Mold Removal Provo is a process of cleaning and treating visible mold growth. It does not address the underlying issues encouraging mold growth.
Splotches of black, green or brown fungus on the wall can be unsightly but more importantly they can pose health risks. A quick fix is to spray the affected area down with a fungicidal solution such as bleach or straight vinegar.
1. Examine the Area
Mold isn’t always easy to spot, especially if it’s growing in the dark or hard-to-reach places. If you’ve noticed a musty or earthy smell, have unexplained allergies or have seen visual signs of mold in ductwork, floorboards or other hard-to-reach spaces, it’s time to call for help. Mold spores can be blown into the air and inhaled by those who live in the home or building, increasing the severity of existing allergies and contributing to more serious health conditions like mycotoxicosis.
If you find a surface-level case of mold, it may be possible to handle it with a little elbow grease and the right supplies. Before you get started, make sure to protect the area by opening windows for ventilation and covering floors or furniture with plastic sheets. It’s also important to wear protective gear (gloves, goggles, a mask and long sleeves) to avoid inhaling spores or getting them on your skin. Then, create a cleaning solution by mixing water with bleach or using a pre-mixed mold remover. For painted or non-porous walls, spray the solution on and let it sit for 30-60 minutes before scrubbing.
Porous materials like carpeting and wallpaper aren’t as easy to clean, so it may be necessary to discard them and replace them. It’s best to hire a professional for anything more severe, though. They’ll be able to assess the area and determine if it is safe for re-occurance, as well as provide advice on moisture control.
Inspectors will take into account the size of the affected area, the type of contaminated materials and how deep the mold goes before recommending the best course of action. They may recommend a variety of methods for cleanup, including thermal imagery cameras, moisture meters and heat chambers. Once the affected areas are cleaned, they will perform a final inspection to ensure everything is restored to normal and that there are no lingering spores that could grow back. They’ll also advise on how to prevent future growth, which may involve sealing small cracks and gaps.
2. Vacuum
Mold spores are naturally in the air and, like any other dust, will easily find their way into your home. If they encounter the right conditions, they will colonize and multiply. This can lead to the formation of a large amount of toxic mold over time. In addition to being unsightly, this can pose a health risk for you and your family. If you have allergies or asthma, the symptoms can be exacerbated by the presence of mold. The toxins produced by the mold can also cause a variety of negative health effects, such as coughing, runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes.
If you have a mild infestation, it may be possible to clean the affected area with cleaning sprays or even a scrubbing brush and water. However, if the mold is extensive and covers multiple surfaces, you will need to remove the affected materials entirely. It is essential to use containment measures during this process, including the use of plastic sheets and sealing off vents and doorways. This will prevent the spread of mold spores to other parts of your home and prevent spores from escaping during the cleaning process.
During this stage, it is also a good idea to open the windows and use a box fan to help direct the flow of air outside. It is also recommended to wear protective gloves, goggles and a mask during this process to avoid inhaling spores or getting them on your skin.
The next step is to vacuum the area. You can do this with a vacuum without high-grade filtration, but it is preferable to use a specialized mold removal vacuum that uses HEPA filters to trap the spores and not release them back into the air. This is especially important if you have a weak immune system or respiratory issues. It is also a good idea to remove fabric, cardboard and paper products from the area, as these items can imbed mold spores within the fibers. This will make it much more difficult to get rid of the spores later on.
3. Scrub
When a small area of mold has grown on the painted surface of a wall, it can usually be removed using a household cleaner. Chlorine bleach, distilled white vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide can all be used to kill mold and remove dark stains. However, it’s important to scrub gently with a brush, as too much pressure may damage the paint. If the affected area is too large to clean with a toothbrush, it can be scraped off with a plastic putty knife or a paint scraper, again being careful not to damage the painted surface of the wall.
It’s also a good idea to wear protective clothing, including eye protection and gloves, when scrubbing mold off walls, especially in areas where mildew or a more toxic type of mold has grown. If you decide to use a cleaning solution that is stronger than soap and water, it’s best to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing in the fumes. A commercial mold killer or a mixture of borax and white vinegar can be an effective and safe cleaning solution, but it should be applied generously and scrubbed thoroughly.
Once the area is cleaned, it’s essential to dry it completely to prevent regrowth. A dehumidifier and fans can help accelerate this process and keep humidity levels low. It’s also a good time to discard any porous materials that have become heavily contaminated with mold, such as carpet, curtains, and rugs, which can be difficult or impossible to clean completely.
Although it can seem like a pain to throw away items that have become infested with mold, allowing the spores to remain present in your home could lead to health issues and structural damage. Eliminating mold-contaminated materials creates a healthier indoor environment and reduces the risk of respiratory distress, skin irritation, and more serious health problems. Addressing leaks and other moisture problems promptly is also crucial to preventing mold growth in the first place.
4. Dry
Molds release tiny spores into the air which can be inhaled and cause allergic reactions. This can lead to sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Long-term exposure can exacerbate respiratory problems and trigger asthma in people with sensitive immune systems. In severe cases, certain toxic molds can cause mycotoxicosis which can be fatal.
Mold can damage building materials and contaminate porous objects such as wood floors and drywall. The spores can also enter living spaces through windows and doors or through HVAC systems. Once inside, the spores can spread rapidly and wreak havoc on indoor air quality, creating a variety of health issues for those who live in the space.
As such, it is important to clean and treat any area of the home or business that has been contaminated by mold as soon as possible. This will minimize the impact of the mold on your health, as well as help to prevent further damage to your property.
The first step of any mold remediation is to dry the affected area. This can be done by using a paper towel, using a fresh one for each wipe. After a thorough drying, you can apply a DIY solution of Borax and vinegar (1 cup Borax/1 gallon white vinegar) to the surface of the mold. Scrub the area with a scrub brush and then allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. After that, scrub again and rinse the area.
You may also want to consider disinfecting the area with a fungicidal treatment, such as dilute hydrogen peroxide (3% solution). Spray the solution directly on the mold and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, scrub the area again and rinse it thoroughly.
If you are unsure about the size of your mold problem or the extent of the damage, it may be best to call in a professional for mold removal in Summit. They will be able to inspect the entire area and determine whether there are any hidden sources of moisture encouraging the growth of mold that cannot be easily seen.
It is also important to note that the mere removal of visible mold from surfaces does not solve the problem and can actually make the situation worse if the underlying issue is not addressed. This is why it is essential to call in a professional for mold remediation, which includes identifying and eliminating the source of the moisture that is encouraging the growth of mold as well as cleaning and treating all contaminated areas.