Cleaning the Mold

If the surface(s) you are cleaning are dry, or mostly dry, you should lightly mist them with water before cleaning the mold. If the mold is too dry, then the mold spores will have a much better chance of becoming airborne while being disturbed during the cleaning process.

Once the surface is lightly misted (if necessary), then clean the affected area(s) with soap to remove as much of the mold as possible, and then apply a disinfectant to kill mold spores that are left behind (Review of Mold Disinfectants). Thoroughly clean all surfaces in the area that contain visible mold, and even surfaces that do not have visible mold, since mold spores are microscopic very durable, and can remain dormant for months or even years.

Once a surface has been cleaned and disinfected, it should be completely dried.

In which case, if mold spores are left behind, and are introduced to moisture again in the future, then you will have another significant mold growth problem on your hands.

Non-porous material such as solid surfaces, metals, glass, hard plastics, and semi-porous materials include wood, concrete, etc, that are structurally sound with some visible mold growth may be cleaned and reused.

If the contamination is not too severe, porous material may be cleaned and reused. If the damage is extensive and the mold growth has visibly destroyed porous items beyond repair, they may need to be removed and replaced. Examples of porous materials are ceiling tiles, insulation, wallboards, carpet, soft furnishings, clothes, papers/books, etc.

All material that has been cleaned should be completely dry and visibly free of mold before it is reused and before sensitive individuals are exposed to it.

Article Source: Toxic Black Mold Inrfomation Centre

Ten things you should know about mold

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
   
   
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
   
   
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
   
   
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
   
   
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
   
   
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
   
   
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
   
   
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
   
   
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
   
   
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.