Commercial Mold Removal

4/26/2023 (Permalink)

Why do I have mold on my premises?

Mold in a commercial property can be caused by water damage or water intrusion from various sources such as a roof, window or plumbing leaks. The humidity caused by the presence of moisture combined with the warmth and poor ventilation in a property gives mold the perfect conditions to develop, and it can spread quickly if left unchecked. This can cause damage to internal structures, damage to products in storage and is also a serious health risk for you, your customers and your staff.

Should I Clean Mold Myself?

It may be tempting to clean the mold off of surfaces yourself, however, this will only remove the surface mold. Although an area may look clean of mold, there will be spores within the surface that you will not be able to reach with household cleaning items. The spores that are left will continue to multiply and grow and the surface growth will soon be visible again. A few things you can do in the case of a mold infestation are:

• Turn off your HVAC system if you have one
• Make sure that movement in the area is limited to prevent spores from transferring elsewhere
• Do not touch or disturb the affected areas
• Make sure that you vacate the property

What Will a Mold Removal Team do?

If you have a mold infestation on your premises, you should call SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe certified mold removal professionals as soon as possible. They will be able to determine the cause of the mold growth and remove all spores from the property ensuring that it is fully eliminated.

Our team will carry out a preliminary assessment of the problem to ascertain the severity of the infestation and the underlying cause. Mold isn’t always visible to the human eye so our experts will use special equipment to clean areas that are affected or that have high moisture levels that will encourage future mold growth.

Once the assessment and containment of the mold are complete, our team will then remove the mold at the source ensuring that there are no mold spores present within the premises to safeguard against further infestation. Finally, the team will remove the underlying cause of the infestation by repairing the affected area to stop the further intrusion of water.

If left untreated, mold can cause serious structural damage to your commercial property such as brickwork and drywall which could lead to more serious issues that will take longer and cost more to correct in addition to the loss of business while the premises are being treated and repaired. Call SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe today at 478-452-8000 for a consultation.

Does Opening a Window Help Reduce Mold? - Quick FAQs

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

No homeowner wants to deal with mold in the home. It’s ugly and can ruin your property while posing a health risk. But how can you reduce the mold in your house? In this post, we’ll go over whether or not opening a window is helpful. We’ll also share other great ways to control and get rid of mold infestations in a home.

Does Opening a Window Help Reduce Mold? Quick FAQs

We all know that fresh air is good for us, but does it help reduce mold? Because mold is a fungus, it likes humidity and warmth. The more humidity and warmth there are in your home, the more likely it is that you’ll have a mold problem. In some cases, you won’t notice it. But if you have a mold problem, you should be wondering if you should open the windows at all.

The truth is, opening windows can help reduce mold. But, it can also increase other problems. So, it depends on the situation. If you want to reduce mold and related problems, you need to be careful about how you do it.

Other Methods To Reduce Damp and Control Mold

1 - Get a dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are a great way to reduce the amount of humidity in your home. They also suck moisture from the air, which can help to reduce the amount of mold that forms.

2 - Run a fan in the room

In some cases, you can use fans to suck out moisture from an area with high humidity. Running a fan can also reduce the overall temperature in a room.

3 - Change your air conditioner filter

When we change our air filters, we can reduce the amount of mold in our homes. At the very least, change your filter when you notice that it’s getting dirty. Clogged filters can become a breeding ground for germs, mildew, and mold.

4 - Clean your gutters

When you have rainwater that is coming off your roof, it can splash in puddles and drip onto your siding and windows. If you have dirty and clogged gutters, this can effectively turn your siding and windows into mold-friendly surfaces.

5 - Hire a mold remediation team

If you have a serious mold problem, you might want to hire a professional team like the mold remediation contractor you can find here. They can take care of the problem quickly, thoroughly, and professionally.

Conclusion

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce mold in your home. Mold can harm your health and property. If you aren’t careful, it can grow and spread until you don’t know where it came from. This can cause a lot of damage to your home, your health, and the health of your family.

