It is often recommended that mold remediation be done by professionals. Indeed, pros have the skills and training necessary to ensure they remove the mold fully, safely, and effectively. However, DIY mold remediation is possible, especially if it is only a small space you are treating. Should you decide to go the DIY route, you will need to be vigilant. Here are some more specific tips to follow for success.
Use a dedicated mold cleaner or bleach.
Mold cleaners and bleach can be pretty harsh, which prompts some people to look for gentler alternatives, such as essential oils. But often, these "gentle" remedies do not do a thorough job of removing the mold. If only a few spores are left behind, your mold will grow back. You really do need to use a dedicated mold cleaner, or bleach, for your remediation efforts. If you're concerned about the harshness of the chemicals, wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when using the products. You really should be wearing this protective gear around mold anyways.
If it's porous, get rid of it.
Anything porous that got wet should not be saved. Mold spores get deep into porous items, such as stuffed animals and patio chair cushions. It might be possible to wash them, but it's generally not worth taking the risk. In most cases, if you photograph the items before throwing them away, you can include their value on your insurance claim.
Dry it out.
If the area stays moist, mold will continue to grow. So your remediation efforts need to include a plan to dry out the space. Often, this is the hardest part. In addition to opening windows, you may need to bring in some big fans, or even run a dehumidifier for a few days. Many rental companies have fans and dehumidifiers you can rent.
Let it sit.
Regardless of which specific mold cleaner you use, make sure you're letting it sit on surfaces before washing it away. Check the label to see how long it needs to sit. In some cases, you may not need to wash it away at all. People often assume they need to rinse the mold cleaner off, but sometimes it's actually designed to be sprayed on and left in place, other than a quick wipe-down to remove the physical mold.
With the tips above, you can more successfully remove mold and remediate your home. Good luck!
For more information about mold remediation, contact a local company.