From property damage to health problems, mold growth inside a home can cause a variety of severe and costly issues that only get worse with time, meaning that it is crucial for homeowners to act quickly to remove mold as soon as they discover it.
Still, DIY mold removal is often much easier said than done, and homeowners who attempt to deal with their mold problems themselves need to be well-equipped with all the knowledge and equipment needed to make their remediation efforts a success.
So, if your home has a mold problem that you want to take on yourself, here are some expert strategies that can help you ensure that your mold remediation project is a success.
Mold Prevention: Stop Mold Before It Starts
By far, the best way to deal with mold is to prevent it from growing in the first place, and luckily, there are plenty of ways that homeowners can mitigate their risk of mold contamination.
Mold thrives in dark environments with excess moisture, so the best way to prevent it from taking root is to limit the levels of moisture and humidity in your home by facilitating air circulation and using dehumidifiers to remove water from the air. You can also use moisture meters to ensure that moisture levels never get too high.
In addition to controlling moisture levels, the power of regular home cleaning in preventing mold growth cannot be understated, and techniques like basement waterproofing are also incredibly effective at stopping water intrusion and, in turn, preventing mold.
Use Proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Mold exposure can cause a number of health problems, from respiratory issues to eye and skin irritation, making protecting yourself throughout the duration of your remediation project particularly important.
Wearing gloves, a mask, eye protection, and clothing that covers your whole body are the bare minimum here, and if you have access to it, it is also a good idea to wear a disposable body suit to provide more comprehensive protection.
Contain the Problem
After the initial discovery of mold, the first step is to contain the affected areas so that mold spores do not continue to spread around the home. The best way to do this is by building a wooden frame that can be enclosed with a plastic covering around the affected areas.
Once contained, you can use HEPA vacuums to clean the contents of the containment structures and shift focus to the other areas of your home without having to worry about the problem getting worse.
Disinfect the Surfaces Throughout Your Home
Once the affected areas have been properly contained, it is still likely that there are stray mold spores present on many of the surfaces throughout your home, so disinfecting these surfaces is of utmost importance. All you have to do is make a mixture that is 1 part bleach to 8 parts water and use it to wipe down the surfaces throughout your home.
Remove Damaged Building Materials
In the case of more severe mold problems, it is likely that many of the affected materials are simply beyond repair. If this is the case, the best thing to do is cut away, dispose of, and replace these materials to prevent the problem from spreading any further.
Clean the Affected Materials that Can Be Salvaged
Once the most damaged materials are removed, the next step is to thoroughly clean the materials that can be salvaged and restored. Whether it is using advanced equipment like HEPA vacuums or simply scrubbing them with a wire brush and disinfectants, all of these cleaning measures help ensure that you kill any stray spores left over from the removed materials before they have the chance to take root again.
Spray Remediated Materials With an Antimicrobial Coating
At this point, the removal process is essentially complete, so the next step is to take measures to ensure that the mold does not come back. One of the best ways to do this is to use antimicrobial mold-proof spray paint to coat the remediated materials. All you have to do is buy some from your local hardware store and apply it according to the directions on the packaging.
Conduct Closing Testing
Mold spores are tiny, and even if it looks like you have successfully removed all the mold from your home, you will never know for sure without some proper mold testing. So, once all is said and done, it is a good idea to conduct a mold test to ensure that there are not any remaining mold spores inside your home. If the tests come back negative, you’re in the clear, but if they come back positive, you will most likely need to start the process all over again.
INX Indoor Air Quality: Ardmore’s Most Trusted Mold Removal Specialists
While some homeowners may be able to deal with their mold problems themselves, the mold removal process is simply too complex to be a simple DIY project, so why take the risk when you do not have to?
INX Indoor Air Quality is the leading mold remediation company in southeastern Pennsylvania, making it easy for homeowners all over Ardmore and the surrounding area to eliminate their mold problems for good.
Our team of passionate mold experts has decades of combined experience between them and is well-equipped with all the knowledge and advanced equipment needed to successfully remove mold from any home.
So, whether you were able to catch the problem early or have already let your mold growth problem get out of hand, you can trust that INX Indoor Air Quality has what it takes to eliminate your mold problems for good!
Contact INX Indoor Air Quality Today
Are you experiencing mold problems in your home? Give us a call. Our team of friendly and knowledgeable mold experts is always here and happy to discuss how we can help you rid your home of mold for good. So, do not let your mold problems get the best of you. Call INX Indoor Air Quality and say goodbye to your home’s mold problems today!
