HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommend that people take precautions when cleaning mold from a home that has been flooded.
If you see mold that covers more than 10 square feet, the CDC recommends you consider getting a professional to remove it.
You can clean a small amount of mold yourself with a solution of no more than one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Use the mixture to wash things such as floors, stoves, sinks, certain toys, countertops, flatware, plates, and tools.
If the surface of the item is rough, scrub the surface with a stiff brush.
Rinse the item with clean water, then dry it or leave it out to dry.
Be sure to wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, goggles, and a protective N-95 mask purchased at your local home supply store, and follow the instructions on the package for fitting the mask tightly on your face. A dust mask or handkerchief will not protect you because mold can pass through it.
Open windows and doors to get fresh air when you use bleach, and remember to never mix bleach or products containing bleach with ammonia or products containing ammonia. Read the label on any product to see what it contains.
If you are allergic to mold, or have asthma, being around mold may make your condition worse. If you have a chronic lung condition or a weak immune system, you could develop mold infections in your lungs and you should try to avoid buildings contaminated with mold. If you think that mold is affecting your health, please see your health care provider.
Absorbent or porous materials - such as ceiling tiles, carpet, drywall, insulation, clothing, leather, paper and wood - should be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely. Things that stayed wet for two days have mold growing on them, even if you can't see it.
If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books. Be sure to ask for and check references. Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.
Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.
Do not turn on furnaces or air conditioners until they have been cleaned. They will spread mold spores around the home.
SOURCE: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
