Found in warm, damp locations with poor ventilation, black mold in homes is commonly caused by plumbing or environmental problems. If ignored, this fungi spreads quickly, exacerbating respiratory issues and damaging the property. Swift action is recommended, but for the sake of both your health and the integrity of the affected material, mold remediation should only be handled by professionals. While you wait, here are a few things you should — and shouldn’t — do. 

Do:

Close off the area.

To keep kids, pets, the elderly, and anyone else with a vulnerable immune system from getting exposed to the mold, block off the affected area. If possible, close the door. This also prevents any mold spores from traveling to different rooms.

Address the source.

Whether the mold was the result of a plumbing accident or a recent flood, the problem must be repaired. Mold remediation won't make much of a difference if water and moisture continue to seep into the area. Make the appropriate appointments with plumbers or home improvement contractors at the first sign of an issue.

Don’t:

Use a fan or hairdryer.

Although these tools can dry things up, they do so by pushing air out in certain directions; therefore, they end up blowing mold spores around the room. If you want to reduce the moisture in the air while you wait, use a dehumidifier instead.

Clean it with household bleach.

Part of the reason why mold remediation is so difficult to do on your own is that the spores can penetrate permeable surfaces. Bleach will only get the first layer and even then, it could inadvertently cause more spores to grow because it’s a water-based solution. 

If your home has been damaged in a flood or some other natural disaster, turn to the professionals at SERVPRO of Greater St. Augustine / St. Augustine Beach. The locally owned and operated company offers a wide range of emergency cleaning services, including mold remediation, fire damage repair, and water extraction, to residents throughout St. Johns County, FL. They know that, when it comes to your home, time is of the essence, so they’re available 24/7 for emergency service. To learn more about their cleaning process, visit the website. To schedule an appointment, call (904) 429-4457 today.