First, let's go over a quick primer on what mold is. Every kind of mold is a fungus, just like mushrooms and athlete's foot, for example. The mold that is toxic to you and your family is relatively rare in the fungus world, meaning most kinds aren't harmful. However, some are dangerous, so any mold in your home or business must be mitigated and completely removed.

The rule of thumb is to contact a mold remediation service longview wa company to clear the mold if it is more than 9 square feet.. When you see any sizable amount of mold growth, though, it's smart to reach out for cleanup assistance from professional mold damage cleanup. Certified technicians can help you make sure there is no hidden mold in other places around the house using tools such as hygrometers, thermometers, laboratory-grade mold test procedures and more.

Before you contact mold damage repair technicians, the first step is to stop the mold from getting worse. Do this by turning off any ventilation. Then, work to stop the moisture source that supplied the mold in the first place. For example, clear standing water and fix plumbing problems if you can. The next step is to contain the mold. You could block off the area in question with disposable tarps, for instance.

Should you get a mold mitigation service to help or can you complete the cleanup on your own? Beyond thinking about the size of the issue, think about any exacerbating health issues that make you prone to risk.

Once you've selected a solution, there are important things to do. If you're performing the cleanup, start with gathering the right safety gear and cleaning supplies. You'll need airtight goggles, clothes that are easy to wash and that cover your arms and legs, a mold-safe mask and mold-approved gloves that reach at least to your forearms. You should also get new disposable sponges and a disposable tarp or two that can help trap the mold you get off. Health officials agree that you should avoid leaving moldy and unpainted drywall anywhere because it can't be cleaned well enough. A note on cleaning with bleach: Skip it. Chlorine bleach doesn't work as well other cleaners and often doesn't remediate mold thoroughly. Most bleach also puts off toxic fumes, particularly if it's ever mixed with ammonia, a common ingredient in many household cleaners . Ask for better cleaners at most big box stores.

If you're concerned enough about mold damage to look for solutions on the web, you will want a professional mold removal service. For example, don't choose a mitigation service focused in humid climates.

Before you choose any company, check that they are certified properly and that they are approved by watchdogs such as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. The State Office of Consumer Protection is a good place to get started, and you should check for approval by groups such as as the Contractor Connection, Restoration Industry Association and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration.

You should clean up any mold you find to prevent further toxicity risk, and do it now. If you don't, parasitic fungi will keep eating on your structure and can destroy your things.

The ideal way to solve your mold problem is to get professional mold damage cleanup assistance. Don't delay.