If you have mold, here’s what you need to do ASAP

Click here to read our guide on how to find signs of mold in your home.

In our recent guide about we covered just how big and bad mold can be: if you have it in your home, it can lead to structural damage and potential health issues.

But!, once detected (and early detection is key), there are many ways to remediate, eliminate and prevent mold recurrence. Here is how you can restore your home to its former mold-less glory:

1. Assess the extent of the mold infestation with the help and guidance of a professional. A professional will examine and define the source of moisture that caused the mold growth and the extent of the growth assessed.

Remember, visible mold may only be a small bit of the issue, as mold can lurk behind walls or hidden areas. 

2. Ensure Safety Measures. Your mold remediation specialists will be prioritizing safety during mold remediation: protective clothing, including gloves, goggles, etc. During the remediation process, they will seal off the affected area from the rest of the house to prevent the spread of mold.

3. Source of moisture defined: To prevent mold from returning, it’s crucial to identify and address the source of moisture that facilitated its growth. Bring on a pro to address and fix potential leaks in plumbing, roofing, or windows as well as ensuring proper ventilation in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

4. Removal of Mold-Infested Materials: Mold-infested materials that cannot be salvaged will be removed and ditched. Porous items like carpets, insulation, drywall, and furniture may need to be discarded to prevent further mold growth. There are often local regulations for disposal of mold-infested materials and your mold remediation professional will have that covered. 

5. Deep clean: Once the big bad mold – and all the places it grew and contaminated – have been removed and disposed, all the non-porous surfaces will need a serious deep clean. Once cleaned, the surfaces should be disinfected with an EPA-approved mold disinfectant to kill any remaining mold spores.

6. Dry the Area: Properly drying the affected area is crucial to prevent mold from returning. In this case, we don’t mind the sound of fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to increase airflow and promote drying. Your mold pro should be monitoring the humidity levels using a hygrometer, ensuring it stays below 60% to inhibit mold growth. You can monitor humidity levels too with your own hygrometer!

7. Prevent Mold Growth (on your own): Consider using mold inhibitors or encapsulants on cleaned and dried surfaces to prevent future mold growth. These products create a protective barrier and inhibit the growth of mold spores. Additionally, maintain proper ventilation and promptly address any moisture issues to minimize the risk of mold re-infestation.

8. Prevent Mold Growth (with professional mold remediation services): Certified mold remediation pros have the expertise, tools, and knowledge to handle mold problems (from minor to complex) and after having ensured effective removal, will recommend best practices for dehumidifying. And depending on the history, extent and location of infestation (i.e. a musty basement prone to mold growth), they should recommend the kind of dehumidifier you will need to prevent recurrence. 

9. Monitor and Maintain: Regularly monitor your home for signs of mold, even after remediation. Keep an eye out for any new water leaks, musty odors, or visible mold growth. If you’ve installed a dehumidifier through your mold remediation company, annual maintenance will be key.