The Cleanup Process After Discovering Mold

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

The Cleanup Process After Discovering Mold

Molds are a common problem in many commercial and residential buildings across the country. The often leave a smelly odor in the houses where they grow, and deodorization is necessary. Places that are commonly affected by mold damage include framings, walls, carpets, tackles, and strips. One can notice them through their smelly odor and a powdery white fore. The growth of mildew and fungus is mostly caused by excessive moisture. Homeowners who are affected by this problem need to seek professional help from commercial mold damage experts who can help in remediation to prevent further contamination.

Mold removal needs to be done correctly to avoid more damage. The growth of fungus and mildew can be controlled by using fungicides and cleaning the area to stop their future development. Individuals who do not wish to hire commercial mold damage professionals to help in the mitigation of molds in a home can follow the following steps.

1. Checking for the Presence of Fungus and Molds.

Homeowners need to carry out a thorough inspection to find mildew in any visible and hidden spaces. A humidity meter, moisture meter, and hygrometer can be used in detecting the presence of molds in invisible areas. Individuals can also notice their smelly odor. The first step towards mitigation is determining that places that are infested.

2. Containing the molds.

The parts that are infested should be covered with a plastic bag that is about 6mm thick prevent the movement of spores, which may contaminate the rest of the house. This step is crucial in remediation to avoid more damage, which may lead to the hiring of commercial mold damage professional.

3. Covering the Body to Avoid Contamination.

Anyone conducting mold removal needs to be covered with a breathing mask that has excellent organic vapor filters (P 100). One should also be in vinyl gloves, a protective body suit, and boots.

4. Utilize Proper Enzymes in Treatment.

The most common enzyme that is used in mold mitigation is Sporicidin Disinfectant Solution (SDS). The chemical can either be sprayed or use a fogging machine to fog the entire building. SDS is one of the leading disinfectant cleaners that have gained the approval of the U.S Environment Protection Agency. It is the best for mitigation of bacteria, fungi, and mold damage by hindering their development.

5. Clean using a Vacuum Cleaner.

Cleaning using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) scrubbers is essential after spraying enzymes. The HEPA machine exerts a negative pressure that helps in collecting fungus and mold spore. One can also seek help from commercial mold damage professionals if it was difficult to find a HEPA vacuum.

6. Physically eliminating the Molds.

Mold damage that is visible on surfaces can be removed by using equipment such as sanding blocks and wire brushes. Carpeting and curtains can be washed if one feels that the mold damage that has been caused in not serious.

7. Dump all the Moldy Stuff Well.

Infested household commodities and other material should be well-disposed after mold removal. They can be carried in a thick sealed plastic bag. The bag’s exterior should be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide to avoid contaminating other parts of the house during transportation. This prevents future growth of the mold in a home.

8. Covering Timber with Paint.

After eliminating molds in a home, all wood surfaces that are exposed should be painted and coated with latex enamel paint. The last layer of paint should be mixed with a fungicide such as Tim-Bor, which eliminates mildew and insects. The smelly odor that is left in the room can be removed through deodorization.

9. Ensure HVAC Ducts are cleaned.

The presence of molds in a home leads to contamination of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Cleaning the HVAC Ducts ensures that there is proper air circulation, and therefore, prevents smelly odors. Disinfection and deodorization should also be conducted as a remediation precaution.

The above procedure of mold removal and remediation can be helpful for people who want to ensure that their houses are free of mildew and fungi. Deodorization of houses can be done using citrus aromas.
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