If you are unfortunate to have flood damage in your basement or other areas from a bad storm such as a hurricane the chances of developing mold multiply as it is usually some time before repairs or remediation measures are taken. Likewise if you have a slow leak that goes undetected an otherwise minor problem could develop into a major one that requires much more expense and gives mold a chance to spread uncontrollably.

Mold remediation should be immediate once a mold problem has been identified, but sometimes that is not possible or it is not detected early enough. If you have visibly identified mold the chances are it has already spread behind walls, under carpets or behind an appliance. If you only suspect that you have mold because of a musty odor in a room or in a closet, it is best to do an inspection and a test for mold throughout your home.

You can do an inspection and test for mold yourself or you can hire a professional who is certified and trained to do this type of work. Home mold testing kits are available along with instructions on how to take samples and how to send those samples to a laboratory for testing. The laboratory will identify the types of mold present in your home and the extent of the contamination.

Some materials can have the mold removed with professional cleaning, however some others must be discarded if the mold is too widespread or the mold cannot be totally removed. This includes carpeting, rugs, upholstered furniture or leather. Materials made of metal or glass or hard plastic can usually be cleaned with soap or a detergent that does not include ammonia. After drying they should be disinfected with a solution of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water with this left on the surface for at least fifteen minutes.

Rooms or areas of rooms such as under a sink or a ceiling area might need to be completely torn out to determine the extent of the mold contamination. Whole walls, flooring or ceilings might have to be removed and exposed before mold remediation can take place. Once you know what areas need to have mold removal and repair, you can then proceed with the process.

If you have a significant mold presence that needs to be eradicated, it is recommended that you use a professional service to remove the mold properly. The areas should be closed off with plastic sheeting or other protective shielding to minimize the risk of contamination in other areas of the home. Protective gloves, goggles and garments should be used along with a respiratory mask and other safeguards to ensure that no one is exposed to the mold being removed. The Environmental Protection Agency has recommended biocides that are used to kill molds and professional mold remediation services will ensure that your home is free of mold and that repairs can be started to restore your home. If mold infestation is not addressed, it can cause your home value to decrease as well as cause health risks for your family.