How Do I Get Rid of Mold? The Mold Removal Process

Step 1 – Should You Be Doing Mold Removal In the First Place?

If you are positive you have mold problems – check out our articles about black mold symptoms and mold testing for more information – then the next question that you really need to ask yourself is whether you should be the one attempting to cleanup duty in the first place. You might want to call in mold specialists who offer remediation services for taking care of the toxic problem.  After all, they have experience with mold removal.

Professional in the process of mold removal

How can you know whether you should call in a highly skilled professional? Does you mold problem fit any of these characteristics?

Serious Mold Removal Problem Signs

• Was the mold problem caused by flooding or sewage overflow? (we know – gross) If this is the case, it can be unhealthy to be in charge of clean up and more severe, long-term health issues may arise if not dealt with properly the first time around.
• Does it appear that the mold has grown inside or next to a heating vent, air conditioning or any other air ducts within the home? Airborne mold spores can spread to other parts of the home unless these areas are specifically tested.
• How much area does the mold cover? Is it more than a 3-foot by 3-foot area? If so, the problem might be so severe that it is necessary to call in professional services for mold removal.

Step 2 – Get the Appropriate Mold Removal Products

For a more detailed review of which products you should use, please view our resource page – Mold Removal Products. However, the quick summary of what you will need is
• A facemask to protect your lungs from breathing in anything toxic
• A cleansing agent like bleach or a retail product to kill the mold
• A heavy-duty sponge.
• Plastic bags to safely carry the removed mold out of the home and to the landfill.

Step 3 – Take Care of the Moisture Problem

It makes absolutely no sense to try to remove the mold when the source of the problem is still going strong. Its important to remember that mold is a symptom of a bigger problem. If there are leaky pipes, high humidity or any other water related issues, those need to be resolved before attempting to remove anything. If you are familiar with plumbing, then you might be able to do this yourself. If not, then you really might need to consider hiring a mold remediation company. If your problem seems to be that you just aren’t getting great ventilation, consider buying a dehumidifier to take care of the problem. We suggest looking at our dehumidifier reviews page for more information about the different brands or if you really trust us, you can just go for our top suggestion located on our best dehumidifier page.

Step 4 – Remove the Mold

Using your heavy-duty sponge or cloth, completely scrub off all of the mold from the affected areas. You can’t leave any remainder of the mold or it will grow back. Occasionally, there will be mold on the carpet or in the ceiling that is impossible to remove. If that is the case, you will need to throw away your carpet or ceiling and completely replace everything. DO NOT PAINT OVER THE MOLD if you are unable to get rid of it. Not only will it look terrible and start to peel after only a few days, but the mold could potentially grow undetected if you do.

When you remove all of the mold, place it in plastic bags and seal it off completely so that the mold spores cannot become airborne and spread through the rest of the house.