Mold Problems?  Here’s how to Safely Solve Mold Problems at Your Home or Business

Mold problems can happen at any time and to anyone.  Here in Northern Illinois, we have wet weather almost year round, which can be a major source of leaks and resulting mold problems. It is estimated that mold problems happen in 4 out of 10 American homes, with many homeowners trying to fix the issues on their own. There are a few different ways you can attempt on your own, but it is important to know when a professional mold removal team is needed.

Tips for Analyzing the Mold Situation at Your Illinois Property

Typically, if mold is taking over an area less than 10 square feet, it is safe to look into removing the mold yourself. Once you determine if the area is acceptable for treating it without help, knowing what mold type you’re dealing with is the next step in your removal process.

The EPA is a great resource to reference. You can learn about different mold levels and types, as well as the amount of damage they can do to you and your household. It is extremely important to know if you are dealing with mold types that can cause spores to become airborne and increase your problem, and what you need to do to protect yourself from the spread of mold.

What Methods and Products Are Used for Mold Removal

There are many different beliefs that bleach kills mold, however, that is an untrue statement. Bleach may remove the look of mold, but it does not kill the mold roots, which cause the mold to return, sometimes in a matter of days. If the problem is extremely bad, the mold can return within a matter of hours, all depending on the level of moisture within the affected area. Mold loves to grow in dark humid areas like a basement or bathroom and prefers areas that don’t see much light.

While bleach is not an effective way to get rid of mold, there are several different non-toxic ways that will remove a percentage of certain mold types.

1. Hydrogen Peroxide:

Hydrogen Peroxide is a natural anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial solution that kills mold on different materials like walls, appliances, and floors. To use hydrogen peroxide, use 3% peroxide in a spray bottle and saturate the moldy area. Let the peroxide sit for at least 10 minutes and scrub the mold away. Once the peroxide is gone, wipe down the surface to get rid of any remaining mold and spores.

2. Vinegar:

Vinegar is a household product that many of us already have on hand! Vinegar will kill 82% of mold species. It’s important to know what type of mold you’re dealing with to ensure that vinegar will fully kill the spores and roots. Use white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle without diluting it. Spray the vinegar onto the area and let it sit for one hour. Once the vinegar has set into the area, wipe down with water and let the surface dry completely.

3. Baking Soda:

Baking soda is completely safe for family and pets. This makes it a great resource to absorb moisture and keep mold away! Add a quarter teaspoon of baking soda to a spray bottle and shake it until the baking soda is completely dissolved. A scrub brush should be used to remove the stain from the surface and followed up with water to remove any remaining stains or spores. Once you have scrubbed down the area, spray it again with the mixture and allow it to dry completely.

4. Remove and replace the affected area:

While this may seem like a drastic measure, sometimes mold is too difficult to remove on your own. A professional restoration service may recommend removing the area where the mold has grown if the infestation is bad enough. Then work on restoring the wall, floor boards, etc. with new materials.

Having a dry area is extremely important to the success of mold removal. Without it, the mold will most likely return within a short amount of time. To prevent the return of mold, keep your home dry and moisture free with exhaust fans and dehumidifiers.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Investments From Mold Damage

Whether you are dealing with mold at your home, your business, or another property, it’s important to get professional help when dealing with anything larger than the simple situations described above. Mold removal situations that seem straightforward can become bigger, dangerous messes when you uncover complications like long-term leaks, black mold, and hidden damage.

Consult a professional if you’re unsure on the scale of the problem, source of the water damage, or type of mold you are dealing with before you risk exposing yourself to danger or your property to bigger damage.

Overall, it is recommended that when dealing with a mold problem, a professional mold specialist is best. McMahon Services have been experts in mold restoration for over 30 years. We know what to look for and how to completely remove the issue without the likelihood of it returning.

If you’re experiencing mold problems at your home, business, or any other type of property, give us a call today. We are happy to help the residents of Chicago, Arlington Heights, Berwyn, Des Plaines, Evanston, Mount Prospect, Grayslake, Mundelein, Libertyville, Oak Park, Palatine, Wheaton, Naperville, Waukegan, Schaumburg, Skokie, and the surrounding Illinois service areas.