If you have a mold problem, you should take it seriously. You might feel like you have no choice but to try and solve it yourself. However, you might be better served by getting a team of experts involved. A team of professionals can address problems quickly, do a better job, and keep your home as clean and healthy as possible.

If you have questions or want to reach out to a mold remediation team, call SERVPRO of Baldwin & Monroe. We offer Mold Remediation, Water, Fire, and Storm Damage Restoration.

6 Helpful Tips to Prevent Mold from Forming in Your Home

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Your home is your refuge & mold can throw a monkey wrench into the peace and relaxation your home brings.

Mold can grow and thrive in places where you least expect it. Some signs of mold are visible, but others are not. Not only is it an eyesore, but also a health hazard.  As a result, it's crucial to prevent mold from your home at all costs.

In this article, we list down easy ways to prevent the formation of mold in your home. Read on below to get started.

#1 - Identify Mold Hotspots

It's difficult to prevent mold from your home if you don't know where it's coming from. Before you start taking proactive measures to prevent mold, you need to know where it hides out.

Here are some areas in your home where mold can thrive:

• Behind your walls
• Behind your dishwasher
• Under the sink
• The corners of your bathroom
• Pots and pans in low cabinets
• Ceilings
• Basements

If you want to prevent mold from your home, you should regularly check these spots.

#2 - Dry Any Wet Area in Your Home

Even if you're not seeing any signs of mold in your home, you should always keep it dry. Moisture is a breeding ground for mold. For this reason, you should regularly dry up wet areas in your home.

The best way to dry up wet areas is by using a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will absorb excess moisture in the air. In addition, this device also cleans the air in your home and purifies it. 

#3 - Ensure Your Home Has Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation ensures that the air in your home is well-circulated. It helps to promote the flow of fresh air. This is important because mold thrives in stagnant areas.

Make sure you don't put anything blocking the airflow of your vents. If you want to prevent mold from your home, you should also ensure that your doors and windows are open at least once a week. Additionally, you should also replace your furnace filters regularly. This will help your furnace and air conditioner to circulate air in your home.

#4 - Install Mold-Resistant Products

Your home has a lot of products that are prone to mold. To prevent mold from your home, you should buy products made of mold-resistant material. For example, you can replace your shower curtain after a month of use. Additionally, you should replace these products regularly to ensure that they‘re in good condition.

#5 - Clean or Repair Your Roof Gutters

If your roof gutters are leaking, water will collect in them. Water accumulation in your gutters can then become a breeding ground for mold.

The best way to prevent mold from your gutters is by using a gutter guard. This tool will prevent water from building up in your gutter. It also ensures a proper flow of water in your gutter.

#6 - Keep Your Carpets Clean

Carpets are one of the most common sources of mold in the home. To prevent mold from your carpets, you should regularly clean and vacuum them at least once a week. After vacuuming, you should use a carpet shampooer to clean your carpets.

Conclusion

Mold is a natural phenomenon. However, it can cause so many health problems. Many people don't realize that it's essential to prevent mold from your home until they experience it. With the tips above, you can prevent mold growth in your home.

SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe provides top-quality mold remediation services in Georgia. We offer safe and eco-friendly solutions to ensure your home will be safe, all for affordable prices. Contact us today to request a quote!

Top Reason You Have Mold in Your Home

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Top Reasons You Have Mold in Your Home

There is always talk about how dangerous mold is and how you should ensure you do not have it in your home, especially black mold. Doing a check of your home on a regular basis is important to spot any black mold issues and to get mold cleanup started right away. However, the key to really ensuring you do not get mold in your  home is knowing why mold grows in the first place. 

The main instigator for mold is moisture. In a home, there are plenty of sources that can create a moisture problem. Some common issues include:

High humidity
Broken pipes
Flooding

If you have any of these issues, it is essential to address them right away and get rid of the excess moisture before black mold even has a chance to begin growing. 

High Humidity

High humidity is typically a weather or season issue. You can take steps to reduce the humidity in your home. Using an air conditioning unit will remove excess moisture in the air and reduce your homes humidity. In areas that tend to attract moisture, such as attics or basements, you may want to run a dehumidifier.

