No matter what kind, mold (and mildew) is never a welcome guest in anyone’s home. It starts to grow within dark damp places and can quickly become a surprise if you are not prepared for it. Removing mold and repairing damage can become a very costly endeavor if you do not catch this rapidly growing fungus in time. Being ready to clean the mold problem as well as being aware of potential mold removal costs will help you be prepared — just in case.
More often than not, many people can clean mold problems on their own. Removing small areas of mold can be done with store bought solutions or home made remedies. Unfortunately, in other cases, the area is too large or the mold is too dangerous and a mold removal specialist may need to come in and clean.
Types of Mold
In order to safely clean your mold problem, you should have some information on the types of mold that can grow within your home.
- Mold spores and allergenic mold are generally not harmful, but can be dangerous to people with asthma and immune problems. Usually these types of mold can be easily removed without future problems.
- Mycotoxic mold spores are those containing toxins in the cell wall. This type of mold can be harmful to you and your family’s health. It can cause immune diseases, cancer or even death in some cases. This type of mold should never be handled alone. Cleaning such toxic mold should be handled by a professional cleaning service.
- Pathogenic mold is the type that can cause infection. It can affect anyone who has suppressed immune diseases, those with autoimmune disease or anyone taking chemotherapy. Call a professional immediately when dealing with pathogenic mold.
Tips for Removing Mold
If you decide to clean your mold problem on your own, make sure it’s safe to proceed. The EPA suggests that an area of no more than 10 square feet can be cleaned on your own. If the area is larger than that, calling a professional is necessary to stay safe.
Drywall Mold Removal:
On drywall and along the baseboards are common areas in which mold can be found. Outside walls often carry more moisture, thus leading to mold growth within the walls. Cutting out a small portion of the drywall will help prevent the mold from spreading to surrounding walls. If the mold is confined to a small space you generally won’t have to cut the entire drywall out.
Upholstery Mold Removal:
Higher humidity climates can cause your home to retain a lot more moisture. This moisture can settle into walls, floors and even your furniture, your upholstery being a popular home for moisture and mold spores.
To keep you furniture and upholstery dry, make sure to keep a ventilated home with fans or opened windows. Once fabric and wood become wet, mold can start to grow within 2 days. Air conditioning also tends to dry out your home’s air.
If fabrics can be removed and washed, make sure to do this frequently to prevent fungus from growing on the surface. Laundry detergent and the heat from the dryer should eliminate the mold spores. If you cannot remove the fabric, place the furniture outside to prevent the spores from traveling. Vacuum up the molded area to remove as many spores as possible; you then can apply a mild rubbing alcohol, water mixture to the infected area. The alcohol should kill the spores while the sun dries the fabric. If the mold has spread within the furniture, you may need to take it to a mold remediation specialist.
Bathroom Mold Removal:
Bathrooms are some of the most popular places to find mold. High humidity combined with the constant contact with water provides an optimum place for mold to grow. Since bathroom mold generally grows on hard surfaces such as tiles, it can be a little easier to remove on your own.
The first thing to remember is to always wear protective gear, such as plastic gloves and a facemask. By combining a 50/50 solution of water and bleach, this mixture can kill mold spores growing on the surface. Apply to tiles, grout and any little crevice that mold may grow.
Professional Services
In most cases, people cannot identify the type of mold that is growing or how far it has traveled. Be sure to call a professional to ensure it is safe before you enter your home.
If you need mold removal services, call your local Idaho Falls professionals at Sunrise Cleaning today. We can be reached at 208-529-4762, or you can fill out the online form.
