Mold can be annoying. It reeks and can be harmful to your health. Mold grows on any organic substance where oxygen and water are present. And because mold requires water to grow, it is important to control moisture and humidity levels in homes and buildings. Once molds set in, mold remediation cleanup is almost impossible.

Molds reproduce by making spores that are not visible to the eye. Mold spores gust through the air continually, and when they land on a wet spot, they begin eating up whatever substance they are growing on in order to survive.

On the health side, molds can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks. Mold remediation cleanup is essential so home and building occupants do not inhale toxins and irritants.

Before you begin mold remediation cleanup, make sure the area is well ventilated and that you use protective equipment so as not to expose your respiratory system to mold-laden dust.

Beat that mold problem with these mold remediation cleanup techniques:

Pump out water

Fix all sources of water leaks as soon as possible. Use wet vacuums to suck out water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces. Wet vacuums should only be used when materials are still wet. Mold spores may spread if you vacuum them dry. Thoroughly clean and dry all vacuum attachments, including tanks and hoses after use since mold spores may stick to the surfaces.

Scrub and wipe

Remove mold from hard surfaces by scrubbing with water and detergent. Wipe them dry to discourage further mold growth. Molds can penetrate spongy substances and empty spaces or crevices, making it difficult to eliminate them completely.

Dry out with HEPA

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums are effective in mold remediation cleanup because they can extract whatever dust was left after drying the area. Exercise extreme caution when using HEPA vacuums. Make sure that the filter is properly seated so that all the air must pass through the filter. When changing the vacuum filter, wear face masks to prevent exposure to the mold that has been captured. All contents of the HEPA vacuum, including the filter, must be disposed of in well-sealed plastic bags.

Kill and sterilize

I mold remediation cleanup, it is important not only to kill the mold but to clean up mold contamination. Dead mold is still hazardous, some may even be more toxic than when they were active. Ventilate the area before using disinfectants or biocides. Never mix chlorine bleach with solutions that contain ammonia to prevent toxic fume buildup. Biocides developed for outdoor use should never be used for indoor mold remediation cleanup.

Remove, seal and discard

Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if mold is present. Mold can infiltrate the empty spaces and crevices of these materials so the mold may be impossible to remove completely.

Materials that are not salvageable should be double-bagged in 6-mil PE sheeting, sealed well, and discarded as construction waste. Sealing is important to prevent mold spores from spreading throughout the house or building. Large items that have heavy mold growth should be wrapped in PE sheeting and sealed with duct tape before they are removed from the containment area.

If the contaminated item is expensive or has sentimental value, consult a mold remediation cleanup professional. Check the phone books for qualified specialists in cleaning, repair, restoration, and conservation.