Mold is every homeowner's nightmare. From health problems to structural damage, the impacts mold can have on your household aren't worth messing with. If you discover mold anywhere in your home, your best bet is to contact a mold removal company as soon as possible. They have the tools and expertise not only to get rid of the mold but to ensure it doesn't come back. As they work, they should generally follow the steps outlined below.

Find the Root Cause of the Issue

Mold thrives in damp, warm environments. If you have a wet basement, for example, humidity levels in your home can be high enough to allow mold to thrive. According to This Old House, around 60% of homes in the U.S. have wet basements and 38% are at risk of developing mold due to moisture. They note that keeping basement humidity levels below 60% is key to preventing mold growth. Beyond humidity, other sources of mold-friendly moisture include flood water and plumbing leaks. Before the mold removal process truly begins, professionals find the root cause of the problem by locating leaks, determining the extent of flood damage, and taking note of the humidity level in your home.

Dispose of Damaged Materials

Since mold usually grows on water-damaged materials, one of the first steps in the mold removal process is to dispose of the materials it's growing on. Mold remediation professionals may cut out drywall, pull off baseboards, and remove carpets. In cases of severe mold contamination, furniture, drapes, and insulation may need to be removed. Mold removal specialists bag up the contaminated materials in thick plastic bags before taking them off the property. This keeps the mold spores from spreading through your home during the remediation process.

Clean the Area Thoroughly

Even after all visibly moldy materials have been removed from your home, mold spores could still be present in nearby areas. To prevent regrowth, professionals thoroughly clean the room where the mold was located. They use commercial-grade mold cleaners to destroy spores before they can take root anywhere else in your home.

Replace Damaged Materials

Once there is no sign of mold left in your home, the remediation professionals will replace the materials they removed. Drywall, insulation, flooring, and baseboards are the most essential materials to replace. If your homeowner's insurance covered the mold damage, they may also cover the cost to replace damaged furniture. Once everything has been replaced, your home will be back to the state it was in before the water damage and mold made it unsafe.

If mold has contaminated your home, don't delay. Reach out to our mold removal team at Best Cleaners LLC today to take your space back. We look forward to making your property mold-free.