4 Mold Removal & Prevention Tips

Part of what makes mold damage so difficult to control is the way in which mold grows and spreads throughout a structure. Under ideal conditions, mold can germinate spores and spread to unaffected parts of a home in a matter of 24-48 hours. All it takes is some heat and trapped moisture for mold to settle behind wallpaper, paint layers, windows, carpets, and even upholstery. For this reason, the sooner a mold remediation plan is put into action, the better.

In the event of a mold outbreak in your home or business, take immediate action and schedule mold restoration services. Learn what you can do to remove and prevent mold from reoccurring with these tips from Florida mold damage restoration experts at Maven Construction Group.

1. Dry Damp Areas

The first step is to remove any excess moisture from areas that either have mold or are susceptible to mold damage. In the hopes of doing so, many people allow outside air into their homes by opening doors and windows. This might help reduce toxins in the air but it’s not an effective strategy for mold damage. Mold grows tucked away from sight, within crevices where heat and moisture can remain trapped even in the presence of natural airflow.

Only industrial-grade, drying equipment has the power to ventilate these hard-to-reach places. Even with these tools, however, further professional assistance might be needed to remove residual mold. Stop the spread of moisture by checking for any water damage or leaks inside the property. For professional mold identification, control, and removal, promptly contact restoration experts to take care of the problem and help you prevent recurrences.

2. Reduce Indoor Humidity

While drying damp areas in your residential or commercial property might prove difficult without industrial-grade equipment, preventing humidity from developing in the first place is not. Switch out regular air filters for HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters in your HVAC system — these filters can trap up to trap 99.97 percent of airborne particles and help you prevent mold spores from circulating indoors. Other methods for reducing indoor humidity levels include investing in an indoor humidifier, installing insulated glass or storm windows, and ensuring bathrooms, laundry rooms, and gas appliances have proper ventilation with fans and ducts that exhaust outside of the home. This will all improve air circulation and remove condensation, which in turn will help maintain proper indoor humidity levels. Without enough moisture, mold has no chance of sprouting in the first place.

3. Don’t Do It Yourself

Do-it-yourself solutions for mold cleanup are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who hope to save money on professional labor and equipment fees. The effectiveness of these solutions, however, will largely depend on the scope of the mold infestation. In general, mold-affected areas larger than 10 square feet can not be handled by commercial-grade detergents, removal sprays, or homemade cleaners. Instead, professional services are needed in order to contain the spread of mold and safely remove it. If, however, you attempt to remove mold within smaller areas of your home or business, use caution when handling artificial and natural mold removal products. Wear rubber gloves long enough to cover the lower part of your forearms and never mix bleach with other types of cleaning products, as the chemical reaction may cause the release of toxic gases. Use a facemask or, even better, an N-95 respirator, and wear eye protection without any ventilation holes.

4. Maintain A Clean Environment

Perhaps it goes without saying, but there’s no better way to stop mold from growing and spreading than maintaining a clean indoor environment. In particular, areas that combine moisture and heat — like bathrooms and kitchens — need frequent cleaning. But don’t wait until molding is visible to thoroughly clean tiles and appliances on a regular basis. Oftentimes, even if it’s not visible, mold could be growing inside the tiny crevices of tiles, wood, and upholstery.

Even worse, mold in highly porous places, such as carpets, may only be visible to the naked eye when the contamination is severe. Err on the side of caution by routinely cleaning these areas at least twice each month. While there are a number of different methods that can help you prevent recurrences of mold, the most effective way to stop mold from spreading and reappearing is with the help of a professional — contact our restoration today.