Mold stains are more than unsightly; they can cause breathing problems, allergies and other health complications. This is why it’s important to know how to clean them properly.

The first step in the process is assessing the extent of the problem and determining what kind of mold it is. Once that is done, it’s time to begin cleaning. Contact All Pro Services for professional help.

Mold grows in areas where water and organic material are present, such as damp walls, carpets, and wood. Mold spores can also be spread by airborne particles such as dust or pollen. Mold growth is a serious problem and requires immediate action when spotted. Mold can be toxic if inhaled and should only be dealt with by a professional who is trained in proper cleaning techniques. Often, mold can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance, especially in moisture-prone areas.

Protecting Yourself: If you are handling a mold outbreak, wear personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves, goggles and a mask. Use a disinfectant or cleaning solution to kill mold and clean surfaces. Rinse surfaces after the cleaning to remove any remaining spores and prevent regrowth. Open windows to promote ventilation during the cleaning process, but ensure that your home is adequately insulated and heated.

Identifying the Cause: To avoid future outbreaks, you should identify what caused the initial mold outbreak. This may require a thorough inspection of affected building materials. Fungi need a source of food, water and adequate temperature to grow and thrive. In order to prevent the recurrence of an outbreak, you will need to eliminate the source of water intrusion and reduce humidity levels.

Isolating the Area: If possible, seal off the contaminated area using plastic sheeting and tape to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of your home. You should also use fans and dehumidifiers to improve ventilation and reduce humidity levels in the contaminated room.

Drying: Once you have isolated the area and cleaned it, it is important to dry the affected items in order to prevent future mold growth. This can be done by placing the items on interior windowsills to allow direct sunlight, or by using a fan to create circulating air. If a large amount of items are affected, an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation cleaner (UVGI) can be used to inactivate the mold and aid drying. However, UVGI is not recommended for all library, archival, and museum materials as it can accelerate aging.

If the mold re-occurs shortly after cleaning, it is likely that you have not eliminated the source of the moisture or addressed underlying issues, such as a leaky roof. If the mold is widespread, or if you have health concerns or have come into contact with black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), it is best to call in a professional. The experts can use specialized cleaning agents and equipment to address even the most severe infestations and safely dispose of contaminated materials. They can also use negative pressure and a HEPA filter to limit the spread of airborne mold spores. This ensures that no spores are missed during the remediation process. Depending on the type and severity of the mold, professionals can also provide a comprehensive report of their findings to help you make an informed decision about how to proceed in the future.

Cleaning

Mold cleaning involves physically removing visible mold growth and eliminating hidden spores. This is often done with a combination of scrubbing and using specific cleaning products that are more effective at killing mold than standard surface cleaners. Professionals may also use antimicrobial agents that penetrate porous surfaces like drywall and wood to kill the mold deep within.

During the inspection, a trained mold expert will determine the extent of the mold growth and the type of mold present. The type of mold is important because some species are more damaging to building materials than others and can pose health risks for residents with allergies or asthma. The type of mold is also important because it will impact the methods used to clean the affected area.

Nonporous surfaces can usually be cleaned with water and a standard surface cleaner, such as dish detergent or glass cleaner. However, more porous surfaces like drywall and carpet may require the use of special cleaners that are more effective at killing mold. Products specifically formulated for mold removal are generally faster and more effective than household cleaners.

Porous surfaces like drywall and carpet must be thoroughly dry after cleaning to prevent further mold growth. Adding fans, opening windows, and using dehumidifiers can help speed the drying process. If the impacted area is large, it may be necessary to use industrial fans or dehumidifiers throughout the home to ensure that all areas are completely dry.

Some porous or absorbent materials like carpet, drywall, and some paper products will need to be removed once they are infested with mold. This is because mold spores can easily flow through the material and into hidden areas, where they can continue growing and multiplying. The same goes for books, documents, and other items stored in porous or absorbent materials.

A thorough cleaning is also a good time to address any water damage or moldy caulking that needs to be fixed. Remember, painting or caulking over mold will only mask the problem and allow it to resurface. If a building or possession is too damaged by mold to save, it should be replaced as soon as possible. To prevent future mold problems, keep air circulating by using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, keeping windows open, and cleaning regularly. Also, repair leaky roofs, pipes, and windows as soon as they occur.

Removal

Mold can be a nightmare to deal with, both as a health concern and a structural threat. A living fungus that spreads via spores, mold can cause a variety of negative health effects such as runny noses, sneezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes and asthma attacks. It also eats away at wood and other porous materials, destroying their integrity. Inhaling mold spores can lead to serious respiratory problems and if inhaled by children, the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions, may be fatal.

For small, isolated growths, a general mold cleaner or a bleach-based product may be sufficient to remove the staining and kill the mold spores. There are many commercially available cleaning products for this purpose, such as Clorox Clean Up. A simple solution of hydrogen peroxide (diluted with water) may also lighten dark mold stains and be used as a substitute for commercial cleaners.

If the mold growth is large or extensive, a professional should be consulted to discuss the best approach to inactivation and removal. A conservator can advise on appropriate cleaning methods based on the type and condition of collections materials and can provide training for in-house staff.

Large areas of mold should be quarantined and sealed off from the rest of the house by hanging plastic sheeting over doors, vents and windows. It is also recommended that negative pressure be created in the area by blowing air out of the window, to prevent the spread of mold spores throughout the home.

Depending on the type of mold, the best way to proceed with removal is to scrub the surface with a bristled brush and cleaning solution. It is important to be sure that all visible mold is removed, because it can grow within the cracks and crevices of surfaces.

After the affected surface is scrubbed and cleaned, it should be rinsed thoroughly with clean water to ensure that all of the cleaning solution has been completely removed. Afterward, the room should be ventilated using fans or dehumidifiers to control humidity and reduce the likelihood of future mold growth.

Once the affected area has been thoroughly cleaned, it is recommended that all of the tools, sponges, brushes and rags used be placed in a trash bag for disposal. It is also a good idea to vacuum the entire workspace with a HEPA vacuum, to remove any dry, inactive mold residues.

Mold should be regularly monitored and cleaned as part of a regular maintenance schedule to prevent its recurrence. This is particularly important if a household contains any elderly, young or immunocompromised individuals. If the growth of mold is a result of severe water damage or if it is Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), a specialist should be consulted for advice on treatment and removal. This species of mold produces toxic spores and requires special training and equipment to deal with safely.