Do It Yourself Mold Abatement

Written By Jonathan Funes

Mold - one of the most common maintenance issues homeowners can encounter in their day to day lives. Knowing you have mold is simple, dealing with it can be another issue. Although simple to address, not taking the necessary precautions can lead to further problems down the line.

In this post our goal is to help everyday homeowners find the safest and the most effective solutions to fight mold and hopefully never have to deal with it again.



Diagnosing Common Symptoms

  • Seasonal allergies intensify and don’t subside - Simply having seasonal allergies isn’t something to be alarmed about but when those allergies become more of a substantial concern than you are used to, and don’t seem to stop past the usual end of the seasons that is a likely sign of a greater issue.

  • Musty Smells - Encounter a musty smell when passing a certain room in your household? You may have mold. Most people tend to describe mold as having an earthy or musty odor. Sometimes resembling wet socks or rotting wood.

  • Discoloration - Although you may have been told that mold is black in color, it can also be green, yellow or brown among others. Look for small circular discolored spots which spread over time.

  • Asthmatic Reactions - If you are diagnosed with asthma, your sensitivity to mold is much higher. Depending on a persons susceptibility, an asthmatic reaction to mold can even require hospitalization if not addressed properly. Studies have found that when infants are exposed to mold for prolonged amounts of time they are more prone to develop asthma later in life.

  • Other Symptoms to Look Out for: persistent headaches, throat irritation, constant coughing, puffy or water eyes and shortness of breath


Assessing if you can DIY or a Professional is Needed

You may be the type of individual that likes to “do it yourself”, however certain circumstances may require industry grade equipment and the expertise of a trained professional in mold remediation. The EPA (environmental protection agency) recommends contacting a professional if mold growth is more than 10 sq. feet in diameter.

Tools Needed for DIY Abatement

  • personal protective equipment

Gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm (natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride).

  • N-95 respirator

  • Goggles meant to keep out small particles and debris.

  • spray bottle

  • contractor bags

  • vinegar (undiluted white vinegar; at least 5% acidic)

Don’t use vinegar on:

-Stone countertops such as marble or granite, as vinegar can permanently stain them.

-Electronics or touch screens as vinegar can stain or damage the surface leaving them unusable.

-Vinegar can strip the finish on wood flooring.

-Vinegar is also corrosive to aluminum /copper.

  • An alternative to vinegar is tea tree oil. you only need a teaspoon of tea tree oil into a cup of water for it to be effective.

  • The EPA recommends not using biocide agents such as bleach or strong cleaning solutions for a routine cleaning of mold.





The Process

1) The first step in any proper abatement which may potentially damage an occupant’s health is the PPE (personal protective equipment). Put on your goggles, eye protection, face mask, and gloves.

2) Use your spray bottle filled with either undiluted vinegar or the tea tree oil/water mixture to cover the affected areas, allowing the solution to sit for at least an hour.

3) Wipe down the surface with a towel or sponge, making sure to remove every spore in sight. Depending on how thick the biofilm is, the area may need several passes over. Dispose of all towels/sponges in your contractor debris bags. Make sure that the bag is sealed tightly to prevent the spread of spores to unaffected areas or materials.





Dangers to Watch for

  • Using improper goggles: Mold spores are microscopic in nature. This means when you’re shopping for the right goggles you want to make sure there are absolutely no vent holes which can allow any particulates or debris in.

  • Do not reuse the towels/sponges used during the abatement process.

  • Getting in over your head: If you believe that your mold infestation is large or complex, contact a professional to do the remediation before possibly putting you or your family's health at risk.





Preventative Measures

Here are some simple tips for you to try when preventing mold from infesting your home:

  • Inspect the area for leaks: Molds thrive under humid or wet conditions. This may be why you find yourself continually encountering mold in your home, you may have a leak. Inspect the area for any leaky pipes/defective plumbing.

  • Look for spots with concentrated condensation: If you notice water accumulating below your A/C unit, or you spill water, dry the area within 24-48 hours as mold spores can germinate within this timeframe. Make sure to eliminate the problem causing the concentration of liquid.

  • Improve air circulation: Having proper ventilation in areas that often accumulate humidity is essential to preventing mold. If you tend to take warm showers make sure to have sufficient ventilation set up in your bathroom.

Mold growth commonly occurs on shower tile due to issues such as improper air circulation.

  • Allow moisture generating appliances, such as dryers to vent to the outside of your home.




If you have followed all of these steps, and you find yourself in the same dilemma, you may have a more complex matter at hand which may need addressing from a professional mold remediation company. Available 24/7, certified and with over 30+ years of experience Flood Aid Restoration prides itself in being one of the highest quality local mold remediation companies serving the Greater Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Call today!

Jonathan Funes