What Is the Difference Between Mold Removal and Mold Remediation?

Professional mold removal and mold remediation are two different processes. A professional mold remediator will conduct a thorough inspection, determine the extent of the damage and use high-efficiency equipment to remove the infestation. Mold remediation is more than just eliminating visible mold – it involves sanitation, air filtration, and other steps to prevent future mold growth. Removing visible mold using fogging or injecting solutions may alleviate some health risks but does not stop additional exposure to airborne fungal spores that causes mold allergies and potential respiratory issues.
Mold Removal: How It’s Done

When you start with assessing your home and need help with quick mold removal, it’s essential to know the difference between mold remediation and mold removal. The first step in this process is to power down any equipment that could cause a spark – such as your refrigerator, furnace, or electronics – before they can ignite combustible gases released by exposure to water or high heat. In the event of sewage backup, for example, you must immediately shut off the electricity and gas supply lines leading into your home, as well as those from the city sewer main.

Next, remove all valuables from the room where you will perform mold removal. Then, open windows and run fans for 24 hours to extract excess moisture from the air. A blower door test will help determine how much air exchange is needed to dry out your home. If you have more than one room that requires mold removal, put up plastic sheeting as a barrier to keep moisture from spreading.

The next step is to remove surface mold and clean all of the affected materials. Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner with a 3-stage filtration system and disposable wet/dry vacuum bags. The use of non-disposable vacuums can spread contaminants and create more work later on – essentially prolonging the cleanup process. Seal off the area using heavy plastic sheets or tarps, and place desiccant dehumidifiers inside it to draw the moisture out of the air by absorbing it into their hygroscopic.
When the moisture content of the air is below 50%, you can start to remove the mold using a HEPA-filtered portable fogger. Found in rental stores, this device releases an EPA-registered fungicide that kills and controls mildew. The type of chemicals used will vary depending on the severity and type of problem. Make sure not to use bleach because it tends to produce harmful vapors when mixed with water – creating chemical fumes that are more dangerous than the initial mold problem itself.