In Washington, you are required to hire a professional mold removal in Washington company to handle the situation. However, you can do the cleanup yourself, but it is essential to be careful and follow proper safety precautions.
Mold is a fungus that can grow on almost any surface in the home, including wood, wallpaper, insulation, and paint. It grows best in moist, warm conditions.
Identify the Source of the Mold
If you live in a wet area like the Pacific Northwest, it’s no secret that moisture is one of the biggest causes of mold growth. So, it’s essential to know how to identify the source of the mold so that you can remove it before it gets out of control.
While looking for the mold’s source, pay attention to any signs of water damage, such as stains on walls, ceilings, and floors. These can indicate the presence of water leaks, which allow mold to grow and spread.
You can also check for the odor of mold. Many types of mold emit a musty, damp scent that smells similar to wet paper.
Remove the Mold
Mold needs moisture to grow and thrive, so controlling the water in your home is crucial. This includes repairing leaky roofs, fixing plumbing problems, reducing humidity in your home with an air conditioner or dehumidifier, and improving ventilation.
When water or other liquids come in contact with porous materials such as carpet, drywall, insulation, and paper, it will promote mold growth. Remove the contaminated materials from the area as soon as possible and dispose of them safely.
To prevent mold from returning, dry the contaminated areas quickly using wet/dry vacs or fans. Also, dry all items that came into contact with the mold within 24 to 48 hours.
If you can see or smell mold in your home, it’s time to call a mold removal in Washington. This is especially true if the mold is toxic or you’re concerned about the potential health effects.
Clean the Area
The first step in mold removal is removing all the items exposed to the spores. This includes clothing, furniture, and even stuffed animals. Then, bag them up and place them in the garbage.
Next, clean the area thoroughly. It’s essential to eliminate the moisture from the site, as this is one of the biggest triggers for mold growth.
Once you’ve removed all the contaminated items, spray the affected areas with a bleach or hydrogen peroxide cleaning solution. This will kill the mold spores and make it easier to get rid of them.
After you’ve cleaned the area, dry it thoroughly with a floor dryer or dehumidifier to prevent the mold from spreading. Afterward, seal off the room to prevent spores from spreading into the rest of your home.
Seal the Area
Mold isn’t harmful in itself, but if you inhale or ingest too many of the microscopic mold spores, they can cause serious health problems. This is especially true of pathogenic molds, which are toxic and can cause respiratory issues such as coughing, sneezing, and sore throats.
If you find mold, a simple solution of distilled white vinegar kills mold spores and minimizes the chance they will grow back. Dilute the vinegar with water and apply it to the affected area.
Alternatively, an oxygen bleach cleaner can remove mold from furniture and other materials. Double-bag moldy items and dispose of them properly.
If you live in Seattle, mold can be a real problem. Mold remediation can be expensive and time-consuming. It can also be dangerous, and it’s best to call a mold removal in Washington professional to do the job for you. You can do some essential mold removal yourself, but be aware that even small amounts of mold may be difficult to remove independently.
