Don't panic. Mold spores are everywhere. If anyone in your home is highly sensitive to mold spores or if you are experiencing respiratory distress, contact your health professional for advice. Mold growth is generally prevented by keeping surfaces dry. Mold growth in a home indicates excessive moisture from leaks, moisture accumulation, or condensation. Look for sources of the excess moisture, and take corrective actions to eliminate the supply of moisture. Then evaluate how much damage has been done by the mold. In most cases, when the area is small or less than 10 square feet, you can clean the affected areas such as hard surfaces with a non-phosphate detergent and water solution. A mild bleach cleaning solution is used if the area needs to be disinfected due to biological contamination, gray or black water. If you choose to clean small areas of mold yourself, use protective equipment including goggles without vents, a minimum N-95 air filter mask, and gloves. Stains on painted surfaces may require treating with a stain sealer before repainting. If mold growth has been severe or on porous surfaces, cleaning does not adequately remove the mold, and the material must be replaced. If structural damage has been done by the water or if mold growth affects more than a few square feet of material, professional assistance in cleaning and repair and replacement of materials may be necessary. Contact a building professional or Cooperative Extension specialist if you need assistance in evaluating the source of moisture or the extent of damage.

Browse related Faqs by tag: disasters, floods