Broken Pipes

If you have a plumbing issue, you should get it fixed asap. You also need to check for water leaks to ensure the plumbing issue did not lead to water getting in your walls, floors or ceilings. If water did leak out, then you should clean it up immediately. Never let water sit too long.

Flooding

If you experience flooding in your home, you should take steps to stop it from occurring again, if possible. Anything that was damaged from the flood waters should be removed, such as bedding, drywall or furniture. 

Your best bet when tackling mold is to call in professional help. You can find mold removal professionals or others who can assist you with your moisture issues and ensure mold is not growing in your home. 

If you're unsure, call our office for more information on mold.

What to do if you find mold in your home

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home can be a stressful situation. We want to make sure you know what to do and how to handle it. First things first, call SERVPRO!

If you discover mold or any kind of microbial growth growing in your home, it is important to get a hygienist to test the substance. Once the growth is determined, the proper recommendations can be written for how to remove and treat. It is very important to make sure each step is taken into account. This way the job can be completed and not have to be redone for a second time. 

Overall, if you need more insight on mold remediation, visit our website!

Places Mold Damage May Be Hiding in Your Home

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians Focus on Remediation and Prevention of Mold in Your Home

The media is exceptionally full of stories about the rise of mold damage following storms and floods. A Central GA home that has no recent history of these disasters still can struggle with mold issues. Deterioration of building materials and personal property linked to mold growth caused by less sensational events is no less frustrating a problem. Our mold remediation services are available for microbial growth due to any source. 
 
The common denominator for mold damage in Georgia is moisture. Where there is persistent moisture, mold follows. Educating yourself about the places mold growth hides helps you improve your interior air quality and protect your home’s structure. Since mold is not selective about where it will grow as long as it has a water source, oxygen, and food, you may also have the unpleasant surprise of finding it quietly but persistently contaminating personal property or any space in your home. Our technicians learn many strategies to clean a wide variety of items affected by mold. 
 
A musty smell in the kitchen often signals a small leak under the sink, but other water issues can fuel a mold outbreak. The line to the refrigerator/freezer that fills the ice machine and chilled water reservoir may drip under cabinets or in the walls just enough to support a hidden colony. Steam from cooking raises the humidity in the room if not vented, and mold may grow near the stove. 
 
The bathroom is traditionally a steamy place, encouraging mold growth. Efforts to kill the reappearing black growth ironically often make it worse, especially if the cleaning solution contains diluted bleach. Bleach even when full strength is 90 percent water. It lightens the staining but does not reach far enough into the surface where the mold is growing to kill the roots. Its high water content feeds the mold. Laundry rooms shelter mold in the bottom of baskets, clogged dryer vents, and around the seal of the front loading washer. 
 
SERVPRO technicians offer answers to these mold problems and more. Once leaks in plumbing or appliances are located and repaired, affected areas can be remediated, the moldy materials removed and the spaces sanitized. Humidity and condensation disappear when exhaust fans are installed near stoves and showers. Professional antimicrobials penetrate to kill mold at the roots. AC and dehumidifiers keep air moisture levels below 50 percent, unappealing for most common mold strains. 
 
Vent cleaning is a SERVPRO specialty, and we can help remove the moldy residue in the washer as well. Our crew members guide you as you review cleaning and maintenance routines to keep your working, storage, and living areas dry and free of mold damage. 
 
SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe is your answer for mold hiding in any or all areas of your home. Call for efficient mold remediation and helpful advice to avoid mold damage in the future. 

Mold can be anywhere!

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Damage

Mold spores are microscopic and can be located everywhere. There are thousands in every home and are dormant, causing no problems, for the most part. It takes an open source of water or high levels of moisture in the air to cause these spores to expand and grow. If untreated or removed, mold can quickly destroy building material and other property, costing hundreds (even thousands) of dollars in damage.

If you are concerned there may be mold damage in your home, call a professional mold damage restoration company for assistance. SERVPRO has extensive training in handling mold and cleaning up property that has been infested by it.

