How to Get Rid of Internal Mold Growth

Mold can pose potential health risks, which is why the removal of mold is important when it is found in your home. Mold produces spores that can circulate inside your home. When a spore lands on an object, it will grow, reproduce and consume whatever it lands on in order to survive. Mold can be identified by long, branching threads that appear like colorful cobwebs. If you have extreme moisture and humidity in your home, mold can be easily sustained. If you intend to remove mold from your home, caution should be taken.

Things You'll Need

• Paintbrush
• Bleach
• Water
• Scrub brush
• Bucket
• Tarp
• N95 or N100 disposable respirator (half-face mask)
• Rubber gloves
• Eye goggles
• Old clothes
• Mop or towels

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Instructions

• 1

  Test for signs of active mold growth using a paintbrush.

  Look for signs of mold growth around your home. Take a paintbrush and lightly brush the mold. If the mold smears, the mold is still active (producing spores). If the mold flakes, the mold is inactive.

• 2

  Minimizing moisture in your home will help prevent mold growth.

  Investigate any possible pipe leakage around your home. Immediately fix leaks to reduce the growth of mold.

• 3

  Seal up contaminated items for disposal.

  Remove any items that have been contaminated by mold growth. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, items such as insulation, carpet and carpet padding, paper and wood products that have been contaminated should be bagged and thrown out.

• 4

  Quarantine noncontaminated areas from affected areas. Use a plastic tarp to separate mold-growth areas from the rest of your home.

• 5

  Thoroughly clean the affected areas.

  Put on protective gear that includes rubber gloves, eye goggles, clothing that can be thrown out and a respirator. Mix a solution of a half-cup of bleach per gallon of hot water in a bucket.

• 6

  Get rid of spilled solution.

  Scrub the areas of mold growth with the solution. Allow the bleach solution to penetrate affected areas. However, wipe up any excess fluid that spills onto other surfaces with a mop or towel. If you use a towel, place the towel into a garbage bag to be disposed of.