Mold Clean Up

​Have you found an area of mold forming in your home? If so, maybe you’re wondering if it is something you can just clean up yourself or whether you should call in a professional to take care of the issue.  The answer to that depends on a number of things, however, most of the time if the area of mold is not covering more than 10 square feet, it can be dealt with by the homeowner.  Here are some points to consider before you begin:
 
As you are likely well aware mold spores can have very harmful effects when breathed in so be sure to wear a respirator mask when cleaning up mold and put on the appropriate protective clothing. 
 
While you may think that cleaning up the mold will be the end of it, the reality is that mold will not grow unless it has moisture.  The presence of mold is likely being caused by an underlying issue in the home such as an undetected water leak or other water related problem.  You will need to address this issue otherwise the mold will continue to grow back again.
 
If you have discovered mold in carpeting, the best thing to do is to replace it.  Mold is very difficult to remove from a carpet so it’s usually best to get rod of it.  Mold will also leave staining of soft furnishings even after you have removed it so have this in mind when you’re deciding whether or not to keep moldy curtains or cushions etc.
 
Before repainting a wall that has had mold make sure the area has been scrubbed well using detergent and water and is completely dry, if not, paint may start to peel.  If you need to use caulking in bathrooms etc. its important that you don’t put it where mold is still present.
 
Yes, mold can be cleaned up yourself in small areas but, as we mentioned, this does depend on a variety of factors.  Before starting the job, consult with a mold remediation specialist for advice.

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