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Water Damage Mold Removal

Posted on November 7, 2010
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Sometimes the dangers of water damage mold are overstated, given the tendency for it to be referred to as “toxic mold”. In reality, Stachybotrys chartarum, more commonly known as black mold, is not inherently more toxic than other household molds. In sensitive individuals, this greenish-black infestation can cause congestion, eye irritation and skin irritation, but the main problem with black mold is that it grows quickly—in 24-48 hours—and eats away and virtually all organic materials. This articles explains how to clean and disinfect black mold, one of the biggest problems in water damage clean up.

The first step is to make sure that all rooms have had all water removed, using either a water extraction vacuum or some kind of floor sucker pump or sump pump. Next, the house needs to be dried and dehumidified. Several high velocity air movers, which are basically giant fans, will do the drying, and a low temperature dehumidifier should bring the humidity down to a steady 40% (checked with a humidity meter) to prevent further mold growth. While the air movers are running, use a commercial grade air purifier to trap any airborne mold that might be circulating.

The room surfaces can be washed down in one of two ways. The method used by most mold remediation contractors is with a boric acid. Mix three parts water to one part technical grade hydrogen peroxide. Unlike the 3% concentration of commercial grade hydrogen peroxide sold in drug stores, technical grade is a 35% concentration that needs the water to cut it down to about a 10% concentration.

The other method is simpler to make, but is more limited in its applications. A 10% bleach-to-water solution can be used on all non-porous surfaces, like glass, plastic, porcelain or metal. However, it’s ineffective for wood, since chlorine bleach doesn’t thoroughly penetrate the grain, so while it will kill and clean the mold that grows on the surface, it doesn’t prevent deep-seated mold from growing. Bleach is also not appropriate for carpeting, since is will discolor the fabric. With either solution, once you’ve washed down the surfaces, rinse them down with clear water.

Problem areas for flooring are the inside of carpeting, any any subflooring materials. Carpets should be lifted up to check for water damage, and the padding should be removed if any damage or mold at all is found, since only a little is required to grow rapidly in damp and dark conditions. The same applies to any insulation in the walls and ceilings: the insulation should be completely removed and replaced. Drywall can occasionally be spared by cutting out only the affected areas and replaced with a piece of equal size, since homeowners tend to ignore wall cavities for long periods of time, it’s much safer to simply replace the entire sheet.

These techniques are appropriate to implement yourself if the water damage is from a plumbing issue that involves no urine or feces. Water from broken pipes is classified as either clean water or grey water, which can be handled by novices who use proper protection. Mold from flood damage, on the other hand, should really be handled by a certified mold remediation contractor.

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