Where to Look

• Mold is likely to grow where the humidity levels are above 70 percent and where there is condensation. Places to look for mold are in wet areas that have been caused by a water leak or flooding. Mold likes to grow on organic materials such as paper, dirt, soap scum and wood.
  
  Flooded areas need to be dried out immediately. If a flooded area is not completely dried out within a day mold is likely to grow. Peeling paint can be a sign of wet walls that can have mold growth.
  
  Basements are an area where moisture can seep through the concrete walls or floors and thus create a prime location for mold growth. You should check underneath carpeting, the inside of walls, the backs of cabinets and any materials that are stored in the basement for mold growth.
  
  Make sure that your clothes dryer is vented. If it is not vented it will create a warm humid environment within the room which is conducive to mold. Another area to check is furniture that has been placed against a damp outside wall.
  
  

How to Remove Mold

• When removing mold be sure to wear protective gear. You will want to wear a mask or respirator so that you do not breathe in any mold spores. A particulate respirator should be worn. Protect your eyes as well and be sure to wear rubber gloves. Your clothing should be washed immediately once you have finished the mold removal process.
  
  Begin by moistening the mold before you try to remove it. This will lower the amount of airborne mold spores when you begin removal.
  
  To remove mold from hard surfaces such as hard plastic, glass or metal use a scrub brush and non-ammonia soap or detergent to scrub the mold off. (The fumes from ammonia and bleach are very toxic. Do not mix ammonia and bleach.)
  
  Mold cannot be removed from extremely porous surfaces such as carpeting, carpet padding and drywall. These items will need to be removed and disposed of. If mold cannot be removed completely from structural wood, the wood will either need to be sanded or replaced.
  
  

After the Mold is Removed

• Once the mold is removed you need to disinfect the area. Use a bleach and water solution or any other disinfectant. If you are using bleach and water, mix about 1/2 cup of bleach to a gallon of water. Leave the solution on for about 15 minutes. This should be adequate time for the solution to disinfect the area. If you are disinfecting wood or concrete surfaces you may want to use a higher concentration of bleach--up to 1 1/2 cups--per gallon of water. Make sure that the area that you are disinfecting is ventilated and that you are wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands.
  
  Once the area has been disinfected, rinse it with water and use fans and dehumidifiers to dry up the moisture and clean the air. Open windows and doors to bring in outside air as well.