Countless residential spaces and commercial buildings have been affected by mold.  Many homeowners and property managers have been inconvenienced by mold infestation.  Fortunately, mold is a problem that can be avoided.  When water damage is inevitable, there are several things one can do to prevent mold from growing.  All one needs to do is follow certain guidelines for mold clean up.

The first step of mold clean up is to control moisture.  Mold spores are always present inside the home, but they only become a problem if they land on a moist surface.  Therefore, the source of moisture must be identified as soon as possible.  It is necessary to fix leaky pipes and other water issues immediately.   Running a dehumidifier is a good way to keep humidity in check, while keeping basement windows closed would significantly reduce the chances of mold growth.

The second step to mold clean up is to dry and/or dispose materials.  In the event of a flood or another kind of extensive water damage, it is important to determine which materials should be kept and cleaned and which should be thrown out immediately.  Porous and absorbent materials such as carpets, paper, drywall and ceiling tiles should be thrown out because they have the potential to become moldy.  Meanwhile, other materials which can be cleaned and dried can be kept.  However, it is necessary to clean and dry the said items within 48 to 72 hours of becoming wet.

Mold Clean Up

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the scrubbing off of mold from hard surfaces is allowed.  Surfaces such as wood and concrete can be washed with regular detergent and water; afterwards, it must be rinsed and dried thoroughly.  However, a person who would be doing this mold clean up must limit mold exposure by wearing the right gear.  For instance, people should not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands.  They should use gloves, preferably the long ones that reach the middle of the forearm.  Goggles are also a must, and they should not have ventilation holes to avoid getting mold or mold spores in the eyes.  If possible, the person doing the clean up should also get an N-95 respirator to avoid breathing in mold or mold spores.

If the mold growth is extensive (more than 10 square feet), the mold clean up should be left to the more capable hands of certified professionals.