Anyone can spray a commercial product on a mold colony and hope it doesn’t come back. Yet, that’s not proper mold removal protocol. The only way to prevent future mold is to eradicate it properly the first time. These five steps will help you get on the right track.
Learn about moisture.
Moisture is the #1 reason mold returns. It cannot grow and thrive in a dry environment! Know how and where moisture is getting into your home – whether it’s a leaky pipe, a bathroom without a ventilation system, the cooking pot full of water on the stove, or a tightly sealed home that needs a dehumidifier.
Document the problem and create a plan.
Write down the situation, take photos and make a video of your findings. Decide when the work will begin, who will remediate, what testing should be done, and assess whether you need to relocate during the mold removal process. A little bit of documentation in the beginning will help you track mold growth trends and ensure the remediation is done properly.
Determine the extent of the problem.
A mold inspection will let you know how much mold is growing in the home, where it is growing and what type of mold is in the home. That way you know which level of remediation is required.
Perform mold remediation.
If it is just a small colony, you can fix your mold problem by fixing the underlying moisture issue, isolating the contaminated area, removing any contaminated materials and cleaning with a wire brush and detergent. Areas greater than 30 square feet require the assistance of certified professionals.
Assess whether the cleanup has been successful.
Your moisture problem should be fixed. There should be no visible signs of mold or musty odors.
Like any job, breaking down the process into a series of five steps will help you get mold removal done quickly and efficiently.
