How to Get Rid of Mold

Mold thrives on moisture and humidity.  Unlike outdoor plants that get nutrition from sunlight, mold does not need light to grow because it gets its nutrition from organic matter.  If you determine that you have mold growing in your home or office, your number one priority needs to be to remove the moisture.  You might need a professional cleaner to remove the mold, but if the mold removal is something you'd like to try yourself first, here are some tips (consult with your doctor, first, if you have any health conditions that might be triggered by the mold):

• Use detergent and water to scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
• If the mold is from water damage from sewage backup or floodwater, disinfect the area by spraying or wiping the area with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
• A note about bleach:  Don't breath the fumes and avoid getting bleach on your skin or eyes.  Do not mix bleach with other cleaners...the fumes can be fatal or make your seriously ill. 
• Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.
• Dry all items and surface areas completely so the mold cannot grow back.
• Moldy absorbent or porous materials, such as carpet or ceiling tiles, may have to be thrown away. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
• Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold.
• Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold first and dry the surfaces before painting. If you paint over moldy surfaces, the paint is likely to peel.

Mold can stain or create cosmetic damage.  If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult:

• A furniture repair specialist;
• A person who specializes in painting, art restoration or conservation;
• A carpet or rug cleaning specialist;
• A professional who specializes in repairing water or fire damage.