many are floating around in the air as dust. But the lack of moisture in the space is what keeps them from harming building materials and humans. This is why it’s important to control the humidity levels in your home.
The EPA states that areas of mold at 10 square feet or less can be cleaned by the homeowner. If you have more than 10 square feet of mold present, consider contacting a reputable mold remediation company for professional services.
Tips for Cleaning Up Mold
While a professional mold remediation specialist can handle large areas of mold, there are some tips and techniques you can use to handle a small mold cleanup project at home. Just know that some of these techniques may cause some staining and other cosmetic damage.
Check out these tips on mold cleanup:
- Fix water leaks and other sources of water damage. Dry all areas containing condensation.
- Use water and detergent to scrub all hard surfaces and dry right away.
- Porous materials like carpeting, drywall, and insulation may need to be removed if they contain mold. Know that mold can easily grow on the crevices and small holes of these surfaces, making them impossible to fully remove.
- Avoid exposing yourself to any mold growth, using protective gear such as a face mask, eye wear, and gloves before approaching any surfaces containing mold.
- Never paint or caulk over mold surfaces. Always remove the mold first and dry the area before painting, otherwise the paint is likely to peel.
- If you are unsure how to clean a particular item or surface, always consult with a mold removal professional. There are specialists that can restore furniture, contents, and building materials from mold as well as water damage.
Find further help with the Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home.
Tips for Preventing Mold
The key to preventing mold is keeping moisture under control. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Act quickly when water spills indoors. Be sure that the area is dried within 24 – 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
- Ensure that the foundation is set on a small hill that allows water to flow away from the home and not collect in the crawlspace or basement.
- Clear away any debris from the drip pans and drain lines of the air conditioning unit.
- Keep the humidity levels low in the home, below 60 percent if possible.
- Repair and clean roof gutters and downspouts regularly
- Wipe down any walls, windows, pipes, and doors containing condensation and take steps to remove the source of the water. Keep in mind that these can be signs of high humidity levels.
Professional Mold Removal
It’s much easier to prevent mold than to remove it. This is why it’s important to ensure that humidity levels are kept low to prevent mold growth. Because the fungus loves to grow in dark, hidden areas like the crawlspace, attic, and basement, it can go unnoticed for long periods of time.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of mold in your home, don’t hesitate to contact your local mold remediation professionals. Our technicians at ServiceMaster Professional Services are IICRC-certified to provide mold remediation services in St. Cloud, MN and the surrounding areas.
When addressing mold growth, our technicians will first contain the affected area, preventing the mold from spreading, develop a remediation plan that is also sent to your insurance adjuster, and conduct full remediation to remove mold at the source. We will also apply anti-microbials to prevent it from returning in the future. Finally, any lingering odors from the mold and/or water damage are removed using advanced technology. This way you can expect complete peace of mind, not having to worry about it invading your property (provided that humidity levels are kept low).
Get a Free Estimate
To get started with the mold removal process on your property in St. Cloud, MN or the surrounding areas, contact ServiceMaster Professional Services at (800) 245-4622. We also provide free estimates for residential and commercial properties.