Different Ways To Clean Up Mold

The vast majority of people across this nation live very busy lives. They work, commute, and go to school, and any extra time that they have is devoted to seeing family and friends or enjoying a hobby. So it comes as no surprise that cleaning the house is usually the last thing on the to-do list. Unless household chores are shared amongst roommates or there is one person who is responsible and does the house cleaning, the house can get pretty dirty.

What is even less of a surprise is that with this unintended neglect comes a bigger threat: mold. Mold is a very common problem in many households and buildings, and more people have to clean up the mold growth they see on their walls or are having to contact a mold remediation company to run some tests and restore their property.

Assuming that your home has been plagued with mold and it does not require the assistance of a restoration company, then there are some things you can do to prevent this pesky and uninvited intruder from returning. First, you must get to the source of the mold. Cleaning up mold is only a temporary solution if the main thing that caused it is resolved. Is there a high level of humidity in your home? Do you shower without turning on the exhaust fan or opening up a window? Was there a leak in your roof? Did the bathtub overflow? Think of all the events that may have happened recently to contribute to mold growth. If the mold is caused by a much bigger problem, such as a leaking pipe behind your walls, then calling in for service will be your only choice, unless you have the experience and know-how to do it yourself.

Before you actually start cleaning up the area that has been attacked by mold, enclose the area that you are working in to prevent the mold spores from traveling elsewhere in the home. Mold spores will become airborne if disturbed, and it can wander from room to room if you do not contain the area you are working in. Next, wear a face mask and gloves to minimize direct contact with the mold.

Have you ever tried to wipe off mold on a dry wall with a dry towel or rag? Most likely, you will notice that it is like cleaning up dry baking flour on a dry counter with a dry rag, it does not adhere to the rag, and it spreads. The same thing applies with mold that is cleaned when dry. Lightly mist the moldy area with water to moisten and loosen it up, and then proceed to wipe it down. You can use bleach or a cleaner specifically made for killing mold. To kill the leftover mold spores that may have been left behind, go over it again with a new rag and a disinfecting spray. After doing so, dry the area thoroughly and completely.

Discard all items used to wipe down the mold in plastic bags that are tied tightly to prevent any mold spores from escaping. Signs of a successful mold removal job include a reduction in allergic reactions, the disappearance of a musty odor, and no more visible moldy spots.