If your home is impacted by water damage or has experienced storm damage, you must act quickly to prevent mold growth. This can negatively impact your health and indoor air quality and make it hard to live safely in your home.
Fortunately, several clean-up or tear-out tips from mold removal Eastern Iowa professionals help you deal with this issue. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to a safe and clean home!
Remove the Source of the Water
When you see black mold growing in your home, the first step is to remove the water source from the area where the mold is growing. This is usually from leaky pipes or a flood.
A professional mold removal Eastern Iowa company can help you with this. They will use a combination of air quality tests and specialized equipment to determine the extent of mold in your home.
They will also ensure that the mold spores are appropriately contained and removed. They will then clean and dry the area.
Once the mold is cleaned up, it is vital to prevent future growth. The most effective way to do this is to reduce moisture in your home by repairing water damage as quickly as possible.
Clean the Area
The first step in any mold removal job is cleaning the area where mold grows. Typically, you’ll want to wash the surface with soapy water or detergent and scrub away any visible mold spores.
You’ll also need to disinfect the area. This can be done with a solution that kills the organisms, such as bleach cut to 10 percent with water or raw vinegar.
It’s essential to disinfect all surfaces, especially porous materials like drywall. Then, dry them rapidly.
A professional mold cleanup contractor will know how to disinfect these surfaces, making them safe to reoccupy or use.
A mold-infested home can cause severe health problems for those who are allergic to the spores and those who are not. If you suspect your home has a mold problem, contact us today for mold testing and remediation. Our certified staff will help you every step of the way!
Disinfect the Area
Whether cleaning up after a water emergency or tackling mildew and mold yourself, it’s essential to disinfect the area. This can help kill spores and keep them from spreading and causing problems in the future.
A good EPA-registered disinfectant should be your first choice for killing bacteria, mold, and mildew. Our top pick is RMR Brands’ RMR-141 Disinfectant and Cleaner, which works on nearly any surface.
It also has no harsh chemicals or dyes, making it safe for contact with food and skin.
To disinfect mold, mix one cup of household bleach with a gallon of water and spray the area. Then, let it dry completely.
For more stubborn mold, try a mix of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. This will not only kill visible mold, but it will also attack the underlying roots that usually go untreated. This makes it an easy, cost-effective way to eliminate mold and mildew.
Dry the Area
When water damage has occurred, it’s essential to dry the area quickly to prevent mold from growing. This can be done by running dehumidifiers, opening windows and doors, or using air movers.
It’s also a good idea to thoroughly dry all the items affected by the water damage. This will help prevent the mold from spreading to other materials in your home.
You can remove mold from other porous surfaces in your home, such as drywall and wood trim, with a mixture of bleach and water. Then, use a scrubbing brush to scrub these surfaces until the mold stains disappear.
Consider hiring a professional mold removal company in Eastern Iowa to handle the job for more extensive mold removal. The EPA recommends contacting a mold specialist if the mold covers 10 square feet or more.