How to clean mold

April showers may bring May flowers, but the frequent rain and moisture can also bring unwanted mold into your home. We’re going to break down the best ways to treat mold and when you should contact a professional to get rid of the problem.

Mold is a kind of fungus that grows on any damp surface. Mold can most commonly be found in the bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements. It is important to check areas of your home that don’t have regular use, like a basement or attic, to make sure there hasn’t been a progression of mold in those spaces. Some types of molds can cause low-level irritation. Regardless of the type of mold, it should be removed immediately by a professional. Black mold is the most common variety that most people are afraid of; and if you suspect you have black mold growing, it is important to reach out to a professional soon, so it doesn’t grow and cause long-term health issues.

Before you start cleaning mold, you want to find the source of the moisture and fix that before cleaning the mold. You can skip this step, but you will continue to create an environment that is ideal for mold growth and will be dealing with the issue again soon. Once you have addressed the cause, you are ready to clean the mold itself. It is important to note that the mold you see on the surface is often just the top part of the fungus, the origin of the mold growth is below the surface and you need to make sure it is all eliminated.

Before you start cleaning, make sure you have proper ventilation and wear personal protective equipment so you are protected from inhaling spores or from any getting on your clothing. You will need: bleach, water, a spray bottle, and a scrub brush. Be careful not to mix any chemicals with bleach as you will create a toxic gas in your home.

Make a solution of one part bleach to three parts water in the spray bottle.
Saturate the mold and the surrounding area with the bleach solution.
Let the solution soak for 10-15 minutes.
Using the scrub brush, remove the mold and stains.
Repeat those steps as necessary to remove all traces of mold and mildew.

You are addressing the visible mold and the underlying spores that have been growing with this method. If the area you are looking to treat is more than 10 square feet, it is important to note that the EPA recommends you enlist a professional.

Mold can get out of control very quickly, so it is important to address it once you see it in your home. When in doubt, get a consultation by a professional mold cleaning service to make sure you are addressing the complete mold problem and not just the surface mold.