First, let's go over a quick primer on what mold is. All molds are fungi, and share biology with mushrooms and athlete's foot, for example. The mold that is toxic to people is relatively rare in the fungi world, meaning most kinds you find in your house or business aren't dangerous. However, some are dangerous, so any mold you find indoors must be cleaned up and completely removed.
Government experts recommend that you reach out to a mold remediation services Lake View IL company for cleanup help if the smelly mold takes up more than about 36 square inches. If you see mold growth, there is probably hidden mold trapped in drywall and crevices and elsewhere.
Before you contact mold cleanup specialists, the first step is to stop the mold from growing. Do this by turning off any ventilation. Then, work to stop the dripping or condensation that supplied the mold in the first place. For example, fix leaky faucets or dry out standing water if you can. Then, stop it from spreading. You could tape off the area with disposable tarps, for example.
Should you get a mold mitigation service to help or can you complete the cleanup by yourself? Beyond thinking about the size of the problem, consider any exacerbating health issues you may have that make you susceptible to becoming sick.
Once you've selected a solution, there are important steps to take in either direction. To do the cleanup yourself, purchase items such as gloves that reach your forearms, washable coveralls, sealed goggles and approved mold masks. You might also need something to trap mold from reaching the floor and tools to fix drywall, if that's where you found the mold. Experts agree that you should not leave unpainted drywall that is moldy anywhere you find it because it can't be cleaned well enough.
If you're worried enough about mold problems to research, you will want a professional mold removal company. For example, don't select a mitigation service focused in humid climates.
Check credentials before you hire a mold removal company. The State Office of Consumer Protection is a good place to get started, and you can check for approval by groups such as as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration.
Mold damage that is allowed to grow releases spores, which act like seeds and can cause damage to spread very quickly. If not, parasitic fungi will continue to feast on your home or business and will destroy your possessions.
The smartest way to solve your mold damage is to get mold damage cleanup help. Don't hesitate.