Drying the surface is the first step when cleaning mold. To speed up the process, open doors and windows and use a dehumidifier or air motors. Leather clothing and furniture should be cleaned with a solution of water and phosphate-free detergent, then dried thoroughly and conditioned. Washable garments should be pre-treated with ammonia-free detergent and then washed at the highest temperature with detergent and bleach.
To reduce the risk of mold forming, clean the joint between loads to keep it clean and dry. If you need to clean up a large amount of mold, wear protective equipment such as an N95 respirator and gloves. Porous and semiporous objects should be consulted with the owner to identify items of high intrinsic value that should be cleaned rather than discarded. A HEPA vacuum is ideal for medical facilities, clean rooms, computer laboratories or highly sensitive areas.
Cleaning the inside of walls is difficult but can be done with a ladder, help from a friend, or an extendable pole. Mold on dishes can be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide. For best results, hire a professional cleaning company that has experience cleaning homes exposed to mold. Paint can form a protective barrier that prevents mold from entering the wood, making cleaning faster and easier.
When inspecting for mold, appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. All porous or semi-porous items with visible mold growth should be discarded unless their value justifies specialized cleaning techniques such as freeze-drying, using an ozone chamber, or solvent washing. Follow the recommendations provided by your mold remediation technician on cleaning or handling items exposed to mold.
