A Homeowner's Guide To Simplified Mold Removal

Mold is a microorganism that can bring various health concerns to individuals who may come in contact with it or may inhale the spores which float in the air. Some individuals are more sensitive to such microorganisms that even a minute number of mold can already be deleterious to their health. Some of these health concerns include hay fever, wheezing, difficulty of breathing, skin and respiratory allergies, and to some extent pneumonia and other systemic diseases. This makes mold removal a major concern among homeowners.

Mold and mildew exposure should be minimized if not at all entirely avoided. Children, pregnant women, and people with existing allergies or hypersensitivity states are placed at a higher risk for the many health diseases that are associated with it. Persons who may have lowered resistance or a weak immune system are especially at great risk for developing life-threatening complications. Mold removal in the homes becomes all the more necessary.

The first that needs to be done in mold removal is the awareness of the existence of the problem itself. A distinct musty odor or blackish to greenish stains in surfaces of floors and walls in the home, especially in areas where there is increased humidity and or moisture almost always signal the presence of mold colonies.

Knowing this, the homeowner can then be guided by the following simple rules to become effective in mold removal.

1. Since it is a microorganism which can bring disease, it is advised that homeowners always wear protective gear in their mold removal activities. Wearing a face mask or particulate respirator can effectively protect the user from spores. Eye goggles, rubber gloves and protective non-porous clothing can also be used to ensure adequate protection.

2. Before attempting to scrub away colonies from walls and floor surfaces, it is a must that the stain be dampened first with water before the application of mold and mildew cleaners. Keep in mind that in mold removal, wetting the area minimizes the aerosolization of spores.

3. In scrubbing mold surfaces, make sure to use a non-ammonia soap or detergent. Do not forget not to mix bleach with ammonia because of the resulting toxic fumes because of the chemical reaction.

4. To remove mold from porous surfaces like sheetrock, carpet padding, and paper, saturating the items with ammonia solution can help in disintegrating the mold connections. However, if there is still mold in these items, there is no other recourse than to remove them and throw them away.

5. To remove mold and mildew from wood surfaces, it may be necessary to sand the surface because scrubbing may not be able to completely remove all the mold and mildew. In mold removal activities, always use protective wear like gloves, goggles, and gloves and try to isolate the affected area from the rest of the home.

6. After removing the mold and mildew, you may want to disinfect the affected area with a bleach solution or a commercially prepared mold and mildew disinfectant. Just make sure to provide adequate ventilation and wear protective gear.

7. Rinse the whole area with water and then quickly dry the surfaces using a fan or a dehumidifier. Adequate ventilation is also necessary to speed up the drying of the affected surfaces.

Mold removal need not be expensive. The homeowner can actually remove mold and mildew and bring health back into his home.

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