Cleanup of Visible Mold

The following information is taken for the most part from the EPA material presented in Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. This information is presented as a guideline reference. It should be noted that other approaches and cleaning methods can be as effective as the those presented in this guideline. There are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contamination as of December 2000. These guidelines are based on the area (in square feet) of visible mold growth. It is quite possible that if mold is visible that mold growth is also occurring in areas not visible such as the interior of walls, under wallpaper or carpet, and in cavities such as an attic or crawl space. To be assured that a mold problem will not reoccur the water problem must be fixed because if there is a source of water mold will reoccur especially in an indoor environment.

First
Before attacking the mold and after stopping the source of the water aiding the mold growth appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be selected for the job. There are three levels to be considered.

Second
To keep mold contaminants from being dispersed throughout the building i.e. through the heating and ventilation ductwork or tracked to other rooms. Containment is required. Listed below are two levels of containment.

Third
Cleanup methods:
Use the methods listed below if the water source does not contain contaminates such as from a sewer backup or contain chemical pollutants. If contamination is suspected seek professional advice.

Minimum:
Gloves, goggles/eye protection, andN-95 respirator

Limited:Gloves, goggles/eye protection, N- 95 respirator or half-face respirator with HEPA filter, and disposable overalls

Full:
Gloves, disposable full body clothing, head gear, foot covering, goggles/eye protection, N- 95 respirator or half-face respirator with HEPA filter

Limited:
Use polyethylene sheeting ceiling to floor around the effected area with slit entry and covering flap; maintain area under negative pressure using a HEPA filtered fan exhausted to outdoors. Block supply and return vents within contaminated area.

Full:
Use two layers of fire-retardant polyethylene sheeting with airlock chamber. Maintain area under negative pressure using a HEPA filtered fan exhausted to outdoors. Block supply and return vents within contaminated area.

Method 1: Wet vacuum (in case of porous materials, some mold spores may remain in the material but will not grow if the material is completely dried). Steam cleaning is an alternative for carpets and some upholstered furniture.

Method 2: Damp-wipe surfaces with plain water or with water and detergent solution scrub as needed (finished wood surfaces - use wood cleaner)

Method 3: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum after material is thoroughly dried. Dispose of vacuum contents in well-sealed plastic bags.

Method 4: Discard* - remove water-damaged materials and seal in plastic bags while inside of containment, if present. Dispose of as normal waste. HEPA vacuum area after it is dried.

*Damaged materials: If you feel these materials are valuable have them cleaned and/or restored by professionals.

See also the fact sheet on guidelines for cleaning mold based on the area visibly affected.

DuPage County Health Department

Environmental Health Services

Cleanup of Visible Mold