We start by finding the source of the mold and determining just how far it may have already grown. Our technicians use air testers to determine the exact levels which help us plan how to neutralize and remove it. Once we find it, the next step is to isolate the affected room or area. Our response team seals off all entrances and exits using plastic sheeting and duct tape to prevent further contamination of your home. The vents and ducts of your heating and air system will be sealed off as well.

Next, technicians begin to clean the area using anti-fungal and anti-microbial sprays to destroy active spores. Every surface will be sprayed and then wiped down; if the growth is exceptionally thick in some places, we use special scrubbing tools to remove it without damaging the surface underneath. Areas difficult to reach may be cleaned by using anti-fungal foggers that get into every surface and crack mold may hide. These foggers are also used in case your heating and air system has been compromised by the mold. After the ducts have been exposed to the anti-fungal agents, technicians will use specially designed exhaust fans to blow the spores out of your home. When this is finished, we wipe down all of the vents and replace the air filters.

To prevent new mold growth, our technicians also test the air to see if the air moisture levels need to be reduced. If they do, dehumidifiers will be set up at key points to draw water from the air. Once the levels test out to under 12 percent, your home is considered to be safe against new growth. If you are worried about mold in your house, call us at 478-452-8000 today to schedule an inspection. SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe  is here to help restore your home and put your life back together.

Preventing Mold with Quick Mold Mitigation

8/16/2017 (Permalink)

Preventing Mold with Quick Water Mitigation

Water Management and Mold

A man’s home is his castle, and while every care is taken to ensure that there will be no unlawful entry from the outside, equal attention should also be paid to the structural integrity of the home. You can have the best furniture and fittings, the latest consumer electronics that dazzle and bewitch, but poor water management is going to bring everything to ruin. Each homeowner should take the necessary precautions and steps to minimize the amount of moisture while redirecting water in order to reduce the risks of mold developing.Mold tends to become an issue due to water intrusion, and this has developed into a major thorn in the construction industry’s side. U.S. housing’s top indoor air quality problem is mold, which is why proper water damage mitigation ought to be taken before it runs into bigger and more serious issues such as compromised structural integrity,cosmetic problems and long-term durability issues. It would be highly advisable to obtain the advice and secure the services of one of many water restoration companies in order to begin the mold remediation process as soon as possible. 

Mold Growth in Homes

Poor water management of a home will encourage mold growth. As mold spores are invisible to the naked eye, they tend to make their way through the home, and are always present in indoor and outdoor air. While modern homes are built in such a manner where the concentration levels are insufficient to cause issues for the home’s inhabitants, it tends to make a nuisance when it starts to grow.Mold colonies require a food source, the right temperature (above 32 degrees Fahrenheit), and plenty of moisture. These conditions are all part of a home’s make up,where plenty of organic materials abound within a temperature range that does encourage mold growth. The key to stop the spread of mold is to keep moisture levels under control, and this is where water management of a building is very important. By doing your bit to prevent water intrusion, you will be able to minimize or eliminate the possibility of mold and mildew making their presence known. 

Wood-based Products

If you love all things wood, then it is all the more important to have proper water management for your home to prevent the growth of mold. Wood-based products, while adding a sense of warmth into the home’s aesthetics, require plenty of attention as wood is one material that can absorb plenty of water, resulting in a higher overall moisture content in the surrounding area. It also requires far more effort and energy to dry wood than for it to get wet. With many wood-based furniture having concealed frames that has extremely limited, if any, exposure to air, it is all the more difficult to dry out. 

What is Water Management?

The thought of water management might not be on anyone’s mind when purchasing apiece of property. However, it is imperative that you get a reputable water restoration company take a look just in case there is a need for water damage mitigation works to be done. The whole idea of water management is to ensure all water will be directed away from the home. This is achieved through having a positive drainage system. It is always better that water is drained out and away from the home as fast as possible.Nothing should be left to chance, which means there should not be any part of the home that is sloped in the direction of the home’s interior.Always try to think of where the water is headed to as it moves down the exterior of the home – it should be on the outward path. Doing so makes sure that sensitive parts of the home do not remain exposed or come into contact with the water. One of the ways of doing so would be to make sure that the exterior surface of the home has water-resistant qualities, but that is just scratching the surface. It is important to bear the three basic drainage strategies in mind, that is, the drainage plane, shingling and flashing. 

