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NEWS
Mold - A Brief Guide to Elimination
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Introduction to Molds
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through
the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land
on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting
whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are
molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When
excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth
will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains
undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate
all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way
to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
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How do I get rid of mold?
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors;
some mold spores will be found floating through the air and
in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is
not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented
or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold
growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the
water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water
problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.
Mold Basics
The key to mold control is moisture control.
If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the
mold promptly and fix the water problem.
It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within
24-48 hours to prevent mold growth
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Who should do the cleanup?
Who should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors. One
consideration is the size of the mold problem. If the moldy
area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a
3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job
yourself. If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional
service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor
has experience cleaning up mold.
Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.
Dry all items completely.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry
completely.
Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet,
may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow
on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials,
so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold.
Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and
dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces
is likely to peel.
If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item
is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult
a specialist. Specialists in furniture repair, restoration,
painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning,
water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed
in phone books. Be sure to ask for and check references. Look
for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.
Wear gloves. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm
are recommended. When working with water and a mild detergent,
ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. If you are using
a disinfectant, a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong
cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural
rubber, neoprene, nitrile, or polyurethane. Avoid touching mold
or moldy items with your bare hands.
Wear goggles. Goggles that do not have ventilation holes are
recommended. Avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes.
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