If you have an unusual increase in allergies, scratchy throat, more coughing, or if you see the mold itself, it is a good idea to test for areas of your home that may contain mold and begin the remediation process.
Remediation and mitigation are processes that involves the remedying of or reduction of something. In this case, that “something” is mold.
Professional help is advisable and always available from Valley Restoration and Construction, and if you want to take the DIY route, there are some important topics to keep in mind:
1 – Stay safe.
Keep the mold spores from entering your lungs and eyes with protective gear. Wearing face masks, goggles, and gloves can help the mold from having additional negative impacts on your health.
2 – Fix the source first!
There is no point in cleaning up the mold if the area is just going to stay damp or wet. Fix leaking faucets, broken pipes, worn seals, and any other area that is exposed to water and could lead to mold.
3 – Remove items.
If you have mold as a result of flooding, remove any items that cannot be dried within 1-2 days. Take the objects outside so that any mold from these items doesn’t affect your home.
4 – Air the area out.
If there is mold resulting from flooding, open doors or windows to air out and dry specific areas of your home.
5 – Remove moisture.
Using fans and cloths can help dry damp areas that are contaminated with mold.
6 – Control contamination.
Seal off the area you’re working in with plastic sheeting so loosened mold spores don’t enter other areas of your home.
7 – Scrub surfaces.
After making sure you have circulation and the dampened area is mostly dry, scrub any surfaces with mold to get it off the surface.
8 – Remember not to just cover it up!
Just painting or caulking over moldy areas will not solve the issue! Clean up the mold then paint over the contaminated area.
After the Mitigation
After the mold is cleaned up, remnants will still exist in the air. Using a HEPA filter or air scrubber will help to clear your home’s air of the mold spores. These scrubbers replace the mold-filled air with clean air by using filters.
Another way to ensure your interior air and home is as mold free as possible is to clean out your air ducts. Mold and dust are known for lodging themselves in HVAC systems and will continue to spread spores and allergens throughout your home.
Valley Restoration and Construction can help keep mold at a minimum! Get your home tested and start the remediation and mitigation process as soon as possible to keep you, your family, and your home safe. We are also able to help you clean out your HVAC systems. Call us to get started today 970-964-4437.