Say Goodbye to Mold: A Guide to Cleaning Up Small Amounts of Mold in Your Home

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is a type of fungus that grows on organic material, such as wood and food. It's usually found in damp places like basements or bathrooms, but it can also grow on drywall if you have a leaky pipe in your home.

Where is Mold Found?

Mold can grow in many places, including bathrooms, kitchens, basements and crawl spaces. The humidity from a shower or bath can provide the perfect conditions for mold to flourish. If you have an open window and don't use your kitchen fan, the air will get stagnant and allow mold to grow on surfaces like countertops and cupboards (especially if they're made of wood). Basements or crawl spaces with poor ventilation, which allows moisture to build up and create an ideal environment for mold growth.

How to Clean Up Small Amounts of Mold

The first step to cleaning up mold is figuring out how much of it you have. If you have a large amount, or if the area has been closed off for some time, then it's best to call in professionals who have experience dealing with mold.
If you do decide to clean up small amounts of mold yourself, follow these steps:

Wear protective gear, a respirator mask and gloves are recommended. Remove all items from the area that can be cleaned without damaging them (this includes carpeting). If possible, remove drywall as well, otherwise vacuum thoroughly after removing any visible growths. If there are any large pieces remaining on the surface after vacuuming them off (like wallpaper), scrape these away using a putty knife or similar tool so that they don't come back later when new growth occurs beneath them Wash down all surfaces with water mixed with bleach at least twice, once after removing visible growths and again after vacuuming up dust particles left behind by your cleaning methods. Let everything dry completely before replacing furniture or other objects back into place.

How to Prevent Mold Growth

Humidity control. If you have a humidifier, make sure it's working properly and not leaking water into your home. Also be sure to keep the bathroom fan on when showering or bathing to prevent excess moisture from building up in the air. Ventilation,  Open windows when possible, especially during warmer months when humidity levels tend to be higher than usual.
Maintenance, Check for leaks around pipe fittings and faucets, repair any leaks immediately if found (a common source of mold growth).

What to Do If You Suspect a Larger Mold Problem
If you suspect a larger mold problem, it's best to hire a professional. A trained inspector can test for mold and determine whether there is an issue that requires remediation. If so, they will also be able to tell you how much cleaning up needs to be done and how much it will cost.

If you suspect mold in your home or office, give the professionals at SERVPRO a call to immediately assess and begin the mold remediation process for quick cleanup.