DIY Mold Removal

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

You can create your own mold cleaning solution depending on the surface and the amount of mold damage.

If you have slight mold damage, you can definitely take steps to remove mold on your own. Restoration companies are usually hired in the event that mold damage is at a larger scale. Here are some steps and guidelines for some DIY mold removal. 

1. Ensure your own protection against mold. Mold can cause health hazards and it's important to limit your own exposure against mold. When treating a mold affected area be sure that you aren't inhaling any mold. Wearing a mask or a N-95 respirator will help prevent you from inhaling any mold particles. Also wear gloves that extend to the middle of your forearm to limit your skin's potential exposure when cleaning mold. Wear goggles that don't have holes or openings in them.
2. Removing mold. You can use detergent and water as a solution to scrub off mold from surfaces. Depending on the type of surface, you need to use different tools to scrub with. A drywall sensitive to abrasion and use only a rag to try and scrub off mold. Also, depending on how porous a surface or material is, you might need to replace the mold infested material rather than clean. If you don't know what surfaces/material needs to be replaced you can call SERVPRO of Monterey Park for a free mold inspection. There are mold cleaning solutions that can be bought and are more efficient than detergent and water. Once mold is removed, make sure the surface is dry before painting. For removing mold from wood, you can first try detergent then try a diluted vinegar solution. You may also need to sand the wood after cleaning it.
3. DIY Mold Cleaning Solution. You can create your own mold cleaning solution using some common household items. Undiluted white vinegar: used for hard surfaces in kitchens/baths. Bleach solution: one cup of bleach in a gallon of water. Don't rinse. Ammonia solution: 50/50 ammonia and water. Apply to surface and wait 2-3 hours and then rinse. Do not mix ammonia and bleach!
4. Outdoor mold removal. Mix 1:10 bleach and water and spray on surfaces. Scrub with a brush for larger stains. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes then rinse off.
5. Cleaning up. Dispose of the rags used to clean the mold and clean all clothes in hot water immediately after the cleanup.

If any of these mold removal techniques are unsuccessful or if the mold damage is on a larger scale, call SERVPRO of Monterey Park. We deal with all water-related damages including mold.