|
How to
Clean Mold (EPA)
Also See: Mold
Basics
Who should do the
cleanup depends on a number of factors. One consideration is the size of
the mold problem. If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet
(less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the
job yourself, following the guidelines below. However:
-
If there has
been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square
feet, consult EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial
Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings,
this document is applicable to other building types.
-
If you choose
to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the
cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold.
Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in
EPA's Mold
Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, the
guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists
(ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government
organizations.
|
|
- If
you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC)
system may be contaminated with mold (it is part of an identified
moisture problem, for instance, or there is mold near the intake to
the system), consult EPA's guide Should
You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before
taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or
suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold
throughout the building.
|
|
Use the search box to find more mold information or a
service in your area. Example: Texas Mold
Removal or New Jersey Mold
|
|
|
- If the water
and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call
in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by
contaminated water.
- If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting
cleanup.
-
Fix plumbing
leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items
completely.
-
Scrub mold
off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
-
Absorbent or
porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown
away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty
spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or
impossible to remove completely.
-
Avoid exposing
yourself or others to mold : What
to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas and Hidden
Mold are both EPA LINKS..
-
Do not paint or
caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before
painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.
-
If you are
unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of
sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists
in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and
conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water
restoration are commonly listed in phone books. Be sure to ask for
and check references. Look for specialists who are affiliated with
professional organizations.
|
