywall
Drywall is an inexpensive and efficient building material, but it’s prone to moisture damage. When drywall is exposed to water, mold quickly forms and can be difficult to remove. Fortunately, mold remediation experts can teach you how to remove mold from drywall. The first step is to identify the source of the mold and fix it. If the water damage is from a leak, this should be relatively easy. However, if the mold is caused by a flood, it may be more challenging to diagnose and treat.
Typically, black mold on drywall is the result of prolonged contact with moisture. This is most commonly seen in showers, where the drywall absorbs moisture from steam and condensation. As a result, the drywall can eventually develop black mold stains and mildew. It is important to wipe down the walls after every use to reduce the amount of moisture buildup and prevent black mold from forming.
In many cases, black mold on drywall can be removed using a standard store-bought mold stain remover. The key is to apply the product generously to the affected areas and scrub with a brush until the mold is removed. It is important to thoroughly dry the area afterward, and pointing a fan at the wall can speed up the drying process.
If a large area of the wall is contaminated, it may be necessary to replace the entire section. To avoid contamination of the rest of the room, it is a good idea to wear a mask during this process to reduce inhalation of loosened mold spores. It’s also a good idea to work in a well-ventilated area.