Most people know only one thing about mold’: it shouldn’t be in your home.
Seeing as how fungal biology isn’t in most school’s curriculum, we’ll forgive the general populace’s ignorance.
That said, our unfamiliarity with mold often gets us into trouble when we attempt an at-home remediation. For just such occasions, the experts at Moldgone have outlined how to avoid the biggest and most common mistakes.
Mistake #1: Underestimating your Mold Problems Seriousness
Mold is very often hidden in out-of-sight locations embedded between walls springing from leaking water pipes in the basement or forming around water-based appliances.
This makes mold very hard to identify — even when a substantial infestation is already underway. Because they’re so easy to miss, many wind up remediating what turns out to a fraction of the full problem.
Not only does this cause many to overlook existing issues, it also leads to residents letting hidden mold infestations grow out of control.
The first step in any remediation process should involve a rigorous search for the source of moisture.
Mistake #2: Attempting DIY Mold Remediation on a Substantial Growth
Not every mold infestation is the same.
While DIY mold remediation is feasible in a number of circumstances, we all too often see customers attempting remediation projects on large-scale infestations.
A good rule of thumb: if you’re mold patch is the size of a bath towel- 10 ft or around 10 square feet -you can handle it yourself. Any larger, and you’ll need a professional remediator.
Mistake #3: Cleaning mold without addressing moisture and humidity
Mold only grows in the right conditions. It needs moisture, oxygen and a food source to thrive. Many DIY remediate remediators make the mistake of forgetting this fact, leading to prompt mold regrowth.
This is why we recommend it the first stage of any home remediation project should be focused on uncovering what’s causing the conditions that allowed for mold to grow. Do that, and you’re not likely to see a recurrence.
Mistake #4: Dismissing Health Concerns During the Remediation Process
While the exact degree of health risk in mold is still scientifically uncertain, it’s not the ill effects that have been noted are far from light.
DIY remediators are putting their health in their hands when they take on a remediation project whether they know it or not. As such, it’s critically important that any DIY remediators take the necessary safety precautions to avoid contempt contamination. That means wearing clothes that cover you from head to toe, clothes you don’t mind throwing out after.
Mistake #5: Not Performing a Full Post-Remediation Cleanup
Mold remediation requires a thorough and careful cleanup job. Not just because of the health risks involved but also because disturbing mold patches can quickly lead to new mold growth, as spores fill the air and land on moist surfaces.
The next time you take an at-home remediation project, take pains to avoid spreading it further. To properly prep for your next remediation, section off the mold-infested areas by draping plastic sheeting over all exits.
You’ll also want to equip yourself with multiple trash bags–place them inside your protected area. Throw away all infected materials within the infected area. After remediation is complete, dispose of all the protective clothing you had on.
Once every contaminated element is in the trash bag, wrap that bag in another one before throwing away the materials in an outdoor trash.
Control Moisture, Control Mold
DIY mold remediation can be effective as long as you don’t take on more than you can handle and take the proper precautions. But remember, if you spot a mold patch bigger than a bath towel or are immunocompromised, call in the professionals.
Why MoldGone
At MoldGone, we offer FREE mold inspection. Our mold removal and mold remediation services are available at reasonable prices.
Call us today at 240-970-6533 or Click here to schedule your appointment.
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