Mold, or mould in the Queen's English, has often been maligned in the court of public opinion. Mention it, and a mental image of decay and decomposition often springs to mind. However, it's worth noting that without the mold that catalyzed the discovery of penicillin, countless lives would have been lost. And if you savor cheese, indulge in fine wines like Auslese, Sauternes, and Tokaji, or relish the protein-rich meat substitute known as quorn, you owe a debt of gratitude to mold as well.
Mold, a network of intricate thread-like filaments, exists in both beneficial and detrimental forms. Some undesirable molds flourish in indoor environments, posing potential health risks and marring the aesthetics of our living spaces. These unwelcome guests tend to thrive in moisture-laden areas within buildings, such as attics, basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Flooding or poor ventilation can also encourage mold's unsightly presence.
Mold's ubiquity knows no bounds; it can endure various conditions, even finding a home within refrigerators. Some molds exhibit resistance to anti-fungal soaps and highly acidic solvents. Therefore, when tackling a mold-infested area, it's crucial to don appropriate protective gear, including a respirator mask, rubber gloves, and suitable clothing.
The crux of mold remediation lies in resolving the underlying moisture issue. Eliminating excess moisture and disposing of mold-infested materials are paramount. Items like carpets and wallpaper, which cannot be adequately cleaned and dried, must be discarded. To minimize the spread of mold, begin by dampening the area with water to suppress dust and debris while removing affected items. Seal these materials in double bags and wipe the bags clean.
For areas where mold cannot be removed, cleaning with soap or detergent is recommended. Following this, disinfection using a diluted bleach solution (with care, as bleach presents hazards) can be beneficial. Avoid sanding or scraping surfaces, and refrain from using a hammer to remove mold-infested drywall.
Should you confront an area with indoor mold exceeding 10 square feet, please do not hesitate to contact us at Building Performance Solution! We're here to assist you in addressing larger mold challenges effectively.