Table of Contents:
         • About Mold
         • Health Effects
         • Detection of Mold
         • General Clean-Up Procedures
         • Soap Cleanup
         • Disinfect Surfaces
         • Useful Publications
         • Referrals to Occupational & Environmental Clinics
         • For Further Help or Information

  General Clean-Up Procedures 

         • Identify and correct the moisture source.
         • Clean, disinfect, and dry the moldy area.
         • Bag and dispose any material that has moldy residues, such as rags, paper, leaves, or debris.
 
What can I save? What should I toss? Substances that are porous and can trap molds, such as paper, rags, wallboard, and rotten wood should be decontaminated and thrown out. Harder materials such as glass, plastic, or metal can be kept after they are cleaned and disinfected.

Ultimately, it is critical to remove the source of moisture first, before beginning remedial action, since mold growth will return shortly if an effected area becomes re-wetted.

Removal of Moldy Materials After fixing the moisture source and removing excess moisture, the cleanup can begin:
 
         • Wear gloves when handling moldy materials.
         • Remove porous materials (examples: ceiling tiles, sheetrock, carpeting, wood products).
         • Carpeting can be a difficult problem -- drying does not remove the dead spores.
            If there is heavy mold, disposal of the carpet should be considered.
         • Bag and discard the moldy substances.
         • Allow the area to dry 2 or 3 days.
         • If flooded, remove all sheetrock to at least 12 inches above the high water mark.
            Visually inspect the wall interior and remove any other intrusive molds.
            (This step may have to be carried out by a licensed contractor).