Here is some information on removing mold odor from your home. Not only is this physical work but the effects of mold odors are not healthy. First, there are several different forms of mold. The different forms are yeasts, molds and mushrooms. These types of fungi grow in a wet and warm environment and use the moisture as a food source. The warm temperature is what helps the fungi grow and start to smell bad. None of them are healthy and prolonged exposure can cause sickness. Typical health problems are respiratory and cold like symptoms that can lead to further sickness. So, when removing mold and mildew make sure you use the proper cleaning equipment or hire a professional company. If you choose to remove mold & mildew odor yourself here are some tips.

1. First, the mold must be removed! So, be sure to find all of the mold sources. Mold can grow in the tiny cracks and crevices on walls, floors, ceilings and appliances. If the mold is not removed it will continue to grow and smell. Do not waste your time with fancy solutions that claim they can remove mold with one squirt from a spray bottle. These products are typically formulated to assist with mold clean-up….not remove! So, you need to make a trip to your local grocery or hardware store and pick-up a few products. You are going to need a spray bottle, scrub brush, bleach, plastic gloves, cotton towels, five gallon bucket and a mop. These are the basics, some might want to use aggressive sponges or any other household cleaning tool. Just make sure it is hard enough to scrub without causing damage to floors, walls and counter tops etc… Before you start the cleaning process make sure to turn off your home or office ventilation system. If not, this can spread mold spores through the house and make the problem worse. Also, when using chemicals make sure the room or area is well ventilated. Always read the label on the bottle so you know exactly what you are dealing with.

2. Once you have found the mold problem and prepared your chemicals and tools the cleaning process can begin. You are going to make a bleach solution from one part bleach to ten parts water for mold growth or one part bleach to five parts water for more intense growth. Be sure not to spill this solution…can ruin fabric. Once the solution has been mixed be sure to wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear is also recommended.

3. There are several ways you can apply the bleach solution to the molded area. For walls, floors and easy to reach areas the scrub brush will work just fine. But, for harder to reach areas such as baseboard cracks, ceiling cracks or areas out of reach you want to use the spray bottle. When spraying overhead for ceiling cracks do not breathe mist or fumes! Be sure to saturate the area well and then scrub with the brush or sponge. When scrubbing, you will see the mold begin to break up and the mold color fade. Scrub until the mold has disappeared! For easy to reach areas you are going to dip the scrub brush or cleaning tool into the bucket and begin to scrub the molded areas. Scrub until the mold is gone. You can then use the cotton towels to dry the wet areas or let air dry. Floors are simple! Mop the floor with the bleach solution and let soak for a few minutes. Be sure to scrub the floor until the mold is completely gone. Be sure to rinse the mop thoroughly before using in another area. This process is for hard surface floors only! Not carpet!

4. The drying process is simple to follow. You can use the cotton towels for clean-up or let dry naturally. It’s best to get rid of any moisture immediately! After the clean-up is finished, make sure the room or area is not exposed to warm temperatures or water and has dried completely. In severe cases a dehumidifier is recommended. This is a special machine that is used by restoration companies to remove moisture from the air, walls, and carpet. These machines can be rented at your local carpet cleaning supply company….if they have one. Also, having your air ducts cleaned is recommended. There could be mold spores trapped in your system and filters. So change the filters! Keep your home at a cool temperature, this will help prevent the mold from returning and the smell down. At this point, the mold smell should be gone! If not, call a professional.