Mold Removal Provo involves assessing the extent of the mold contamination and identifying the type of mold. Remediation also includes containment measures and cleaning contaminated surfaces.
Mildew is easily cleaned using standard household cleaning chemicals or vinegar, a scrubbing sponge or brush, and some elbow grease. A 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide kills mold, disinfects and deodorizes.
Mold is a form of fungus that grows in moist environments, and usually appears on surfaces as fuzzy or slimy patches. It can be found in homes, businesses, and other buildings, and typically makes itself known by a musty, stale odor. Mold spores are airborne and can be dislodged from walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, food containers, and other surfaces.
When inhaled, mold spores can trigger allergic reactions, including itchiness, coughing, wheezing, and nasal congestion. Certain types of molds also release mycotoxins, which can cause serious health problems. These mycotoxins may include primary pathogens that are dangerous to healthy individuals, such as Coccidioides immitis and Histoplasma capsulatum, or opportunistic pathogens that can infect people with weakened immune systems, such as Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans.
Some people are more sensitive to mold than others, especially those with existing allergies or respiratory conditions. Mold exposure can also trigger migraines and other neurological symptoms, including tingling in the extremities, electric shock sensations, and ice pick-like pains running up and down the spine. It is important to consult a doctor when experiencing these symptoms.
Most molds produce a substance called microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. They can also trigger headaches, fatigue, and nausea. Some mVOCs have strong odors.
While some kinds of mold are more hazardous than others, all types can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms in those who suffer from these conditions. They can also be harmful to infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Some people may notice visible signs of mold growth, such as black or green spots on walls, ceilings, and floors. Other signs of mold are a musty, stale odour; warping or rotting wood and other materials; and moisture in areas where it shouldn’t be. Mold needs constant moisture to thrive, so any sources of excess water should be corrected promptly. Water leaks, lack of ventilation, and damp soil are major causes of mold. Inspect your home for these problems regularly, and repair any issues promptly. Mold will continue to grow if left unchecked.
How Do I Know if I Have a Mold Problem?
There are a number of warning signs that indicate you may have a mold problem. These include visible growth, a musty smell, and the onset of symptoms such as nose irritations, coughing, or wheezing. If you’re experiencing these issues, it may be time to call in the experts.
A professional can help determine the scope of a mold infestation by taking a sample of carpet dust. This can then be sent off for testing to reveal the presence of mold spores and their concentrations. A thorough inspection will also identify the source of the mold, such as a leak, excess humidity, or poor ventilation. This will be important for preventing future mold growth and ensuring the health and safety of your family.
If you are concerned that you have a mold issue in your home, it’s important to take action immediately. You can protect your family’s health by hiring a professional to inspect, test, and clean the affected area. If the problem is severe, it may be necessary to move out of your home while the mold is cleaned and repairs are made.
Mold removal involves removing all materials that have been damaged by the mold and cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces that have come into contact with it. This can involve tearing down walls, carpeting, and drywall. In addition to cleaning, a professional can also install air filters and vents, and seal the space with plastic sheeting to prevent spores from spreading throughout the home.
Before beginning to clean a moldy area, it’s important to put on protective gear, including a mask, gloves, goggles, and rubber boots. It’s also important to ventilate the room and keep a large bucket of water handy for rinsing. Once you’ve cleaned the area, be sure to dispose of any contaminated clothing or rags and seal the space. Lastly, it’s recommended to use an organic fungicide or tea tree oil, which can be purchased at most hardware stores, to prevent future growth. It’s also a good idea to have routine inspections performed to prevent mold re-growth.
How Do I Remove Mold?
Once the source of the mold has been addressed, the next step in any effective mold removal plan is to thoroughly clean and sanitize the area. This will eliminate spores, making it possible to return to a normal indoor environment. This will also minimize ongoing exposure and prevent recurrence. The actual process varies by the severity of the mold infestation, but may include physically removing or cleaning contaminated materials and disinfecting all surfaces that were touched during remediation.
Porous building materials such as drywall or carpet should be removed and replaced. Non-porous materials with surface mold growth can often be cleaned with a non-ammonia, non-bleach soap or commercial cleaner. Applying the cleaner and allowing it to set for about an hour before wiping will help remove the mold. Thorough scrubbing is also often necessary. It is important to wear a mask and goggles when working with these products.
After cleaning, any remaining spores can be killed with a solution of one-half to one cup of bleach per gallon of water. This should be applied with a sponge, mop, or wet/dry vacuum. Again, it is important to avoid mixing bleach with any other cleaning product, as it creates toxic fumes that can be very dangerous.
It is important to keep in mind that even after the most thorough clean, if the root cause of the problem was not addressed, it can be only a matter of time before mold returns. To prevent mold from recurring, it is best to implement moisture control in the home through proper insulation and ventilation, using dehumidifiers as needed.
Other helpful tips for preventing mold are to wipe down all hard surfaces with a damp cloth and vacuum regularly. This will reduce the amount of dust that can be a food source for mold, as well as help remove odors. Additionally, it is a good idea to wash fabrics in hot water rather than cold, as mold spores are more likely to be killed with the higher heat. These steps will not only protect your health, but can also save you money on replacement costs in the future.
What Should I Do if I Have a Mold Problem?
The slick black spots on your shower curtain or the fuzzy white patches in the basement are more than just unsightly. Uncontrolled mold growth can damage building materials, including wood and drywall. It can also aggravate allergies and asthma and make you feel sick.
Those who live with a serious medical condition, such as HIV infection, cancer, or weakened immune system are particularly susceptible to infections caused by mycotoxins released by certain types of mold. Symptoms of exposure to mycotoxins can mimic those of an allergic reaction and include runny nose, coughing, fatigue, memory loss, mood changes, aches, and pains in the joints or muscles, and respiratory distress like wheezing.
Although it’s impossible to completely avoid mold spores, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of them irritating your eyes, skin, throat, nose, and lungs. Keep indoor humidity below 50 percent, and increase ventilation by running exhaust fans when bathing, cooking, or doing laundry. Use dehumidifiers, and install air filters in furnaces and ventilation systems. Fix leaky roofs and windows promptly. Replace absorbent materials that can hold moisture, such as ceiling tiles and carpeting, with mold-resistant products. Clean and dry damp areas and items within 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
When removing mold, you should wear rubber gloves and a dust mask to protect your health. If you have a serious problem or are highly sensitive to mold, you should call a professional.
Mold can spread quickly, so it’s important to find and remove the source of the mold as soon as possible. Once a mold problem is under control, you can take steps to avoid future growth by cleaning regularly with detergent and bleach, and allowing wet surfaces to dry thoroughly. Infected surfaces that can’t be cleaned should be thrown out, and porous materials such as paper, rags, drywall, and rotten wood should be removed and replaced. It is important to note that if the moisture source is not removed, mold will grow again shortly after remediation is complete. The simplest way to avoid this is to ensure that any remaining areas are properly ventilated, and by ensuring that the space is well-dried before beginning construction or repairs.