How To Clean Up Mold
5/13/2018 (Permalink)
When you discover mold in your home, you may wonder if you should call in a professional mold remediation specialist in Carpentersville, IL, to handle the cleanup. The answer depends on how big the area of growth is, what types of materials are affected and the ultimate cause of the mold. If your home has experienced extensive water damage, a professional should be called in. If you only have a small area of mold growth, you may be able to clean it yourself. Here’s how to clean up small amounts of house mold and when you should call for help.
1. Find and Eliminate the Source
First, try to identify the source of moisture responsible for the mold. If you find mold in your bathroom, for example, it may just be due to condensation from normal use. Increasing ventilation, either by opening windows or installing a fan, can help keep things dry and prevent mold from returning.
If you’re not sure where the water is coming from, a mold remediation specialist can help with hydrometers and infrared light. Don’t attempt to locate a hidden leak yourself. If you have a broken pipe inside your wall, there may extensive hidden mold that should only be handled by a professional.
2. Scrub Hard Surfaces
If the mold is growing on a non-porous surface, such as enameled tile, plastic or metal, you can scrub it off using a household cleaner that contains bleach. It’s important to remove all the visible house mold.
3. Remove Porous Materials
If mold is growing on carpeting or fabric, you may need to throw out the affected material and replace it. Alternatively, contact a mold specialist in Carpentersville, IL, who may be able to restore it. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, because mold grows in the tiny spaces within the material and can’t be removed with normal cleaning techniques.
4. Dry Everything Thoroughly
The key to preventing house mold from returning is to keep everything dry. Once you’ve addressed the source of moisture and scrubbed away or removed mold, dry the area completely to make sure mold doesn’t return.
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