What to Do When You Find Mold Growing in Your Home

Discovering mold in your property is no joke. Here is what to do if you find mold growing in your home or business.

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow both indoors and outdoors. Spores, the substance that is released from it, are present in the air around us and can enter our homes through open doors, windows, or ventilation systems. It is safe to say that mold is all around us. The fungus also thrives in damp, dark places - anywhere there is moisture. This also applies to any surface that is non-porous like wood, drywall, rugs, shoes, and clothing. In severe cases, inhaling toxins that have been released from disturbed mold can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues. If you find mold in your home, it is important to remove it as soon as you can and prevent it from returning.

Mold Removal: Don't Try This at Home

There are a few different ways to remove mold from your home. Our expert opinion is that cleaning the mold yourself with a detergent solution, bleach, or vinegar will do more harm than good. Everything you read on the internet is not from an official expert. The only true way to get rid of mold is to have mold remediation done to your home or property. Especially when the mold is widespread or difficult to reach, you may need to hire a professional mold remediation company like Live Green Restoration.

The Remediation Process

The best way to remove mold and mildew from your property is to give mold remediation professionals like Live Green Restoration a call. An expert mold remediation specialist should be able to do the following:

-They will be able to identify the type of mold, the cause, and how to best remove it

-They will know what products and equipment to use

-They have the skills and experience to safely remove the mold

-Can help prevent mold from returning

Contact a Certified Professional

The first rule of thumb: be sure to contact mold remediation professionals that hold an MRS certification through the Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Any other certificate is not official and not recommended. Next, tell the restoration company all the details you know - when did you first discover the mold? How big is the area? Where is it located? Was there recent water damage involved? All of this is important information for professionals to know. The more information they have, the better understanding they have to solve the problem.

Schedule an Inspection ASAP

After all the info has been collected, be sure to schedule an inspection as soon as possible. A certified Live Green technician will come to your home as soon as possible and get to work immediately. When the mold remediation experts arrive, they will take notes, sketch the rooms in the building and snap photos of the damage. Since each mold situation is unique, it is best to record and document as much as possible. This way, they know how to better remove it.

Setting Up and Going to Work

Once the paperwork has been signed off by the building or homeowner, this is where the expertise really begins. A highly trained mold remediation technician like our team at Live Green Restoration will build a containment around the affected area. This prevents the mold spores from spreading any further. After that, commercial-grade dehumidifiers are put into the area to help clean the air. Once a technician is fully equipped with a PPE suit from head to toe, they will begin to cut the affected drywall, remove flooring, and even cut some of the building's ceiling to begin removing the mold.

Mold is Not Always Visible

There are instances where mold can grow where it is not visible to the eye. In between walls for example is very common for mold to grow. If there is mold discovered in other places besides where a customer found it, the crew will let you know. Please expect the estimate to be adjusted, since there is more mold to remove.

Take Steps to Avoid Regrowth

Once the mold has been removed, we recommend taking steps to prevent it from returning by fixing any leaks or other sources of moisture and keeping your home clean and dry. If you have a mold problem, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We will come to your home or property, assess the situation, and provide an estimate and timeframe.

Tips to Prevent Mold from Growing

If you find mold in your home, it's important to act immediately. Mold removal and remediation can sometimes cost a pretty penny, but it is worth every cent to protect your health as well as the health of others. Taking these steps will help to get rid of mold in your home and keep it from coming back. There are a few things you can do to prevent mold from growing:

  • Increase ventilation: mold loves damp, dark places. By increasing ventilation in your home, you'll make it harder for mold to grow.
  • Use a dehumidifier: this will help to remove excess moisture from the air, making it less hospitable for mold.
  • Clean and dry any wet areas: mold thrives in dampness, so it's important to keep your home clean and dry. If you have any leaks, fix them as soon as possible.
  • Remove moldy items: if mold has started to grow on any of your belongings, it's best to throw them away. This includes anything that's been wet for more than 24 hours. Mold can be difficult to remove from surfaces, so it's often best to start fresh with new items.

If you find mold in your home, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional mold remediation company like Live Green Restoration. We will come to your home or property, assess the situation, and provide an estimate and timeframe.

Let Experienced Mold Experts Help You

Live Green Restoration is a full-service restoration company that specializes in mold remediation. We serve both residential and commercial customers in the Southern California area. Contact us today at (661) 585-2101 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm and (661) 390-8255 during after-hours to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation.

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