The Fundamental Steps of Mold Remediation

Mold may be present in any indoor environment that is exposed to moisture and oxygen. Hazardous mold, which poses a danger to people and animals, commonly hides in carpet, insulation, pipes and wood. Mold remediation is a process that eliminates or reduces the exposure to mold. Due to the risk of spreading mold, this process can be complex and dangerous. Masks, protective clothing and personal protective equipment must be used as a precaution. Knowledgeable homeowners may be able to solve a light mold problem themselves, but a severe or very large mold infestation requires a trained professional. Before mold remediation can begin, a professional assessment must be done to determine the severity of the problem.

During the first step of mold remediation, the humidity problem should be identified and corrected. The entire building is thoroughly inspected to find the source of leaks and condensation. Indoor mold may be difficult to find because it can grow in some inconspicuous areas such as the inside of walls and on the top of ceiling tiles. Wall coverings, such as wallpaper or wood paneling, can also harbor moisture that provides a good environment for mold to grow. These issues must be resolved before the cleanup can begin.

Next, the infected area is sealed off and quarantined to prevent contamination of surrounding areas and rooms. All doors and vents in the space are covered with plastic and sealed with tape. Biocide, a liquid that kills mold, is sprayed over the contaminated space. Moldy building materials and any porous materials, such as cloth, carpet and drywall, are removed and placed in tied bags to be discarded. Any contaminated, nonporous material may be carefully cleaned using a firm brush and a strong detergent. Large, contaminated objects, such as furniture, are covered with plastic sheets, sealed with duct tape and removed from the area to be thrown away.

After the area dries, the final cleanup begins. A HEPA, or high efficiency particulate air vacuum is used to collect any dust that may contain mold spores. The space and surfaces surrounding the contaminated area are also vacuumed to ensure that they are free of mold spores and dust.