- Before you begin cleaning up any mold, you should make sure you have the proper protection for yourself. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends wearing an N-95 respirator to protect yourself from airborne mold. Proper gloves are also important for this job. Standard rubber gloves are appropriate for water and a mild detergent. If your project requires the use of harsher chemicals such as bleach, you should wear gloves that are made from neoprene, polyurethane, PVC, nitrile or natural rubber. Lastly, goggles should be used to protect your eyes. Those without ventilation holes will work best.
- Before you begin cleaning up the mold, try to identify the cause of the mold in the first place. Taking appropriate actions to prevent future growth is an essential first step to taking care of any mold problem. If you leave this step until after you have cleaned up the existing mold, a new growth may start before you are able to fix the underlying problem. Leaking water is the most common cause of mold. Inspect the mold area for any drips, moisture or condensation. Repairing leaks, reducing humidity in the room, and increasing ventilation and air temperature are all ways to prevent future mold.
- The EPA recommends that any moldy area larger than 10 square feet be handled by a professional. If the area is less than 10 square feet, however, an individual can usually handle the clean-up process on his own. In most cases, the mold can be scrubbed off of the surface with detergent and water. After cleaning up the mold, allow the area to dry completely. If the surface that has been contaminated with mold is porous, such as carpeting or fabric, the item may need to be discarded completely to get rid of the mold. Very stubborn mold may need to be cleaned up with bleach; however, this is recommended only as a last resort. Always work in a well-ventilated area when using bleach, and never mix it with any other chemical.
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