What Mistakes Are You Making In Your Mold Cleanup Efforts?
One of the unfortunate consequences of water damage in the home is mold. Mold can do more than damage to your home's structure. It can cause serious health problems for people who have contact with the spores. If your home was recently damaged by water and mold developed, here are some mistakes that could make the situation worse.
Relying Solely on Bleach
One of the biggest misconceptions about removing mold is that bleach is a cure-all. Although bleach can be used as part of the cleanup process, it should not be the only thing that you apply to the affected surface. It will not be enough to effectively remove the mold so that it is no longer a danger. There are different types of mold and some do not respond to treatment with bleach.
To clean the surface, you need a combination of cleaners, including antimicrobial fluids. The combination needed can vary depending on the type of the affected surface.
Underestimating the Dangers of the Mold
For many people, cleaning mold does not seem any more challenging than everyday cleaning tasks. However, mold removal is a far more dangerous task than other household chores. There are many potential hazards, including inhaling mold spores. For people with breathing disorders, this could exacerbate their current condition.
Before starting mold removal, take the time to ensure that you have the right safety equipment available for everyone involved in the project. You also need to research the best way to safely remove the mold. In addition to this, you need to have arrangements all ready for safely dumping those items that are too damaged.
Failing to Take Care of the Source
In the rush to get rid of the mold, it is not uncommon to forget to look for the source of the moisture that led to its development. Moist spaces are a breeding ground for mold, and no matter how well you have cleaned the affected area, if you did not address the source of the moisture, you are wasting time.
If the moisture's source is something that you can control, such as leaky faucet, now is the time to take care of it. If the source is out of your control, such as flood waters, you need to find out what steps you can take in the future to lessen the possibility of moisture getting into your home.
To safely remove the mold and take care of other water damaged items, consider hiring a professional water damage restoration service.