What is Mold? Mold is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. There are many different mold species that come in many different colors. Excess moisture is generally the cause of indoor mold growth. Molds reproduce by releasing tiny spores that float through the air until landing in other locations. When they settle on wet or moist surfaces, the spores can form new mold colonies.

Mold grows easily in damp dark areas. Mold can grow both inside and outside of the house. Areas lit by the sun & the sun’s ultraviolet rays renders mold unable to reproduce, and as such the growth of fungus happens in shady areas. If there is moisture, mold can grow

Mold is very toxic. The EPA states that “molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Keep in mind

1. The key to mold control is moisture control.
2. If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
3. It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.”

To counteract mold growth, we would like to share an effective home Mold Cleaning Method:

First Let’s Take Some Safety Precautions

Ventilate Room – Open a window & turn on a vent or fan. When using a fan, angle fan to blow fumes away from yourself. Best to clean mold on dry sunny days, as it’s hard to eliminate mold when areas are moist, so avoid cleaning on rainy days.

Protective Gear – Wearing face masks, gloves & protective eye wear are essential to your health when cleaning mold. You do not want to be breathing in the mold spores or fumes from the cleaning products as they can cause upper respiratory issues.

Steps to Clean Mold: 

 

1. Fill one bucket with one-part bleach and two-parts water.
2. Prepare a second empty bucket to rinse the rag out.
3. Prepare a third bucket with warm water.
4. Use the first bucket to wipe everything down.
5. Squeeze the wet rag into the empty bucket.
6. Rinse the rag in the third bucket.
7. Squeeze the rag out again into the second bucket.
8. Dip the rag into the first bucket again and repeat the process.
9. Change the rags often, do not use the same rag for more than ten uses.
10. Repeat this process every day for several days.
11. Purchase Dehumidifiers for each room.
12. Empty the Dehumidifier every day.
13. Purchase one big fan for the apt or two fans, one for each room.

Note: If you are using a mop or mop like device change the mop heads for every room and every day.

Note: Empty all buckets and refill them for every room.

Note: Use new rags every day and for each room.

Note: Thoroughly wash out all buckets and mop sticks and cleaning devices each day and in between each room.

Note: Leave all doors and cabinets open.

Monitor the basement furniture, personal clothes, walls, ceilings, floors, all other surfaces in each room for new evidence of mold like growth.