Get Rid of Mold: DIY or Hire a Pro?
Everyday Mold
Spores thrive on moisture, so expect it to grow in areas that get and stay wet:
- Bathrooms with poor ventilation, especially shower ceilings and tile grout lines.
- Around kitchen and mudroom sinks.
- Along thresholds of exterior doors.
- Basements near hot water heaters and sump pumps.
Everyday Solutions
If you can see it, you probably can get rid of it with a little elbow grease, soap, and water. More stubborn forms usually succumb to a solution of 1:9 bleach-to-water. Spray and wipe.
Problem Mold
If you find spores growing on drywall, studs, and subflooring — especially if the area exceeds 10 sq. ft. — then you’ve got a bona fide mold problem. Don’t bother buying a hardware store petri dish kit, which claims to help identify airborne mold: It doesn’t. The kits might grow some spores for you — they’re always present in indoor air — but the kits can’t guarantee that a statistically significant number of spores are flying around. Also, kits don’t confirm the presence of dead spores (they can be harmful, too) or determine baseline levels in order to compare results after remediation.
How to Remove Black Mold
Removing black mold is a step-by-step process that requires patience, an investment in protective gear and black mold removal products, and, of course, the courage to brave dark, cramped spaces inhabited by toxic fungus.
First, you must remove the source of any moisture from the affected area. If any leaks or persistent condensation aren’t alleviated, the mold will likely reappear after removal.
Next, seal any doorways or other openings leading to other areas of the home, place heavy plastic over them, then seal the plastic in place with duct tape. If there are outdoor openings in the room, place an exhaust fan near them to help remove mold spores from the room.
How to choose a mold removal service
Choose the correct mold removal service
While all mold remediation companies specialize in helping rid a space of mold, not all companies do the same thing. When in doubt, feel free to ask the company of your choosing if it is one of the following.
The cost of mold removal
Mold removal can be a complicated and pricey venture. Many property owners might take into consideration the cost and the various fees associated with a mold removal service before selecting a company.
Mole environment
Mold grows in many places across the world, so the type of mold can vary wildly on the location it spores. The specific type of mold that grows often depends on the location’s climate and the type of toxins that thrive there.
The speed of service
Mold is a common problem, but the severity and variety of mold vary from place to place. Thus, some mold companies are able to treat mold quicker than others, which is essential when choosing a company.
Additional benefits
Mold companies often do more than just detect and treat mold; some companies contract laboratory and cleaning services to offer additional benefits to people who hire them.
Mold Remediation and Restoration
Understanding Mold
Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
- Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
- Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or on a pet.
- Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.
- Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
- Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
- Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
BEST MOLD REMOVAL PRODUCTS
HOW TO SPOT MOLD
First, you need to know what mold is and how you can detect it. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moisture, so it’s often found in areas that are prone to getting wet or humid. This usually includes bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. But if other rooms of your home have flooded, mold may be found there, too. And of course, your boat is the perfect candidate for mold since it’s constantly around water.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE BEST MOLD REMOVER
The best mold remover is strong enough to remove mold quickly—before it spreads or continues to make you feel sick—without leaving behind an overwhelming odor of chemicals. Basically, it should be powerful enough to do the job right while still being safe to use in your home or vehicle.
MOLD STAIN REMOVAL PRODUCTS TO TRY
One of the top mold removal products on the market is 303 Mold & Mildew Cleaner+Blocker. This formula was created to remove mold and mildew stains from just about any water-safe surface. It won’t just get rid of the mold; it will also prevent it from occurring again! And since it doesn’t contain bleach, it won’t leave behind any residue or strong odors, so it’s safe to use in any room of the house or any part of the boat.