Facts About How To Kill Mold

• Homeowners should not attempt “do it yourself” mold removal.

• Mold must be removed, not killed.

• Mold Growth is a sign of water damage.

• Mold Removal includes “dry outs” and repairs.

• Mold Removal can be covered by Homeowners Insurance.

• Blech and water should not be used to “kill” mold.

How To Kill Mold

The proper way to kill mold is to remove it completely from all affected areas and unsalvable materials. There are some cases where mold can be “killed,” but even these projects include the remediation process.

Step 1. Remove all non-salvageable materials.

Step 2. Preclean effected areas to remove most of the mold contamination.

Step 3. Perform aggressive detailed cleaning.

Step 4. Exfoliate salvageable materials.

Step 5. Perform second detailed cleaning.

Step 6. Apply anti-microbial.

Step 7. Begin structural drying.

Mold Removal Scams

Homeowners are advised to be on the lookout for companies and contractors who advertise mold killing treatments. The following are 4 major red flags of a scamming mold contractor.

1. No IICRC Certification

A mold contractor without proper IICRC certifications is the first major red flag to consider. Some states require no license for mold removal and remediation. Therefore, any cleaning company can offer mold cleanup and removal services. Mold remediation projects should be supervised by an IICRC certified professional. Furthermore, the supervisor should have the ARMT, applied remediation mold technician certification.

2. Fogging To Kill Mold Is A Scam

Some companies mislead homeowners into thinking they can “fog to kill mold” the way one would fog for roaches. Fogging with a mold inhibitor without removing moldy materials is a major violation of standard.

3. No Moldy Materials Removed

What is mold remediation without demo? Beware of any contractor offering to clean the visible mold, spray everything down. Mold growth indicates water damage. Without properly addressing the water damage issue, a mold removal project cannot be successful.

Eliminate Mold At The Source

The only way to kill mold is to eliminate it the source.  One hundred percent of the time, mold growth is the result of a plumbing leak or water damage. Mold cannot survive without a water source; this includes high humidity.

Good air circulation is not possible without removing all mold contaminated contents and materials. Effected materials must be removed to prevent the spread and cross contamination of mold. Structural drying is vital to a successful mold remediation and cannot begin until mold contamination has been reduced by 80% or more.

The best way to kill mold to is prevent it from growing.

To recap, when a customer asks “how to kill mold” the correct answer is that we must eliminate it at the source. The objective of mold remediation is not to kill the mold, it is to remove mold from the affected living area. Only after we have removed all mold can structural materials and salvageable items be remediated.

Aggressive Cleaning And Mold Remediation

The IICRC S520 is the mold removal industry standard. This standard requires that all mold removal projects employ an aggressive cleaning method for mold decontamination. Aggressive cleaning includes, but is not limited to, hand powered scrubbing, metal brushing, sanding and sand blasting.

HEPA Extraction And Mold Removal

High-efficiency particulate absorbing vacuums are used to perform detailed cleaning for mold removal projects. After wall cavities and joist systems have been exfoliated, they are then HEPA vacuumed. This process helps to remove mold trapped under the surface of structural materials.

Apply Anti-Mold Agent

Applying the anti-mold agent is the last phase of a mold remediation project. This is what people commonly refer to as “killing the mold.” Anti-microbial de-activates mold spores, while structural drying removing excess water to prevent future mold growth from occurring.

Is Mold Hard To Kill?

1st Remove Moldy Drywall

There is no easy way to kill mold. Mold remediation is a very laborious job. Mold removal projects often include a phase of demolition. During the demolition phase effected drywall is the first finishing material to be removed. Removing wet drywall helps to reduce room humidity and stabilize indoor environments.

2nd Remove Unsalvable Carpet

Demolition is by far the most difficult part of the mold removal process. After the effected drywall has been removed, next up is the carpet and pad. Eliminating unsalvable carpet reduces humidity and improves odors.

3rd Clean and Decontaminate

Mold decontamination cannot begin until the effected materials have been removed. This is when the aggressive cleaning method, HEPA vacuuming, and application of anti-microbial are employed.

4th Structural Drying

Mold remediation is concluded with structural drying. This involves the use of dehumidifiers, air movers, air injectors and heaters.

If you or someone you know is in need of mold removal, choose Metrix over the Matter, because the Power to Change the Matter is in the Metrix.