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Mold
Clean-Up
Begin mold cleanup only AFTER
the moisture problem that caused the mold is
properly addressed. Mold cleanup should be
exercised with caution. Exposure to mold can
occur during the cleaning process because
airborne mold particles typically are released
during the cleaning of mold-damaged materials. If
you have allergies to mold, it is best to have
someone else clean up the mold. If you
have an extensive amount of mold and you do not
think you can manage the cleanup on your own, you
may want to contact a professional who has
experience in cleaning mold. If
you choose to do the cleaning yourself, take
steps to protect yourself and others during
cleanup:
- Have sensitive people leave the building
while the work is being done.
- All workers should wear proper protective
clothing (clothing that can be cleaned
thoroughly or discarded), gloves, goggles
and a dust mask or other breathing
protection.
- Seal off the area as much as possible.
Cover any air vents to prevent disturbed
mold particulates from entering the
ventilation system.
- Remove any furnishings from the area for
later cleaning.
- Provide added ventilation (open window,
etc.) if possible.
- Use a HEPA air filter in the work area if
one is available.
- Remove all porous materials that have
been inundated with mold growth and
cannot be cleaned thoroughly enough to
kill and remove all remnants of mold. Bag
all materials for removal from the home
before they are taken out so that mold
particles are not spread during the
removal process.
- Scrub any non-porous or non-removable
surfaces with a mild non-ammonia
containing detergent and dry it quickly.
Apply a disinfectant (1 cup of bleach to
a gallon of water) to the affected areas
after the mold removed; apply (use a
sponge or a sprayer) the disinfectant
solution to the area and allow to air
dry. Repeat the application of the
detergent and disinfectant as necessary
to kill and remove all mold residue.
WARNING! Never mix
bleach with ammonia!
- Clean the area with a vacuum. Use a
vacuum with a high efficiency particulate
air (HEPA) filter if possible.
- Clean or discard any materials (tools,
rags, clothes, etc.) used during the mold
cleanup process.
- Clean any furnishings that were removed
from the area earlier.
Make sure the area is completely dry and will
remain dry before replacing any building
materials. It is often better to wait before
rebuilding, if practical.
Other
Indoor Air Quality Web Resources - Mold Cleanup
Contact Information
- Justin Otto - North Dakota Department of
Health
- Electronic mail address:
jotto@nd.gov
- Office phone: 701.328.5188
Back to Indoor Air
Quality
Page last revised:
March 04, 2008
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