1. Get Out, If Possible: Your health comes first. If you can leave the space, do so immediately. If not, proceed with caution.
2. Do Not Touch It Yet: Avoid disturbing the mold until you know what you're dealing with. Stirring it up can make things worse.
3. Don’t Use Bleach: Bleach may spread spores and mycotoxins, making them more airborne.
4. Research and Create a Plan:
- Learn safe mold removal practices.
- Contact mold inspectors or remediators.
- Consider safe DIY cleaning if you can't afford professionals.
5. Prioritize Air Quality: Use air purifiers with HEPA or MERV-16 filters to reduce airborne particles. (or the highest MERV you can find)
Contacts:
- Mold Inspection Services Find local professionals.
- Testing Kits: Research reliable at-home mold testing kits.
- Remediation Services: If you can't afford professionals, consult with experts to ensure safe removal.
6. Look After Your Health: If you're showing symptoms, consult with a doctor experienced in mold-related illnesses.
No, placing moldy items in the sun will NOT eliminate mycotoxins. While sunlight may reduce mold growth on the surface, it doesn’t destroy the toxins mold produces. Mycotoxins can persist even after exposure to UV light. Additionally, putting moldy items in the sun could release spores into the air, spreading contamination. Proper cleaning or professional treatment is necessary to safely remove mold and its toxins, especially from porous materials.
Vist Michael Rubino's YT Channel for more and how to:
1. Wear protective gear such as an N95 mask, gloves, and protective eyewear to avoid inhaling spores or having skin contact.
2. Isolate the area by sealing off the space with plastic sheeting to prevent spores from spreading. When sealing off an area for mold cleanup, the plastic sheeting should be at least 6 mils (thousandths of an inch) thick. This thickness provides adequate durability to prevent tearing while containing airborne spores and preventing them from spreading to other parts of the house.
3. Ensure proper ventilation by using HEPA or MERV-16 air filters, and keep windows open to allow airflow.
4. Clean all surfaces using microfiber cloths lightly sprayed with a surfactant solution to trap spores.
5. Use an air purifier with a HEPA or MERV filter to capture remaining airborne spores.
6. Safely dispose of contaminated cloths and materials in sealed bags.
Always be safe. Hire a reliable professional if you can!
Click below and Michael teaches you all about cleaning.
Bleach is often thought to kill mold, but it can actually make the situation worse.
Here's why: when bleach comes into contact with mold, it kills surface mold but not the roots embedded in porous materials like wood or drywall.
Additionally, using bleach can cause mold spores to fragment into tinier, airborne particles that are more easily inhaled, making the mold more dangerous.
This process can also trigger mold to release even more mycotoxins, increasing health risks.
Bleach is ineffective for mold removal in most cases, and physical removal is the best solution.
Watch the video below for more information.
Here are the basic steps to cleaning airborne mold spores safely:
1. Isolate the Area: Use thick plastic (6 mil or thicker) to create a containment zone. Seal doorways, windows, and vents to prevent mold spores from spreading.
2. Use HEPA or MERV Filters: Set up a HEPA or MERV air filter and run it to catch spores in the air.
3. Wear Protective Gear: Ensure proper protection, including masks (N95 or better), gloves, and protective eyewear.
4. Wipe Surfaces: Use damp microfiber cloths with a solution of water and dish soap (with surfactant). Avoid dry wiping.
5. Ventilate: After cleaning, open windows and let fresh air in to continue circulating clean air.
6. Dispose of Contaminated Items Properly dispose of cloths and other items used during cleaning.
Mold spores can easily travel from one object to a new environment, contaminating your home.
Mold produces tiny airborne spores that cling to surfaces like clothing, furniture, or books.
When these contaminated items are brought into a new space, the spores can become airborne again, especially when disturbed.
Once in the air, the spores settle on surfaces, potentially finding new places to grow, especially in areas with moisture or humidity.
Over time, this can lead to the spread of mold in the new environment.
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.