Mold becomes a problem inside our living spaces when organic material and moisture are available and combine. This allows the spores we all have in our homes to root and form colonies. Mold can develop into a serious issue if other circumstances exist such as mild temperatures (no hot or cold extremes), limited light, limited air flow, and a continuous supply of moisture or humidity. Today’s homes and businesses are built for less energy consumption. Unfortunately, when system failures occur it creates the potential for ongoing moisture, which leads to mold growth on any and all organic material. Click here to read Mold Testing and Remediation page.
MOLD in Bathrooms
Mold can be common in bathrooms. Even though bathroom floors, fixtures, even the lower half of walls are typically not made of organic materials, bathrooms tend to collect organic debris. Bathrooms also tend to be damp, have limited air flow, as well as limited light. Most common, mold in bathrooms can be found in tubs, showers, and sinks especially in corners; around the base of toilets on top of the flooring; on any caulked, grouted or porous surfaces, including exhaust fans. If a mold problem has been identified in a bathroom, it is important that all of the tools for control and remediation be implemented.
DIY Mold Removal from Bathrooms
- Wear gloves and a protective respiratory face mask
- Wet vacuum the grout or other porous material
- Clean the area with 10% bleach solution, detergent or an antimicrobial
- Fully dry the grout or porous area
- Seal the grout or other porous material with sealer
- Keep the area dry, when not in use
MOLD on Window Sills
A second common area to find mold is around window sills. In the Rocky Mountain region, due to the extreme cold temperatures, windows tend to condensate. This is due to the difference in air temperature on either side of the glass. Sadly with these extremes, moisture is not preventable. Also, there is more cleanup necessary due to the materials that are typically used in this area, i.e. drywall or wood. Here are suggested steps you may take to slow growth in this area and to also mitigate regrowth.
DIY Mold Removal from Window Sills
- Wear gloves and a protective respiratory face mask
- Completely dry the area with a towel, if wet
- Vacuum the area with a high quality HEPA vacuum (High Efficiency Particulate Air). It is important to dispose of the HEPA vacuum contents in plastic bag
- Once dry and vacuumed, sand the wood trim around the window to remove the stain. Apply new stain or paint, then let dry
- Follow up with a poly seal coating
Steps to Prevent Slow Growth from Returning
- Keep shower doors / curtains open to allow air circulation after use
- It is good practice to use fans to promote air circulation when running water
- Do not leave wet towels in the bathroom, particularly if there is visible signs of mold growth
- Keep the windows, sills and wood, as well as grout corners dry. This may mean toweling off condensation or standing water
- Raise blinds or drapes on window so air may circulate around and behind
- Keep window blinds, sills, trim, and glass clean from organics such as dust, pet hair, etc.
If Mold Becomes an Ongoing Problem, It’s Time to Call in a Professional
Most of us can read a book or watch online video tutorials for replacing lights, installing a new faucet, or setting a new vanity. The tools required for these projects are common household tools. However, would you tackle a plumbing job or an electrical job that required uncommon tools or specialty equipment? Common sense says no. Most of us acknowledge the training and experience a good plumber or electrician has received in order to be called a professional. We usually defer to them when a project becomes “professional” level. Would you believe though that many homeowners try to handle serious mold growth, water damage or fire clean up on their own? This work requires specialty equipment, uncommon tools, and detailed training. We all know the sequences of shoddy repair work which is why we would never tackle certain problems on our own, but rather reach out to the professional.
Blue Sky Services & Restoration technicians are trained and certified through IICRC, the restoration industry’s platinum standard for restoration processes. Our team understands the cut off between a DIY accident, a water damage event or intensive mold remediation and where our expertise and trained technicians are required. And, while there is a fine line between DIY and professional services, Blue Sky is here to help you make this important and health-supportive decision.