First, let's go over a quick review of what mold is. Every kind of mold is a fungus, just like mushrooms and athlete's foot, for example. The mold that is dangerous to humans is relatively rare in the fungus kingdom, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business aren't dangerous. However, some molds are dangerous, so any mold you find indoors must be cleaned up and completely removed.
The best plan is to find a black mold remediation North Fort Myers FL company to clean up the mold if it is more than 3 square feet.in area. When you see any sizable amount of mold growth, though, it's a good idea to call for help from professional mold damage cleanup. Certified technicians can help you test for hidden mold in other places around the house using tools such as measurement devices and laboratory kits and more.
Before you contact mold cleanup specialists, the first step is to stop the mold from getting worse. Do this by turning off any HVAC systems. Then, work to stop the dripping or condensation that brought the mold in the first place. For instance, make sure roof leaks are no longer flowing into your attic and stop the flow of any water that has seeped into your basement. Then, contain the problem. You could tape off the area in question with plastic sheeting, for instance.
Should you get a mold removal company to help or can you finish it on your own? Beyond thinking about the magnitude of the issue, think about any aggravating health issues you may have that make you prone to becoming sick.
Once you've decided, there are vital things to do. If you're performing the cleanup, start with gathering proper safety gear and cleaning supplies. You'll need airtight goggles, coveralls that are easy to launder and that cover your extremities, and mold-safe masks and gloves. You should also get new disposable sponges and disposable plastic sheeting that can help trap the mold you get off. Health officials agree that you should avoid leaving drywall that has mold on it anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned well enough. A note on cleaning with bleach: Skip it. Any bleach doesn't work as well other alternatives and often doesn't remediate mold thoroughly and all its spores completely. Bleach-based cleaners is also toxic and can cause dangerous chemical fumes, particularly if it's ever mixed with ammonia-based cleaners. You can get better cleaners at most big box stores.
Chances are that if you're concerned enough about mold problems to do online research, you will want certified a professional mold removal company. If you choose to hire a mold mitigation company, look for one local to your area because various molds thrive in different areas and you need people who know the ideal mold damage mitigation strategies to stop the ones you came upon in your home or business. The more local, the better.
Before you choose any expert, check that they are certified properly and that they are approved by organizations such as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration.
You should clean up any mold growth you find to prevent further toxicity risk, and do it now. If not, mold growths will continue to feast on your home or business and can ruin your things.
The safest way to clean up your mold growth is to get professional mold damage help. Don't delay.