Do it Yourself (DIY) Black Mold Remediation (mold cleanup)

Saturday, September 27, 2008 by Michael-Bains

In many cases, mold remediation requires the services of a professional mold remediator.  There are however times when one can properly and safely clean mold without the help of a professional.  The summary of information below and some direct quotes are in part taken from the EPA publication, "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings" (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/mold_remediation.html). 

The table below contains guidelines for cleaning mold based on the material affected.  It also recommends what type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to use.  This table only contains information for "small" remediation jobs -- Total Surface Area Affected Less Than 10 square feet (ft2).  For jobs of this size no containment is required.  For jobs over 10 square feet of affected material, please consult the EPA's site at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/table2.html.

In cases in which a particularly toxic mold species has been identified or is suspected, when extensive hidden mold is expected (such as behind vinyl wallpaper or in the HVAC system), when the chances of the mold becoming airborne are estimated to be high, or sensitive individuals (e.g., those with severe allergies or asthma) are present, a more cautious or conservative approach to remediation is indicated. Always make sure to protect remediators and building occupants from exposure to mold.      

* Use professional judgment to determine prudent levels of Personal Protective Equipment and containment for each situation, particularly as the remediation site size increases and the potential for exposure and health effects rises. Assess the need for increased Personal Protective Equipment, if, during the remediation, more extensive contamination is encountered than was expected. Consult Table 1 if materials have been wet for less than 48 hours, and mold growth is not apparent. These guidelines are for damage caused by clean water. If you know or suspect that the water source is contaminated with sewage, or chemical or biological pollutants, then the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires PPE and containment. An experienced professional should be consulted if you and/or your remediators do not have expertise in remediating contaminated water situations.

† Select method most appropriate to situation. Since molds gradually destroy the things they grow on, if mold growth is not addressed promptly, some items may be damaged such that cleaning will not restore their original appearance. If mold growth is heavy and items are valuable or important, you may wish to consult a restoration/water damage/remediation expert. Please note that these are guidelines; other cleaning methods may be preferred by some professionals.

Cleanup Methods

Method 1: Wet vacuum (in the case of porous materials, some mold spores/fragments will remain in the material but will not grow if the material is completely dried). Steam cleaning may be an alternative for carpets and some upholstered furniture.
Method 2: Damp-wipe surfaces with plain water or with water and detergent solution (except wood —use wood floor cleaner); scrub as needed.
Method 3: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum after the material has been thoroughly dried. Dispose of the contents of the HEPA vacuum in well-sealed plastic bags.
Method 4: Discard - remove water-damaged materials and seal in plastic bags while inside of containment, if present. Dispose of as normal waste. HEPA vacuum area after it is dried.

Additional information on mold remediation:

• Mold in My Home: What Do I Do? (http://www.cal-iaq.org/MIMH_2006-06.htm)
• United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/mold/TG278.pdf)
• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments (http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.shtml)