Mold is a deadly problem. There’s no two ways around it. Of course, that is at its most extreme. I am not trying to scare anyone, but there have been infant deaths attributed to it. The problem is when a deadly strain gets into the body through respiration. Several different diseases can result. Anyway, what can be done about it? It is estimated that something like 50% of all homes have black mold, so we have to do something. Chances are you have a problem. Cleaning mold is a multi-step process, which when done right can go a long way to extending the mold-free period as long as possible.

This guide will detail the different steps along the path to having a fungi free home. None of this, of course, can compensate for the first hand experience and analysis of a trained professional, but it’s a start!

Part of cleaning mold is understanding how it comes into fruition. Basically, it takes a mixture of moisture, little air movement, and a source of food (organic matter). It also needs the right temperature if it is going to live, grow, and populate. This is why mold in basement and bathrooms is so common. Both rooms are prone to prolonged dampness or even leaking moisture, water, and the like. When you put on top of that a lack of air movement then you can see why these rooms are statistically over-represented when it comes to this fungus.

So the first to do is to eliminate the moisture that is the source of the mold. This may mean patching a leak, sopping up wetness, or implementing a sump pump, dehumidifier, or other water vacuum in the affected areas. Black mold removal can be tricky if you don't perform this crucial step.

You will also literally have to safely scoop up the mod and get rid of it. I would put on some sort of a mask so that you don’t breathe in the fumes. Especially with dried spores, when you scratch or scrape at them they may flow into the air and become easily breathable. This is definitely not a good thing. If it is a more poisonous mold then you could be in trouble.

Unfortunately, if your carpet, shower curtain, or drywall has already gotten the junk all throughout it then you will have to get rid of those items. Throw them out and don’t give it a second thought. Just merely replace them and make a mental note not to let things get so out of hand next time. The problem is that the mold can’t be cleaned out of these things.

You may want to have a consultation with those who are experts at cleaning mold, because they can see things that normal people won’t. Many government agencies recommend consulting their own sources of information for approved home performance consultants. These people will bring in their special tools and they have also seen hundreds of cases in the past. They know the ins and outs of cleaning mold and can give you and your family a lot of peace of mind.

Sometimes these people are called “mold remediation contractors” or “indoor air quality consultants”. You may be able to find them by looking in the Yellow Pages. You could also ask neighbors or friends if they have already been through this.

I personally do not recommend taking on a big mold cleaning job yourself. It can become quite toxic. But if you were to do that you would need to implement some bleach, plastic sheets, no ammonia, latex gloves, etc.