How to get rid of mold, though, depends on the extent of the problem that you have with it. Some mold issues are very easy to handle, and others, like a black mold infestation, require a professional mold remediator (we have some tips on choosing the right one) to deal with them because of their size and/or severity.

“So, How Do I Get Rid of Mold?”

Knowing how to get rid of mold on your own is a great way to keep costs down and protect your family and pets from the sicknesses that can come from mold exposure. Of course, some removal jobs are too big to tackle on your own. Knowing when to get a professional is important.

For small infestations, cleaning them thoroughly is usually all you need to do. Use a cleaner that’s specifically for mold and mildew, use a bleach solution, or simply use soap and warm water. If you’re cleaning sheetrock or drywall, don’t soak it heavily. That can keep it from drying properly and cause more growth later. Cleaning the moldy area won’t solve the entire problem, though, because you have to stop the spores from coming back.

Fixing Mold Problems Yourself

To do that, you need to find the source of the problem. It could be a leaking pipe, it could be from flood damage or another type of water damage, or it could be just a buildup of moisture in a kitchen or bathroom where there’s a problem with proper ventilation. Finding the problem and fixing it has to be done – and you might need to get a professional to fix it for you.

Simple things like tightening a loose pipe fitting are easy for a homeowner to handle, but if you have more serious issues or you need an exhaust vent put in so you can get the moisture out of your bathroom or kitchen, it’s best to call in a professional. That way, you’ll know the job is done right.

Calling a Mold Remediator

Sometimes mold removal is too big of a job for a homeowner to handle. If that’s the case for you, you can call a mold remediator. They know how to get rid of mold, and they can help you by making sure mold is removed from your house and the problem that caused it is taken care of. It’s a great way to get larger infestations removed and keep them from coming back in the future.

Black mold

“What are some of the symptoms?”

Until the mold is cleared up, there’s a lot of potential for symptoms. Most people only have mild symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, and a cough. Some people get much sicker, though, and even the mild signs can be annoying and debilitating after a while. Because they’re so persistent, black mold symptoms sometimes turn into more chronic respiratory problems that can cause missed days at school and work, as well as other health problems.

Those With Respiratory Problems Beware

People who have allergies to black mold or who are already dealing with chronic respiratory problems like asthma or emphysema can be at serious risk when it comes to mold, and they have to be more careful than the general population. That’s a very important thing to remember if you fall into one of those groups or know someone who does.

Treating The Symptoms

Black mold symptoms should be treated by a doctor or healthcare professional, and the source of the problem should be located and eliminated. That will make sure the person who has sickened by the mold has the best chance to recover, and it will also help to ensure that the mold doesn’t keep coming back, poisoning other people.

Don’t Let Symptoms Escalate

If the mold isn’t removed, there are more serious black mold symptoms that can develop. Many people become nauseated and fatigued when they live with a mold problem. Those kinds of problems persist, and they can take a toll on the body. It’s difficult to get anything done when you’re tired all the time. Being nauseated is a problem, as well, because it’s difficult to eat and can lead to poor nutrition.

“What are the most dangerous symptoms?”

In rare and extreme cases, some of the most dangerous black mold symptoms are bleeding from the nose and lungs. Thankfully, this is uncommon. When it does occur, though, it can be life-threatening. The best choice is not to allow mold to get to the point where it causes those kinds of symptoms. Black mold symptoms should always be treated properly and quickly and the source of the black mold removed. If you’re unsure how to do it the right way, you can get a professional to help you.

“When do I need to call in the professionals?”

A mold removal service run by professional mold remediators may be needed if the job is a large one, you have trouble finding the source of the problem, or you think you’ve removed the mold but you’re still battling black mold symptoms. Don’t be afraid to consult a professional if you need one. Most of them are very reasonable in cost and can take care of the problem quickly. Your health and the health of your friends and family members is too important to compromise.