Drainage Plane 

The drainage plane plays an important role, as it forms a barrier against any water. It ensures that the sensitive parts of the home will not end up wet and damp – which will surely lead to mold growth. Keeping this vulnerable segment of the home free from water will require materials such as felt building paper, house wrap, thin structural sheathing, and rigid foam sheathing. All of these are more than capable of offering protection at crucial joints and corners. It is advisable to keep these materials layered in a shingle fashion as and when possible. 

Shingling 

The roof is the primary form of protection against rain, and as rainwater subjects itself to the laws of physics and gravity, it will take the path of least resistance down the exterior finish and the drainage plane. Along the way, it will come into contact with the likes of the finish roofing and wall cladding, window flanges, as well as flashing. These materials will then need to be layered in a strategic manner so that water on the outermost layers will remain a distance away from the sheathing and framing. This kind of layering method is known as shingling. Hence, all drainage planes ought to have the shingle strategy applied. 

Who to call...

The list of grievances does not stop there at all if one does not go through proper water damage removal processes that are offered by water restoration companies, since it might lead to other headaches like a pest infestation. If you would like to make sure that your home is a place where happy memories are made and living in it is a joy, why not call SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe and have us do a once over in your home? We have the necessary expertise and wealth of experience to be able to let you know what needs to be fixed. 

Each Surface Type Warrants a Different Approach When it Comes to Mold

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

Finding hidden mold is our specialty. Call SERVPRO so we can investigate the damage or smell on your property.

Mold can go undetected for days, weeks or even months, depending on where it is hiding. While small amounts of mold spores are everywhere and pose no threat, a large colony can destroy building materials and pose a health threat. 

Restoring property from the effects of mold damage in your home or office requires trained professionals. Every SERVPRO office maintains a crew that is trained to identify mold infestations and determines the best method available to remove or clean it off surfaces. 

We determine the method used to remove mold depending on the type of surface the mold is on. It is simpler to clean nonporous materials. These surfaces include glass, metal, certain kinds of plastics, marble, and smooth stone. We remove dry mold by vacuuming the surfaces with special HEPA filters that catch even a single mold spore. Wet mold is wiped off with a cloth dampened with water. If the mold is growing in a layer of soil, our team members use a detergent solution.

Porous materials with visible mold growth often should be removed from the home and disposed of according to state regulations. These materials include carpets, carpet pads, drywall, and insulation. Technicians can clean fabrics such as upholstery, drapes, and curtains using foam, spray, or immersion techniques depending on the thickness of the mold and the colors used. Before starting with those methods, crew members vacuum the items to remove loose mold fragments. If needed, they agitate the materials to loosen more mold and then vacuum them again. 

Semiporous materials require methods not usable on porous or even nonporous surfaces. The surfaces (wood and concrete) may require sanding, wire brushing, and other abrasive methods. The cleaners we use on these surfaces have abrasive agents mixed in to be certain the agent gets into and agitates cracks and grooves that non-abrasive agents miss. If exposed to mold for too long, the structural integrity of the wood might be compromised by rot. 

Restoring your home after a mold infestation is a long process. SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe is here to help you through every step. If you need our services or simply want to schedule an assessment, call us today. 

How Are Mold Remediation Courses Online Not The Best Option?

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

Though it is possible to find mold remediation courses online, as well as in local classrooms, this is one time that online is not the best way to acquire knowledge.

Technicians that repair water damage work in time-sensitive environments that require knowledge as well as practical expertise. The best way to accrue this experience is with hands-on guidance from a certified expert in the industry. However, locating a certified expert for this purpose can be extremely difficult without some help.

This is where the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC, comes in.

