Mold causes respiratory ailments and house damage. It is in the best interest of every property owner to keep the premises mold-free. In case it gains a foothold, steps must immediately be taken to remove it. Homeowners may try to do so on their own but it is a job that is best performed by professionals. Consult Houston mold removal specialists for rates and other details. The process will proceed as follows:
1. Note mold locations and growth level.
Take action as soon as you see mold inside your house. Even if what you currently see doesn’t look like much, it would still be prudent to conduct a general inspection. You might be surprised to see that there are also other areas being affected by the contamination. List down all of these places and make notes about the level of growth in each of them. This will help you to monitor the spread of the fungus more effectively and perhaps find patterns.
2. Trace the source of moisture.
Mold cannot grow without moisture. Wherever there is contamination, there must be a water source that continues to feed the fungus. Any attempt at cleanup will be unsuccessful if this source is not found and eliminated. It will just grow back after a while. Therefore, the next step must be to find out where the moisture is coming from and stop the water from going to the marked areas. For example, the ceiling might be having mold issues because the roof has leaks and water keeps that spot wet throughout the season. Fix the leaks right away.
3. Isolate and clean the area.
Now that the water source has been cut off, you can be sure that the problem areas will dry up soon and the contamination will stop spreading. Attention must then focus on the fungal growth that is already there. The room must be isolated from the rest of the house so that the spores do not spread elsewhere. The doors and windows must be closed off. Dust should also be suppressed by misting the area. Furniture and other damaged porous materials may also have to be removed as well, such as in a flood. The cleaning can then begin in earnest by wiping and scrubbing using appropriate solutions.
4. Test to gauge success.
One can never be too sure whether the cleanup was successful or not. Fungus tends to be persistent. Therefore, the area must be tested to check if there is any remaining mold growth. A visual inspection must be conducted. Additional testing may also be conducted by professionals. The room should then be dried up, often with the help of fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the process.