Black mold removal can be a real trial

Understand The Process

Whether you try to do it yourself or hire a company it’s a good idea to know how the black mold removal process is handled. That way, you’ll be prepared for any issues that might come up and you’ll be knowledgeable enough to make sure the job’s being done right – no matter who’s doing the work.

Identify The Source

The first thing you should do with black mold removal is identify the source of the moisture problem. If you don’t know where the moisture (and, therefore, the mold) is coming from, you won’t get it stopped and the mold will continue coming back. Flooding, water leaks – including slow ones, and even high humidity can all contribute to the growth and recurrence of black mold.

Stop The Leak

Stopping the moisture or the leak from causing further damage is the first step with black mold removal. From that point, the cleanup needs to begin. Black mold isn’t something you can just spray with an antibacterial spray like Lysol and forget about.

Contain The Spores

If the area is a small one and you’re going to handle the cleaning of it yourself, you should first seal off the room so that mold spores don’t drift around. They can easily get into the air, mix in with dust and dirt, and get carried throughout the house. By isolating them to one room and not letting them get into the rest of the house, you’ll be better off and healthier. The cleanup will be easier, as well.

Avoid Further Contamination

Even for a small area, it’s important to seal off the room so you don’t risk any further contamination in the rest of the house. Once you’ve sealed the room, make sure the moldy area is damp. If it’s dry, mist it lightly. Dry mold spores are very quickly airborne. Keeping them damp is another way to help cut down on contamination.

Use Air Power

If the room you’re working in has a window, it’s a good idea to open it and place an exhaust fan in it, because any mold spores that do get airborne will be drawn that way and removed from the house. If you don’t have a window in the room, don’t just run a fan – you’ll just blow the black mold spores around and risk inhaling more of them.

Don’t Miss A Spot!

When you clean the area – which should be done with soap and a sponge – make sure you clean the moldy area first, and then expand your work to clean the entire room. Mold spores are tiny, and you want to make sure you get all of them so they don’t try to cause you health problems in the future. If you’re unsure about your ability manage the black mold removal from your home, do the safe thing and hire a professional to handle the job for you.

When The Job Is Too Big

For large areas, though, you’ll need specialists. The remediation cost will be much different if you have someone do it for you, but big areas can’t be handled very easily be a homeowner, so it may be worth posting a few jobs on Gumtree (in the UK) or Craiglist (in the US) for this and see what responses you get. One of the things a mold remediation specialist can do is clean areas like the crawlspace under your home and the ductwork in the walls and attic. Mold spores that get into your heating and cooling system can just get recirculated through your home, continuing to make you sick even if you’ve cleaned up the area where you originally found the mold.

“Alright, so what can it cost?”

The remediation cost of a crawlspace can really vary. It could average as little as $500 or as much as $4,000. If the attic and wall ducts are involved, the cost for those generally ranges from $2,000 to $6,000. If your home has been flooded and the mold is all throughout it, there is much more that has to be done. This could drive your remediation cost up to $10,000 to $30,000 – and it could even go higher, depending on the size of your home.

Remember Insurance Considerations

When you’re considering insurance, make sure you get something that will cover at least part of the remediation cost if you live in a flood zone (we’ve got some tips on handling water damage claims). Most consumers don’t have that kind of money to spend out of pocket, and you probably don’t, either. Even though you’ll have an idea of how much something should cost, be sure to shop around. The first company you find might not be the best one for your needs. The price may be different, and you also have to pay attention to the credentials.

Look For Experienced Remediators

You want people who’ve been removing mold (especially black mold) for a while, not new people who aren’t sure about the job. You’ll also want to see if there is some kind of guarantee offered – and there should be. You don’t want to find out that the people didn’t do their jobs properly and the mold has come back, only to be told that there is nothing that can be done until you pay more money.

Final Thoughts

When you find a company where you feel comfortable with the people, the work ethic, the guarantee, and the remediation cost, you’ll be able to get the mold removed from your home and you and your family can get back to enjoying your lives. You’ll be much healthier, and your home will be a safer place to be.

Suspect a leak?

