Get Rid Of Mold First--Sell House Second

Mold is bad news for homeowners. The little fungi not only causes panic at insurance companies, but can actually make the people living with it sick. If you are in the process of selling your home, get rid of the mold before a buyer or their inspector spot it.

Getting Rid of Mold 101:

Mold needs only 3 things to grow and flourish in your home and You only need your eyes to spot it.

• Moisture
• Nutrients
• Suitable place to grow

Mold Clean-up and Removal:

1. Identify and fix the Moisture Problem: Common sources of indoor moisture include flooding; condensation; roof leaks; basement water seepage; plumbing leaks; overflow from the tub, sink or toilets; firewood stored indoors; humidifiers; inadequate venting of kitchen or bath; venting a clothes dryer indoors; line drying laundry; houseplants.
2. Dry all Wet Materials: As soon as possible. For severe moisture, use fans and dehumidifiers. Remove all wet items away from walls and off floors.
3. Remove and Dispose of Mold Contaminated Materials: Bag and throw away any porous materials that have mold. Non-porous surfaces with mold can be saved if they are well cleaned and kept dry. Always throw out any porous material that has come in contact with sewage. Caution: Protect yourself and others before disturbing mold. To minimize exposure wear rubber gloves, eye goggles, pants and long sleeved shirts that can be removed in the work area and laundered or thrown away and a dust filter mask. Enclose all moldy materials in plastic bags or sheets. Separate the work area from the rest of your home with plastic sheeting. Damp clean the entire area to pick up settled mold in dust.
4. Clean Surfaces: Thoroughly scrub all comtaminated surfaces with a stiff brush, hot water and a non-ammonia detergent or commerical cleaner. Collect excess cleaning liquid with a wet/dry vac, mop or sponge. Rinse area with clean water and collect excess rinse water.
5. Disinfect Surfaces: Disinfectants may kill mold missed by the cleaning. In case of sewage contamination, disinfection MUST be used. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water. The solution can be sprayed or sponged on. Collect all run-off water. DO NOT rinse the bleach off. Allow it to dry on the surface. As always, handle bleach with caution and test a small area before applying.
6. Mold Watch: Always be on mold alert. Watch areas of past growth. If mold returns, repeat cleaning steps and consider a stronger disinfectant solution. Mold regrowth may also signal that the material should be removed or that moisture is not yet controlled. Allow plenty of time for materials to dry completely before rebuilding or refurnishing. Drying out wet materials often takes a lot of time.

Thank you for reading and best of luck in getting the mold out. If you have questions or comments email tommi@infotube.net