- 1). Put on a breathing mask, goggles, rubber gloves and thick clothing that covers your arms and legs. When working with mold, you must protect your airways, eyes and skin. If you breathe in mold spores, they can cause allergic reactions, respiratory damage or infections.
- 2). Turn on an air purifier near the mold colony. This will minimize the ability of mold spores to redistribute to new locations. An air purifier can filter and disinfect stray dust particles, making the removal process safer in addition to preventing new colonies from forming.
- 3). Place moldy objects inside thick trash bags before sealing and moving them outdoors. Use the most direct route out of your home, such as through an open window. If you move moldy objects without the necessary precautions, the microscopic pores can travel to new locations and germinate elsewhere, while potentially endangering the health of others in your home.
- 4). Seal doors and vents using plastic sheeting and duct tape to contain the room that you wish to disinfect. If possible, situate an exhaust fan in the window (or turn on a ceiling exhaust fan, if you have one in the room). This will further prevent mold from spreading.
- 5). Dry the area using a portable dehumidifier or electric heater. For safety purposes, try to avoid using a gas heater, as it may expel carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide into the air, adding to the contaminants to which you already have exposure.
- 6). Spray a natural disinfectant over your moldy surface. Although chlorine bleach can destroy mold almost on contact, it also contains volatile organic compounds, which may endanger your health. For safe alternatives, spray undiluted white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, or spray diluted peroxygen bleach or boric acid (mixed with water according to the manufacturer's instructions). These products are all natural and contain no harsh fumes. Allow no fewer than 15 minutes for disinfection, then rinse with water and dry.
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