Steps to how to properly remove mold from drywall like a trained professional
Instructions Difficulty: Moderate Things You'll Need 2 sets of latex gloves respirator mask hepa vacuum air scrubber drywall knife or razor blade 6mm plastic sheeting tyvek suit duct tape goggles spray adhesive Steps Step One 1. Mold needs moisture to grow. Stop the moisture before removal can take place. Step Two Assess the situation. If mold is larger than 10 sq. ft., it is advisable to consult a certified professional. If the mold is in an obvious location that can be contained, proceed. Also, use best judgement to determine if mold is on the surface (i.e. bathorrom shower steam can cause surface mold on paint which can be safely scrubbed off with a mild detergent like borax...do NOT use bleach) or if the mold might be through the surface (i.e. caused by a leaky pipe). If through the surface, follow proceeding steps. Step Three Wear appropriate respirator mask with dual filters commonly found at home depot or lowes for $30.00. Goggles should be also worn. Wear two sets of latex gloves and tyvek suit if area is large enough to warrant such action. Step Four Seal off area with plastic to contain area and prevent mold spore dispersal. Spray adhesives and duct tape work as great combinations to prevent containment from falling. Step Five Place air scrubber inside containment to filter air as you work to prevent broad contamination. While normal equipment that would be used in extensive contamination would easily pass thousands of dollars, a smaller air scrubber from home depot or lowes will work relatively well. Again size the situation and act accordingly. Step Six After containment is set up, hepa vacuum surface of drywall to remove the mycelium, possible mycotoxins and mold spores. This will prevent large amounts of mold from being released. Step Seven This is called a "glove box" removal method. Cut a box of 6 mm plastic 4 " wider and 4" longer than moldy area. Step Eight Spray "spray adhesive" to plastic and wait 30 seconds for plastic to become tacky. Step Nine Place 6 mm plastic box over moldy area. This will prevent the mold from dispering into air when you cut the drywall. Step Ten Take drywall knife or razor knife and cut the plastic sealed moldy area from the wall and carefully place inside a garbage bag. Duct tape air tight. Step Eleven Damp wipe benefect antimicrobial on uncontaminated drywall and hepa vacuum uncontaminated drywall to remove any remaining mold spores. Step Twelve Hepa vacuum containment and take down plastic and throw away in a 6mm plastic bag. Step Thirteen Dry area out as thoroughly as possible. Overall Tips & Warnings If the area is larger than 10 sq. ft., hire a professional. While not every mold is toxic, it is impossible to tell what kind is without laboratory testing which your home depot testing kit is not exactly science proof. Cultures, swab testing, and air sampling are the most common used methods. If consulting a professional, check credentials and references, and call the references! If you have been feeling ill, have allergy or respiratory problems, or "just have a feeling" that it could be a big problem...stop. Consult a professional before proceeding. Ripping out drywall can "open up a big can of worms", so be cautious. ********************************************************************** This message and its attachments may contain legally privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not disclose or use the information contained in it. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail and delete the e-mail. Any content of this message and its attachments which does not relate to the official business of Eraring Energy must be taken not to have been sent or endorsed by Eraring Energy. No warranty is made that the e-mail or attachment(s) are free from computer virus or other defect. ********************************************************************** [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
