Once the mold is out of your house, you may ask yourself, "What now?" Well, there are proper cleaning steps and tips you may want to do after the professionals come in, especially if you're worried about indoor air quality, leftover mold spores, humidity levels, and more. Read more on what INX Indoor Air Quality recommends and how to keep your home a forever mold-free space!
Why After Mold Remediation Cleaning is So Important
You may think that after the professionals have come in and cleaned everything, you're ready to start living in your home normally yet again. But after mold remediation, the work continues. If you're serious about making sure your home never has mold again, you'll have to make sure you get serious cleaning done after the mold removal team leaves. If you don't clean your home, you can risk mold regrowth and potential health risks down the line. Considering that it takes a specific amount of money to remove mold, you'll want to make sure you make good on your investment. Thorough cleaning ensures long-term success and a healthier environment.
Here Are the Tools and Products You’ll Need to Get Started
When you decide on what to use for mold removal, it'll take more than your average spray and dish rag. Here are some things we feel are essential to get you started:
- EPA-Approved Mildew and Mold Removers – Specifically created products to get rid of or neutralize remaining mold spores.
- Scrub Brushes of High-Quality – For tackling hard-to-reach stains and areas.
- Vacuum Cleaner That's HEPA approved – Super important for removing fine particles, like mold spores.
- Microfiber Wash Rags or Cloths – Ideal for capturing dust and wiping down surfaces clean.
- Dehumidifier – If you have a moisture-prone basement or kitchen, these are critical for maintaining low humidity levels and preventing mold growth.
- Protective Masks and Body Gear – Gloves, masks (preferably N95), and goggles to keep you safe during cleanup.
- All-Purpose Spay Bottle Cleaner – This is for general cleaning once mold-specific concerns are addressed.
What You Can Expect in Post-Remediation Cleaning
There are, of course, challenges with everything. The same goes for post-remediation mold cleaning. Some to keep in mind are to make sure there aren't any missing mold spores that can lead to regrowth. This may be harder to do rather than say. Mold spores are almost invisible to the naked eye, so it's important to just make sure you have thorough cleaning techniques while also taking the time to scrutinize all areas. Also, make sure to eliminate contaminated materials like gloves, masks, or washcloths that have gotten most of the mold remnants. This helps make sure these items aren't spreading spores around to other areas. Then, finally, minimize chemical exposure. An effective cleaning technique is one thing, but exposure to cleaning chemicals can be dangerous, especially if you have pets or kids in the home. Try to have them used as little as possible to breathe safer air.
How to Clean After Mold Remediation – Step-by-Step
In case you need a step-by-step process, INX Indoor Air Quality is here to walk you through the best strategy for cleaning your home after a mold remediation service. Read on for more below.
Wear Protective Gear
It may seem over-protective to wear gear while you clean, but knowing that there were once dangerous mold spores in your home, you'll want to take every precaution you can. Equip yourself with gloves, goggles, and a mask to avoid direct contact with mold spores or cleaning product fumes. An N95 respirator is ideal for filtering out fine particles.
Vacuum with a HEPA Cleaner
Vacuum all surfaces with a HEPA vacuum cleaner, including walls, floors, and furniture. This device traps tiny particles, including remaining mold spores that standard vacuums can’t capture. Pay special attention to corners, cracks, or seams.
Wipe Down or Scrub Hard on Mold-Affected Surfaces
Use an EPA-approved mold remover with a scrub brush for any surfaces treated during remediation to ensure thorough cleaning. Focus on areas like baseboards, walls, and other spots where mold was previously detected.
Manage Humidity Levels
After cleaning, use a dehumidifier to maintain interior humidity below 50%. This prevents mold regrowth, especially in naturally damp areas like basements or bathrooms. We would suggest that you invest in a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels regularly.
A Final Look Over
Take time to thoroughly inspect the cleaned area for any signs of remaining mold or dampness. Address any issues immediately to avoid further complications.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you feel like you need more than these cleaning steps, ask professionals if they can do it. Sometimes, companies, for an extra price, can tackle this way faster and more efficiently than an average homeowner. Also, if you feel like there are persistent humidity issues even after cleaning, call the experts. They should be able to figure out what's going on. Finally, if anyone in the home is experiencing health issues like bad allergies, breathing problems, or more, contact the professionals to see if there is more mold present or even black mold.
Summary
By now, you should know what to do after a mold remediation service. INX Indoor Air Quality understands the challenges of how to clean after mold remediation and keeping a mold-free home or property under your belt. Our years of experience specializing in improving air quality means you can trust us to guide you every step of the way. If you need help, just let us know! Say goodbye to mold for good and contact us today to take the next step in achieving perfect indoor air quality.
