Mold growth only requires two elements: moisture and a food source. To prevent mold, properly ventilate and ensure any leaks are repaired immediately.
If you find green or black mold on your walls, scrub it with water and bleach. This will eliminate most spores and mold. Contact Mold Removal Salt Lake City now!
Mold thrives in rooms that contain a lot of moisture and certain scenarios increase the potential for fungus to grow, such as leaky pipes, plumbing issues, storm damage or poor ventilation. These conditions may cause water or humidity to accumulate, which provides a perfect environment for mold to grow and spread throughout your commercial property. A trained mold removal specialist can help identify the problem and create a course of action to clean the affected area, decontaminate contents and prevent future contamination.
Observe for visible signs of mold, such as dark spots or splotches, especially in areas that are often wet, like bathrooms, basements or kitchens. Mold has a distinctive blossom-like appearance and can appear in different colors, including black. Look for yellowing and fuzz-like growth on fabrics, wood paneling or Sheetrock.
The presence of a musty, earthy or musty odor is another common indicator of a mold issue. Mold volatile organic compounds, or MVOCs, can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, respiratory issues and watery eyes. If you or your guests experience these symptoms while in the home, it could indicate that a mold problem exists and is present in other areas of the house, such as behind walls or inside insulation.
When spotting any sign of mold, make sure to wear rubber gloves and mask when handling or scrubbing the area. Use a brush, scrub pad or sponge to clean the affected area, scrubbing as you go. Scrub until all visible mold has been removed and let the area dry thoroughly.
After scrubbing, disinfect any areas with mold and a diluted bleach solution of 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water. Make sure to handle bleach with caution and use a well-ventilated area. If any spotting remains, wipe the surface with a damp cloth and dry completely.
If you’re unsure of the type of surface you’re cleaning, it is best to test for compatibility with any chemical cleaners that you choose to use. Check the label of your chosen product to ensure that it’s designed for your specific surface and is either a mold killer, a mold cleaner or mildewstat.
Identifying the Source of Moisture
Mold requires two elements to grow: moisture and a food source, usually organic material like cotton, leather or cellulose (found in wood and paper). Since these are common materials used in homes and offices, mold can easily find a home in the walls, carpets, ceilings, and furniture of any property. But mold growths can also be a result of a more serious issue such as a leaky roof or faulty air conditioning system.
The best way to spot mold is to look for a musty or earthy odor in the affected area. The smell will be stronger in areas with a higher humidity level and if there’s no ventilation. But there are other signs too, such as allergy symptoms. These might include a runny nose, itchy eyes or throat, or a feeling of being suffocated.
Molds spread by releasing tiny reproductive cells called spores that circulate in the air. They can be carried from one location to another on the clothes, shoes and bags people wear or by pets. They can also be blown from one place to another by heating and cooling systems and through open windows.
If a mold problem isn’t too big, a homeowner may be able to clean the surface of the affected area with soap and water. But if the mold is a lot worse, or if it appears in a previously flooded area of a building, then professional help will be needed.
When the source of the mold is identified, it will be easier to treat and prevent future outbreaks. If the mold was caused by a leaking roof or damaged air conditioner, then the appropriate measures will need to be taken to fix the problems and prevent water from entering the house.
On the other hand, if the mold was caused by flooding, then the flooded area will need to be dried out. This can be a difficult task and will depend on how deep the mold was embedded inside the wall. If the mold has reached the drywall, then it will probably need to be removed and professionally cleaned.
Identifying the Contaminated Materials
Mold is often thought of as a nuisance, but it can also be toxic. It thrives in dark, damp environments and spreads its spores into the air, where they can be breathed in by inhabitants of the home or office. Some types of mold spores can trigger respiratory problems and allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Taking precautions when working with mold removal chemicals or cleaning the area can minimize these effects. Always wear gloves, safety glasses and a mask when handling mold. Make sure that the work area is separated from the rest of the building by plastic sheeting and cover air supply and return vents. It is a good idea to use a negative air machine with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters to filter out any spores that might become airborne during the cleanup process.
To begin the mold removal process, first locate the source of moisture. This may involve a thorough search of the house including behind walls, in the attic, under sink cabinets, in crawl spaces and other areas that are not normally accessed. It is important to fix the moisture problem so that future mold growth can be prevented.
Once the source of the moisture has been located, a number of different cleaning methods can be used depending on the type of mold. Mildew is usually a fairly simple problem to resolve, and can be wiped away with household cleaners and scrub brushes. If the mildew is on porous or absorbent surfaces, such as drywall or carpet, it will need to be scrubbed and sprayed with a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide and undiluted white vinegar, then rinsed and dried.
Other types of mold can be much more difficult to remove, especially if they have penetrated the surface and grown into the structure of the building. In these cases, it is typically necessary to hire a professional mold remediation company. They will be able to advise you of the best course of action for your specific situation. For example, if the mold has gotten into the studs of the building it is likely that they will need to be removed and replaced.
Purging the Contaminated Materials
Molds are fungi that can grow anywhere they find water and food. They can contaminate surfaces in homes and buildings, cause damage to them, and irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat of people who live or work in them. Some kinds of mold also produce toxic compounds that can wreak havoc on the human body, triggering allergies and asthma attacks.
Mold growth often occurs inside walls, making it difficult to spot unless you know where to look. If you suspect that there is a problem, check for earthy odors in the home, allergy symptoms that clear up when outside, and stains on the walls themselves.
Once you have isolated the area, it’s time to address the problem. A mold expert will use specialized cleaning products and techniques to clean all visible signs of contamination, as well as any underlying roots that might have survived the first attempt at removal. It is important that these spores and their toxins are killed to prevent future outbreaks.
After all visible areas are cleaned, the building materials need to dry out completely. This can take a while and may require fans or dehumidifiers to help speed up the process. In some cases, contaminated building materials will need to be replaced.
A mold test should be run after the remediation process to ensure that all spores and toxins have been killed. The results of the test will help determine whether the building is safe for habitation once again.
The most common types of mold found in residential buildings are black, pink, green, and white. Black and pink mold are typically associated with rotting vegetation, while green and white molds grow on organic material such as paper, cotton, and leather. White mold can be a sign of sewage infiltration or air-conditioning problems.
Mold is a natural part of the environment and cannot be eradicated entirely. However, if you follow these steps, you can minimize its impact on your home and health by taking precautions against moisture buildup. It is best to check frequently for condensation and leaks, fix broken seals, open windows, and leave doors open to let in fresh air.