It really doesn’t take much for mold to start growing. If you see it, especially if it’s black mold, you’ll want to do two things: remove it, and prevent it from coming back. To get rid of the problem, you need to get rid of the source of the moisture. Check carefully for leaks, and for places where moisture and wetness collect. Along the edges of sinks, tubs, and showers are important places to check. You’ll also want to make sure that the pipes under the sink or for the shower or tub aren’t leaking.

If you notice a leak, have it fixed right away. If you don’t have a vent fan in your bathroom – especially one near the shower area – it can be worthwhile to have one installed. If it’s used when the shower is running it’ll take a lot of the moisture out of the bathroom. Just leave it on until you get ready to leave the room, and you should help avoid any mold problems that way. Those kinds of things will help prevent mold from coming back, but they won’t get rid of the issue that you already have. If it’s black mold, it can easily make you sick. Getting rid of it is important.

“What if I only have a small area that needs remediation?”

You can clean small areas of mold with a soap and water solution and a sponge. Make sure to clean the area thoroughly and get all the infestation. It doesn’t take much for mold to return, and even a few spores can start it growing again. If the area isn’t wet when you start to clean it, the spores can get into the air and spread throughout the house. Make sure to dampen the area if the mold is dry. You can also use bleach when cleaning, but you’ll need to be very careful what surfaces you use it on. Bleach can damage a lot of different things.

After you’ve cleaned the black mold, rinse the area thoroughly and make sure it dries completely. You can use a fan or a hair dryer to give yourself some peace of mind. That way, you won’t be risking more mold because you got the area wetter than it was before. Black mold grows quickly, so keep an eye on the area you cleaned for a few days and see if you notice the mold coming back. If you do, it might be time to call in a professional.

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt

The spores of black mold float in the air, and they’re too small to see. If you breathe them in and they start to make you sick, you should never assume that they will go away on their own. The mold will spread, and the problem will only become worse. Knowing what black mold is and what kinds of problems the spores will cause in the human body are both very important, so that the symptoms can be recognized and addressed in a home or a business.

Understanding The Symptoms

Symptoms of black mold include watering and irritated eyes, sneezing, runny nose, chronic fatigue, chronic coughing, and headaches. It can also produce nausea and vomiting, and extreme cases of exposure can cause bleeding in the nose and lungs. Most people are treated for the problem before it becomes too serious, but some people are more sensitive to black mold than others.

“I’ve got the symptoms! What do I do now?”

If you or your loved ones or coworkers are experiencing any of these symptoms on a consistent basis, you may be exposed to black mold without realizing it. If that’s the case, you should find the problem and have it taken care of quickly, before symptoms become any worse. A professional mold remediator (learn how to choose the right one) should be the one to treat the mold, and people with symptoms should be seen by their doctor, just to rule out any serious concerns.

Get It Cleaned While You’re Gone

Once a person with symptoms gets away from the black mold spores, the symptoms should clear up in a short amount of time. While that person is away, a professional mold remediation company can come in and address the black mold problem. The mold is often seen from water damage, but it can also appear anywhere that stays wet a lot, such as in a kitchen or bathroom, or somewhere that has a leaky pipe.

Under a sink is a common place for black mold (learn about where mold grows), or along the baseboard where a washing machine sits. It can also be found in the corners of bathrooms where the dampness from the shower lingers too long. Businesses can get black mold in the bathrooms, around the water cooler, or in the employee kitchen.

Beware of Water Damage

If water damage has occurred on the property (learn how to remove it) – if it’s been flooded, for example – black mold could be anywhere. A professional mold remediator may have to remove the drywall, treat the wooden beams in the walls, and replace the drywall with new materials in order to ensure that the mold problem is stopped. While that can be expensive, it is well worth the trouble to have it done, especially when the health and safety of a family or a business may be at stake.

Stay tuned for more as we expand this guide.

What Is A Mold Remediator?

