Getting rid of mold might seem like a straightforward process, but when you search for “how to kill mold” online, it’s easy to get confused. There are several different strategies for mold remediation, and the best one will vary depending on the severity of the mold infestation, where it’s located, and what cleaning products you have access to.
Today’s blog will break down the best practices for killing mold in your home or business so you’ll know what to do next time you discover a mold infestation. Here’s everything you need to know.
Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation
Mold removal and mold remediation are two terms you’ve probably read a little bit about. They are often used interchangeably, but there’s one key difference. Mold removal gives the impression that mold can be removed entirely and killed off, but that’s not very realistic.
The fact is that we are surrounded by mold particles everywhere. They are a natural part of our environment, so removing them would not only be impossible, but it would also be harmful.
So then, why do we need to worry about killing mold? It’s when mold spores start to grow and spread that they become a problem. Black mold or any mold growth can be harmful and hazardous to our environment. That’s why mold remediation is important – it’s the process of restoring things back to their original state where mold spores are at a normal, natural level.
How to Kill Mold Yourself
There are several strategies for how to kill mold yourself. Here’s a look at a few of the most common:
- You can use white vinegar to kill mold on hard surfaces like shower walls and sinks. Leave the vinegar undiluted and spray it directly onto the mold, then scrub it until it’s gone.
- Mix a bleach solution using one cup of chlorine bleach and a gallon of warm water. Apply it directly to the surface, and don’t rinse it off. This strategy may work for drywall and hard surfaces.
- Try a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water. Mix it in a spray bottle, spray it directly onto the contaminated surface, and wait two to three hours. Rinse with clean water.
- Note: Use extreme caution when working with chemicals, especially ammonia and bleach. Never mix chemicals since together they may produce toxic gases.
The Professional Mold Remediation Process
Mold at dangerous levels can present serious health problems like asthma as well as damage your property. That’s why it’s important to seek professional help to begin the mold remediation process right away. Call a professional as soon as you discover a mold problem, and they will take the following steps to remediate the mold in your home or business:
1. Property Inspection and Damage Assessment – Professionals know that mold can spread quickly, so they will respond to your call right away. Most are available around the clock so they can get to a problem before it has a chance to get worse. The team, or maybe a single inspector, will come to your property for a detailed inspection. They’ll document any damage with pictures and notes, and then they’ll create a treatment plan. The extensiveness of the plan will depend on how severe the mold infestation is, but if it’s extreme, you should expect to find another place to stay for the duration of the remediation process.
2. Containment– Once the cleanup effort has begun, the team will work quickly to contain the spread of the mold. Since mold spreads through spores in the air, containing the spread often involves hanging “containment chambers” or plastic sheets to isolate the area with the mold infestation. This allows the treatment to proceed without allowing the mold the opportunity to spread. Air filtration and proper safety equipment will be used inside the containment zone.
3. Remove Infested Materials – While many of the infested materials can be cleaned and saved, some items may be deemed a total loss. Part of remediating the mold involves removing infested materials so they can either be disposed of or cleaned properly. It’s common for carpet, upholstery, and even drywall to be removed from the infected area during this process.
4. Dehumidify and Disinfect – Since mold thrives in moist environments, removing the moisture from the treatment area is a must. Dehumidifiers are used to completely dry out the air in the containment zone so the surfaces can then be disinfected. The type of cleaner that’s used for this step may vary depending on the location, the type of surfaces being cleaned, and personal preferences.
Hydrogen peroxide is a common cleaner that’s used for disinfecting, among many other cleaning solutions. The surfaces will be treated with disinfectant and scrubbed thoroughly. This process may need to be repeated several times to thoroughly remediate the mold infestation.
5. Replace Cleaned Materials – Now that everything is clean and dry, the remediation team will perform several tests, including a visibility test to see if any mold spots remain. As long as the area passes the test, then the items that were cleaned and removed can be replaced.
At this point, remediation is complete. If they haven’t already, your remediation team will help you file an insurance claim to collect any losses from the infestation.
Let Utah Disaster Clean Up Handle Mold Remediation For You
Mold remediation is a difficult job that’s best left to the professional. Proper cleanup requires the right tools and knowledge so you’re not leaving your home and family open to the risks of continuing to live with dangerous mold levels in your home.
If you’re wondering how to kill mold, Utah Disaster Cleanup is here to help. Just give us a call, and we’ll be there within minutes, restoring your house to its original condition while you take care of everything else you’ve got going on.
So when you find yourself in the midst of a disaster, don’t trust just anyone to restore your home. Call the trusted experts at Utah Disaster Cleanup at 435-512-1584.
We are available 24/7 and provide our services all across northern Utah, from Murray to Spanish Fork and more. We also offer cleanup and restoration for water, fire, storm, sewage, and biohazard damage. Give us a call today or fill out our simple online form to get a damage assessment and quote for your disaster cleanup!
