You can treat mold yourself, especially if the affected area is ten square feet or less. First, you must ascertain what is causing the problem by visually inspecting and fixing it. Using a moisture meter and flashlight for this task would be best.
Is there water intrusion through the walls and floors? Ensure gaps are sealed and exterior walls and slab floors are weatherized. Divert water away from the home with drains, and if possible, remove slopes. Also, check the crawl space for leaks, especially around the bathroom plumbing fixtures, such as the toilet flange.
If you see mold on the ceiling, get in the attic and check for roof leaks, or it could be a broken plumbing pipe in the ceiling. If you can’t fix these yourself, get a roofer or plumber.
Is it due to your lifestyle? i.e., cooking, showering, not opening the windows, and not running fans, etc. Keep the home well-ventilated by opening the windows at about an inch for 4-8 hours daily. Use a dehumidifier. These are just some scenarios to illustrate the point.
What do you need to do, and what kind of tools do you need?
Clean up water damage using a water extraction vacuum, mop, or rags as soon as possible. Don’t attempt to clean water damage that may be contaminated with toxic substances. Contact a hazardous material professional to do the work.
If you have mold on your drywall, and the substrate is not damaged to the point of bubbling, remove the mold with a brush or damp rag with some mild detergent, then use a fan to dry. Porous material can hold mold inside and can not be removed; it has to be discarded. Wet insulation must be disposed of.
Mold remediation process
You should wear elbow-length latex gloves, eye protection, and an N95 mask.
Use a HEPA filter vacuum to remove any remaining debris from the remediation efforts, place them in a six-millimeter polybag, tape it shut, and put it in the regular trash.
Clothing may be washed to remove mold, but if you wash them a couple of times and there is still mold, the clothing must be disposed of—clean furnishing upholstery with a wet/dry vacuum. If several attempts fail, contact a furniture restoration professional.
Remove water from wood with a water extraction vacuum or damp rag, and dry with gentle heat to avoid damage. Books, photos, and important documents may be saved. Discard or contact a restoration specialist for assistance if mold is on them.
Mold remediation near me
If the affected area is over ten square feet, contacting a professional mold remediation consultant would be best, as the protocol may be more complicated. Let the professionals at 5 Microns Inc. help you with your remediation project. We are available Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. We offer no cost estimates. Book an appointment online at www.5microns.tech/online-appointments and get a free, no-obligation estimate. Call 425-440-8787 Now!
