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- 1). Check your home for dark and discolored spots on any walls or ceilings. Basements, crawl spaces and areas with poor ventilation are prime suspects, so check those first. If you find mold, you will need to eliminate any cause of dampness or moisture buildup before tackling the mold as the conditions for mold growth are still available.
- 2). The next step is to repair any leaks in plumbing by sealing or replacing joints and connections, or replacing older pipes as water can build up inside. Also check the water heater for cracks, rust and condensation. Replace the water heater if it is more than 10 years old.
- 3). Replace the seals around the bottom of the toilet as well as the toilet seat if it is torn or worn. If you find discoloration around the base of the toilet, you will need to either scrub the area or replace the tile.
- 4). Install exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom. You need to make sure there is adequate ventilation in these areas as moisture can easily build up there. If you can, keep the bathroom door open to allow air to flow freely.
- 5). Check for any damage to the roof. Damaged shingles or cracked surfaces can allow for standing water underneath, which promotes mold growth. You will need to replace the damaged surface, as simply covering it over will not solve the problem. Removing the damaged material will expose the underlying area and allow it to dry out.
- 6). Remove the mold. Do not move the affected area while the mold is present, as this can cause spores to spread and make the problem worse. You must clean the affected surfaces first before removing them. Scrub all surfaces with either a mild cleaner or a detergent. Use breathing masks and gloves while doing this. Be sure to take breaks every 20 minutes in a different area of the house not affected.
- 7). Carefully remove the affected area, if possible. Paneling and ceiling tile can be moved outdoors for the next step. Other items such as bedding, clothing, small rugs or window dressings should be taken to a laundromat for the next step. Pictures or large and heavy carpeting will need to be thrown away along with any paper items affected.
- 8). Scrub the entire surface on both sides with a mixture of 1 cup bleach and 1 qt. water. For items going to the laundromat, use a cup of bleach with the wash water. Wash the items using hot water. Be sure to take breaks during this process to allow yourself to breathe in fresh air and avoid the fumes of the bleach or cleaner. Wash linens and clothing as often as needed, but at least twice.
- 9). Allow the affected items to dry. After the items are dry, apply a solution of borate-based detergent and wash again. Do not rinse the detergent off as it kills any spores which may still remain. If the linen or clothing become bleach stained during the process, simply use them for rags and replace.
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Vacuum the floors to pick up any loose spores which may still be present. Also be sure to clean any surfaces which were in contact with the affected material using a good detergent. - 11
Consult your doctor about your mold allergy symptoms. She will most likely prescribe a medication such as Claritin, Zyrtec or Allegra for future allergy outbreaks.
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