Mold removal can be simple or difficult, depending on two factors: the type of mold you are dealing with and where it is located. If you are trying to remove Stachybotrys, or black mold, you should consider hiring a professional to come and deal with it. This is because black mold can be quite dangerous if inhaled, and an improper cleaning attempt could cause the mold spores to become airborne and remain in the home for a long time.
Before even beginning mold removal, it is important that the source of moisture that caused the mold in the first place has been stopped. If it was a one-time flood then it is best to dry out the area with a dehumidifier or heat source. Try not to use powerful fans as the air currents can lift the drying spores and make them airborne. If the cause was a leak, the leak must be stopped first before attempting to remove the mold. If the cause is condensation, then a more concerted effort must be made to deal with the source of the condensation. This could be a fairly involved process, depending on the nature of the condensation.
Most household molds can be killed and removed with a simple bleach solution. There are also a number of mold removal products on the market, most in a spray on form. These can be found in hardware stores and the like. It is a good idea to wear a mask while cleaning mold, preferably a respirator with a good HEPA filter. The mold spores are easily disturbed, particularly when the mold is dry. Cleaning mold in shower stalls and such is an easy task, and often has to be repeated due to the constant moisture that might occur in the bathroom. Again, however, it is imperative that the source of the moisture be dealt with so that the recurrence of the mold can be minimized.
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Mold removal of black mold, or Stachybotrys is another matter. This type of mold grows on cellulose material, like paper and wood. It can also grow on wallboard! That is what makes this such a pernicious type of mold in modern homes. Often, when a home floods or has a persistent leak for a few days, the mold can grow inside walls where it is not easily detected. The mold spores are so tiny that they can actually travel through tiny openings in the wall and find their way out into the air of the home. That is why the mold must be removed.
Professional mold removal companies treat black mold as a very serious environmental hazard. In cases of flood, they will often come to a home in the immediate aftermath of the flood and cut the wallboard three or four feet up from the floor, thus preventing the mold from spreading. All of the wallboard and insulation that may have gotten wet will then be removed. Heavy duty chemicals are then applied to kill all traces of black mold. Everything is vacuumed with a special HEPA filter vacuum, before new wallboard can be put in place. Often, the mold removal company will also run air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove any residual spores that may be in the air.
The key to mold control in a healthy home is to keep moisture levels low. Generally in North America that means running a dehumidifier in the summer months. In the winter in many places it becomes quite dry so mold is less of an issue. However, some places experience a lot of rain in winter, and this can increase humidity. Bathrooms and shower stalls should have adequate ventilation to remove steam condensation, as this can be a favourite of mold. Letting a bathroom dry out completely between showers or baths is often nought to prevent mold. As well, regular cleaning with an anti-mold agent will prevent recurrences.
Mold removal in most cases is a simple process that can be done by any homeowner. However, if you suspect that your home has black mold, and particularly if you arrived at that conclusion because of getting ill from it, then do yourself a favour and spend the money on professional mold testing, to be sure. If it is black mold, it is best to let the professionals do the mold removal for you. This can potentially be an expensive proposition, however, your health and the health of your family is certainly worth considering before rejecting the option. Remember that black mold can lead to some very serious health consequences, so when dealing with mold removal, you want it done right.