Mold Remediation: Tips & Safety

Because of the nature of mold and its possible health effects, one should use extreme caution. There are several things you should know before attempting mold remediation. These helpful tips will help you to make an informed decision.

Do Cover the moldy area with plastic to prevent mold spores from mitigating into other areas of your home or business.

Do Keep children, the elderly, people with allergies and other respiratory conditions out of the contaminated areas.

Do: If you must touch or handle the moldy surface always use proper protection, i.e. rubber gloves, mask and Tyvek protective suits.

Do Call a licensed industrial hygienist for proper advice and/or testing for levels of contamination. Your hygienist can provide you with a certificate of clearance upon completion of the mold remediation project. This in turn will be beneficial in the long run in the event that you decide to sell your home or property. After receiving a hygienist report, call a certified mold remediator to handle the project. Mold remediation can be a very difficult and tedious task and should only be preformed by a professional.

Do: If you have water damage, address the problem immediately. DO NOT WAIT! Call a professional restoration company to remove the water and begin the drying process. If left unattended and the conditions are right, mold can begin to grow within 48 to 72 hours.


Do not try to clean or remove mold on your own. Improper cleaning and/or removal can make the problem worse.

Do not try to kill the mold by spraying a disinfectant on the moldy surface. Mold is hydrophobic and the blast of the spray will cause mold spores to become airborne.

Do not allow your skin to come in contact with the mold. Mold can cause skin irritation, sores and can be transferred to other more sensitive areas of your body, i.e. eyes, nose, etc.

Do not paint over the moldy surface to try and hide the mold. This will not solve the problem. Mold will grow back through the painted surface in most cases.

Do not allow children, the elderly, or people with allergies to live in/or go into rooms or areas suspected of having mold contamination.

Do not ignore any musty odors. This is a warning sign telling you that you have a water intrusion somewhere in your home or business. This could be the beginning of a problem that could cost thousands of dollars to remediate if not properly addressed.

Water Damage: Tips & Safety
It is important to be well informed in the event of a water damage. Swift action and a little knowledge can help you make informed decisions.

Do Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs to avoid carpet staining and/or furniture damage.

Do Remove personal property from floors.

Do Transport computers to a dry environment, remove cover and blow dry with low air pressure.

Do Do your best to remove standing water using a shop vac or towels.

Do Remove saturated rugs / carpet when hard wood floors are at risk.

Do Turn on air conditioning or open windows to ventilate the area. This will prevent humidity from building up in the room and causing "secondary damage".

Do Avoid contact with water contaminated with sewage or resulting from flood damage (water entering from the outside environment). Sewage and flood damages are considered category 3 water damage. High levels of bacteria, pesticides and/or other contamination can result in serious health effects.


Do not use heat to dry closed building interiors without proper dehumidification. Heat could cause high humidity resulting in condensation on the walls, ceilings and contents. Build up of condensation can result in what is known as "secondary damage".

Do not: To avoid electric shock, never operate electrical appliances or equipment while standing on wet carpets or floors. Also, beware of wires and extension cords that could be in contact with the floor. Serious injury or even electrocution may result.

Do not go into rooms where ceilings are sagging and unstable.

Fire Damage: Tips & Safety

Do Clean and protect chrome trim on faucets and other bright work by washing with detergent and applying a coating of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or oil.

Do Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, draperies and carpeting.

Do Open windows for ventilation if weather permits.

Do Empty refrigerators and freezers if electricity is off, and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper to allow air circulation.

Do Remove pets to a clean environment if heavy fire residues are present.

Do Retain a contractor to board up open windows, roofs, or other penetrations in order to prevent additional damage,


Do not Wipe or attempt to wash fire residues from walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces. This can make the problem worse.

Do not Use carpeting or upholstered furniture impacted by heavy smoke residues or debris. This can permanently damage the fabric.

Do not Use food items or canned goods exposed to heat. Dispose of all perishable foods.

Do not Turn on computers, TVs, stereos or electrical appliances until they have been cleaned and checked.