This organization is one of the most respected oversight agencies in the world when it comes to carpet treatment. Among its many certification programs, the IICRC offers mold remediation courses. While not taught online, the IICRC’s site can help a technician locate a nearby approved school. Instructors approved by the IICRC uphold the agency’s standards and are well-versed in the latest techniques and methods available in the industry.

During the class, the student will learn how to identify and assess the scope of a microbial infestation in a water-damaged home. 

Both clean and contaminated water can foster microbial growth within hours of contact, so nearly every flooded and water damaged home will be compromised to some extent. The student will also learn how to isolate and contain the microbes and prevent them from spreading further. The instructor will demonstrate how to physically remove compromised material and properly dry everything so the microbial infestation won’t reappear. Where there is water there can be mold and bacteria growth, so technicians will also learn where to look for excess moisture and how to detect its presence. Water has a tendency to collect in hard to reach areas, so a professional will need to be thorough when performing the job.

You can trust that our expertly trained professionals at SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe are ready to help you recover when disaster strikes.

It's Never to late to Clean Mold!

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

Common Indoor Mold: Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria & Aspergillus

Here in the middle Georgia area, we have the ideal climate for mold to develop and thrive. Since mold can start to develop in as little as 48 hours after water damage, it is imperative that any damage due to a fire, flood, broken water pipe, or leaky foundation be cleaned up promptly and properly. 

After Spring storms and Summer showers, comes the damp, and moisture forecast, and the result of mold infestation is high. It is important to address any signs of mold immediately and correctly. Homes in our area are often affected by mold in bathrooms and basements, mold can develop anywhere in your home, especially if you have experienced any type of flooding. 

Mold spores spread through the air, so even areas that were not directly affected by floodwaters can soon become home to serious mold infestations. Mold is often found in air ducts, which can cause it to spread quickly. SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe is always ready to help you restore your home after a water damage or in the event of mold.Time is of the essence: the longer you postpone cleanup, the longer the mold remediation process, the more expensive,  and more inconvenience for you and your family.

If you are starting to see or smell mold in your home, a thorough cleaning and disinfecting is required, and the sooner the better. Mold has the potential to cause health effects, so cleanup should be conducted with proper protective clothing, masks and gloves. Bleach and water should be used to kill the mold in all affected areas. Scrub the solution into the area, rinse, and dry thoroughly. If saturated drywall and insulation was not removed after storm damage, you likely need a thorough evaluation by a professional emergency water damage restoration team.

Water damage that was not properly remedied prior to rebuilding may have caused mold to start growing behind your new walls or under your new carpeting. If the structure of your home was not properly disinfected, dehumidified, and dried, mold may be thriving. Your local SERVPRO of Baldwin, Putnam and Jones Counties team see this frequently. In a rush to make properties habitable, steps are often skipped, leading to mold infestations. If you believe you have mold growth from recent floods or other water damage, call us immediately. We can quickly help you identify problem areas and start the mold remediation process.

Our mission is to help our neighbors, friends, and community members quickly recover from damage caused by natural disaster, fire, sewage backup, or other events. Regardless of the size or type of damage, we can quickly respond and start the evaluation and investigation into the cause, as well as the best way to restore your property  to its original state. Call us today at (478)452-8000. we work directly with insurance companies and carriers to help relieve a portion of the burden of the rebuilding process in order to make your loss "Like it never even happened."

Facts about Mold and Dampness

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

There is always some mold everywhere - in the air and on many surfaces. Molds have been on the Earth for millions of years. Mold grows where there is moisture.

Mold and Your Home

Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets can and be carried indoors.

Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

You Can Control Mold

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling humidity levels;
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water.

Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty. If you can see or smell mold, a health risk may be present. You do not need to know the type of mold growing in your home, and CDC does not recommend or perform routine sampling for molds. No matter what type of mold is present, you should remove it. The best practice is to remove the mold and work to prevent future growth.

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
• Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
• If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. You can get it by going to the EPA web site at http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

MOLD PREVENTION TIPS

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%--all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
• Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.
• To learn more about preventing mold in your home, see the Environmental Protection Agency's publication A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home at http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html.