Mold remediators are people who are specially trained to handle mold problems in homes and businesses. They know what they’re doing and they have the right tools, equipment and chemicals to get the job done. They guarantee their work, too, so you won’t have to worry about the mold coming back, as long as the problem that caused it (such as a leaking pipe) has been taken care of. Not all remediators are the same, so you’ll want to check them out and get the right one. Here are some things to look for:

• Is the remediator licensed and insured?
• What kind of guarantee is offered, and for how long? Is it in writing?
• Are there any Better Business Bureau complaints against the company?
• What kind of cost will you be looking at for the remediation?
• How long will it take?
• Will you have to stay elsewhere while the job is being done?
• Does the remediator handle any other work, such as fixing a pipe, re-sheetrocking an area, or painting? If not, can he or she recommend someone?

It’s important to ask these kinds of questions. You don’t want to get caught unaware because you thought you had everything planned out but really didn’t. Those extra and unwanted expenses can really push your budget if you don’t get a good remediator that’s going to take care of everything for you for a fair price.

Get More Than One Estimate

You should always get more than one estimate from multiple remediators. The prices charged for services are usually similar, but there can be sharp variations.  Ask around for recommendations and carefully compare the services offered with the final price. Don’t sign a contract until your questions have been answered to your satisfaction, you’ve checked with more than one company, and you feel comfortable with the remediator you’ve chosen to do the work.

Make Sure You’re Comfortable With The Remediator

Tools and equipment and know-how are important, but personality matters, as well. The remediator and the people he or she works with will be in your home or business, possibly for several days – depending on the extent of the problem. You want people you can trust and feel comfortable with, and you can find them by taking the time to locate the right mold remediator to handle your job.

What is mold?

Mold is a fungus. It grows from tiny spores that float in the air. When these spores land in a moist, temperate environment they grow and multiply. The range of what they find temperate is large, from between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. That includes most damp areas in any home.

Signs of Mold

The most recognizable type of mold fungus is mildew. Mildew is generally a surface problem and easy to eliminate using any product containing bleach.

Many times mold problems are undetectable until surface staining or a strong, musty odor appears. Once you suspect a problem below the surface it’s important to expose the infested area. If it’s a wall, cut away mushy drywall past the point of damage. If you don’t get rid of all the mold, it will just grow back.

Often mold can cause rot to set in. If mold is found in wooden studs or joists these must be treated or replaced.

The most notorious type of mold fungus is black mold. This fungus is highly toxic and must be treated with the utmost care. When dealing with black mold it’s recommended that you get a professional to clean and treat the area.

Mold can be very difficult to categorize without testing, so if you find a high concentration of mold it’s always advisable to have it tested. You can contact a professional in your community or get advice from your local health department.

Cleaning Up The Mess

There are certain safety precautions that should be followed when cleaning out a concentrated area of an infestation. Since spores travel through the air, it’s important to protect the rest of your home when treating an area. These simple precautions can keep you and your family safe.

• Wear old clothing that can be cleaned or disposed of after the project is completed.
• Wear gloves, goggles and a respiratory to avoid inhaling the spores.
• Keep the room isolated from the rest of your home.
• Turn off the heater or air conditioner, and block the air ducts in the infected room.
• Make sure the area is well ventilated to the outside.

The bathroom is more susceptible to mold because of the near constant dampness, so when you decide to makeover your bathroom be sure to do the appropriate inspections to insure that no mold is present. And if there is even the slightest trace found, be sure to take the appropriate measures to get rid of it or you could be facing many issues and even health problems in the future.

Do-It-Yourself

Depending on the extent of the water damage, you may be able to take care of it yourself. Small water problems call for basic do-it-yourself tips, (3 must know tips for do-it-yourself mold removal) like drying out the area and using products that are specifically designed to destroy mildew. Fans directed at the wet area can help it dry quickly and efficiently. So can running the heater in the house, because it dries out the air. You can also try using a hair dryer on the area if it’s a small space, so you can dry out the carpet, baseboard, or drywall.

