Eliminating mold growth can only be done by eliminating one of mold’s main three concerns; Oxygen, Food and Moisture. Since most building components act as a food source and oxygen is present everywhere, the only viable solution is to identify the moisture source and correct/repair it, and then maintain or control moisture within the structure.
The purpose of the clean-up process is to eliminate the mold and fungal growth and to remove contaminated materials. As a general rule, simply killing the mold with a biocide or other cleaning agent is not enough. In fact, simply spraying the mold can have the effect of spreading the spores. The mold and contaminated materials and furnishings must be removed under proper containment; the spores, which cause a reaction in humans, are still present even in dead mold.
Various techniques are implemented during the remediation process depending on the level of contamination:
Containment and Air Scrubbing – Before a mold remediation is started, setting up barriers to contain the mold in a specific area of the home is crucial to eliminating the mold effectively. The best way to accomplish this is with a negative air machine with a HEPA filter that scrubs the air. The machine is hooked to a hose that forces air through it, through the filter thus eliminating the mold, and then expels the clean air in an exterior environment. The removal of a volume of air from the contained space creates a negative pressure that keeps all suspended solids like Mold Spores within that area, thus not spreading the mold.
Vacuum -Wet vacuum cleaners are designed to remove water from floors, carpets and other hard surfaces where water has accumulated.
Damp Wipe – Damp wipe is the removal of mold from non-porous surfaces by wiping or scrubbing with a moldicide or fungicide cleaner. It can be used on surfaces various surface types including metal, glass, hardwood, plastics, and concrete.
HEPA Vacuum – High Efficiency Particulate Air filtered vacuum cleaners are used in the final cleanup of remediation areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and all contaminated materials have been removed. HEPA vacuum cleaners are also recommended for the cleanup of the outside areas surrounding the remediation area.
Anti-Microbial Sealant – This is a special paint mixed with an anti-microbial agent that will inhibit mold growth. The sealant can come in clear or white.