How to Deal with Mold Cleanup

There are several degrees of mold buildup, some of which you might be able to clean up on your own. However, for excessive or large areas of mold, professional mold removal services in Portland, OR will likely be required. Since mold spreads so quickly, it’s not unusual for homeowners and business owners to attempt to handle the cleanup themselves, only for the mold to pop up again in a few weeks. Learn how to take care of mold with these basic cleanup tips.

Find the Moisture Source

Mold advances at such a rapid pace due to the moisture that has seeped into your home. Trying to eliminate the mold without first fixing the moisture source will only result in frustration as the mold continues to return and spread. Finding where the moisture is coming from and making any needed repairs will ensure your cleanup efforts aren’t wasted. Some of the most common areas that allow water to trickle in are the roof, poorly insulated windows, a cracked foundation, overflowing gutters and plumbing leaks. If you’re unsure where the moisture is originating from, it’s best to have a professional mold inspection performed before taking the time to attempt any cleanup.

Scrub Mold with a Cleaning Solution

Once the moisture source is eliminated, you can focus on cleaning up the mold. Several solutions can be formulated out of products you may already have in your home, such as bleach or detergent. It’s essential that you use a cleaning solution that suits the surface you’ll be scrubbing, as well as where the mold is located. Here are a few mixtures to consider:

• For tiles, glass, countertops and any other non-porous surfaces, spray the area with a mixture of 1 cup of bleach for each gallon of water.
• As a nontoxic option, spray the area with distilled vinegar and let it sit for an hour before scrubbing it down.
• A mixture of detergent and warm water can be used to wipe down non-porous surfaces as a safer alternative to bleach.

It’s important to know that painting or caulking moldy surfaces won’t solve the problem, and it will likely peel or flake off rather quickly. To avoid this, clean the surface thoroughly first.

Throw Out Absorbent Materials

Unfortunately, most mold cleaning methods cannot save the porous or absorbent materials that make up your home. This can consist of furniture, carpets and even ceiling tiles. If you’re unsure what’s salvageable or find that you have more mold than you can clean up on your own, it might be time to call in a professional.

For expert mold removal services in Portland, OR, contact our team at Active Mold Control LLC. Family owned and in business for over 10 years, our staff has over 30 years of experience that will come in handy when assisting you with eliminating your mold problem. At Active Mold Control LLC, we don’t just remove your mold—we teach you the steps you can take to keep it at bay. Call us to schedule an appointment for your home inspection today!

Categorised in: Mold Removal

This post was written by Writer