There are products designed for protecting an area from mold and mildew, as well, including sprays and paints. Even if you dry out the area thoroughly, you’ll still want to consider using one of those products to make sure you don’t let mold start to develop.

Repainting the area with a mold-stopping paint can be a good plan, depending on the size of the area. You can always do that, allow it to dry, and repaint over that with a color that matches the room. For very small areas, or for treating carpeting and soft furniture, there are anti-mold sprays that can be purchased and used to stop mildew growth.

Hire a Professional

If these things aren’t enough, they don’t seem to do the job, or the area is very large – such as your house getting flooded – it may be in your best interest to hire a professional restorer. A mold remediation specialist (How to Choose a Mold Remediator) can make sure that any problems are resolved before they get started, or can treat them once they develop. It’s better to catch mold problems early, but a professional can treat advanced issues, as well.

What to look for and where you should go when locating a mold remediation specialist is similar to finding any kind of worker for your home. Make sure you find someone who’s insured, and who’s properly licensed. If they make a mistake, you’ll be compensated. All reputable companies will meet these requirements.

You should also get some estimates. Just because two or three companies perform the same service doesn’t mean they all charge the same price. You don’t want to end up paying too much when you could’ve gotten the same quality for hundreds or thousands less. Ask questions of the people who you’re considering working with.

Make sure you understand the process they’ll be going through, what it means for you and your family, and whether you’ll have to stay somewhere else while the work is being done. The mold damage might’ve been a surprise, but the remediation process doesn’t have to be.

What Factors Contribute To Mold Growth?

There are many different factors that can contribute to the proliferation of mold, including catastrophic events like floods, environmental contributors like heavy rainfall or humidity, interior plumbing problems, faulty construction or maintenance (e.g. a leaky roof), and so forth. Another mistake that many people make when it comes to mold is in assuming that they would notice if the problem were present.

How Can You Recognize Mold Growth?

Sometimes mold growth is extremely obvious: It can be visible to the naked eye, or a musty odor might permeate the building. However, in many cases mold may be termed a “silent killer.” You may not even realize you have a mold problem until physical symptoms like allergic reactions, skin irritation, infection or more serious respiratory complications begin to manifest themselves. For this reason, your best course of action is to schedule a regular mold inspection for your home, office or other property. Given the number of toxic molds that are capable of growing in a building, a thorough mold inspection conducted by a qualified mold remediation professional could even save your life.

How Do You Identify A Harmless Mold?

Molds come in many different forms and colors, and some have a much greater potential for harm than others. The problem is, it can be difficult – if not impossible – to tell the harmless mold from the lethal mold if you lack the experience and training necessary to differentiate them. Some molds may do little more than look unsightly or smell unpleasant. However, left unchecked, all molds pose a potential structural hazard for the building over time. Molds reproduce via spores, which travel through the air and can attach and proliferate on any surface. This means that a small, relatively contained mold problem in the basement could quickly spread throughout the home and begin to compromise the health of the building.

A total house renovation due to mold damage can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and take months or even years to complete. A much more cost-effective solution is to catch the problem before it begins with a careful mold inspection. Removing a little bit of mold is a simple process; contending with a houseful of it is not!

In addition to the negative effects on the building itself, there are types of mold that can be hazardous to your health. The most lethal type of mold is referred to as “black mold.” Black mold, of the genius Stachybotrys, is a slimy, green-black growth that feeds off of cellulose and releases poisonous organic compounds called mycotoxins into the air as it digests the material. These mycotoxins, when inhaled or ingested by people and animals, can cause headaches, vision problems, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory complications and even death. Children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer or AIDS patients are particularly susceptible to the dangers of black mold.

If there is any chance that your home has recently been exposed to excessive moisture or if you haven’t had a mold removal specialist check the structure for mold recently, you would do well to schedule a mold inspection with an experienced company like Alladin Restoration. Mold inspection can do more than simply spare your home from mold – it could actually save your life.

Contributed by our friends at Alladin Restoration, a Mold Remediation specialist.