How to Reduce Mold in a House

Mold accumulates due to poor ventilation, water damage and high humidity levels. Water-damaged carpeting, upholstery and insulation require aggressive treatments with an extraction vacuum and commercial cleaning products or services, and may need to be replaced if damage is severe and mold growth has begun. Porous and nonporous hard surfaces can be cleaned with store-bought mold detergents and homemade bleach and water solutions.

Things You'll Need

• Garbage bag
• Nonpermeable gloves
• Protective eye goggles
• Protective nose/mouth mask
• 1 cup bleach
• 1 gallon clean water
• Large container
• Hand soap
• Abrasive sponge
• Dehumidifier, fan or space heater

Instructions

1. Put on eye wear, mask and gloves to eliminate inhalation and skin contact with mold spores and bleach fumes. Remove any mold-infested textiles or materials in garbage bags. Tie the garbage bags shut to prevent mold spores from spreading through the air.

2. Unplug and disassemble the fan or dehumidifier according to product directions. Clean each section, using water and liquid hand soap to eliminate dust, as dust transports mold spores. Place appliances in direct sunlight or wipe thoroughly with a towel. Allow 15 minutes to dry.

3. Place the fan or dehumidifier within 5 feet of the mold-infested surface. Ventilate the area being cleaned. Open windows and turn on the fan or dehumidifier to eliminate moisture and fumes.

4. Pour 1 cup of bleach into the large container. Fill the container with 1 gallon of water. Mix the bleach and water solution thoroughly. Soak an abrasive sponge in the bleach and water solution. Scrub hard surfaces such as floors, walls, tiles and appliances until visible mold disappears.

5. Continue to decrease moisture by ventilating wet areas and surfaces. Dry surfaces with towels, using space heaters and fans to speed up the drying process. Discard the sponge, gloves and bleach solution.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider removing carpets from damp rooms such as bathrooms and basements. Keep indoor humidity levels lower than 60 percent with dehumidifiers and air conditioners to prevent recurring mold growth.

• Do not mix the bleach and water solution with other chemical products, as it will become toxic.

References

• The Environmental Protection Agency: Cleaning Mold
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention