"If your competition is online, shouldn't you be?"

Mold problems appear as homes become more airtight, and this house mold is becoming more common. It is found in bathrooms, basements, and in closets.
 
We at Certified our specialists in mold remediation, "One reason for the increase in molds in the home can be attributed to the 1970's energy crunch. Homeowners, in an effort to lower heating costs, added insulation and tightened up their dwelling."

"The only way to control mold in the house is to control moisture," says Gimpert, "Just about any surface can be a food source for mold. Improper ventilation traps moisture and provides the medium for mold growth."

Molds flourish in dark, damp poorly ventilated places. Molds reproduce when dry spores float through air, settle on damp organic material and grow into new clusters. As they grow, they are visible as fuzzy growths with either a smooth, coarse, or a leathery surface.

Water is the key. Without it, molds cannot get started, much less spread. When an area is wet for even 24 hours, common molds can take hold. If water continues to sit, that is when a more lethal mold, such as Stachybotrys, can proliferate.
Inspect for water leaks, condensation stains, dark patches, or water damage on walls or ceilings. Those areas will be the source of the mold.

Repair the problem. If water or stains come from leaking water, such as a drainpipe, shower area, roofing, a basement wall, or poor window caulking, it must be repaired before cleaning up the mold. The same is true if the moisture is from lack of ventilation. An attic without vents, a busy bathroom without an exhaust fan, or basement cellar without a door vent, they will all need to be addressed before expecting the mold cleanup to last.

A homeowner should not tackle mold cleanups larger than a couple of square feet. Large areas of mold should be cleaned by professionals with respirators, gloves and protective clothing. Anyone with respiratory or health problems should NOT be cleaning mold. Children and persons not involved with the cleaning should not be in the area.

Visible mold may be scrubbed with detergent and thoroughly ventilated until it is dried. Detergent, Lysol, or a bleach solution may be used for cleaning smooth, hard surfaces.

I have read and heard many opinions about what is best to kill a mold. Some say ozone, others say household bleach, others claim hydrogen peroxide is best. Another group says only benzalkonium chloride will do the job. But they all agree you must remove the source of moisture that starts the mold. This is where Certified trained technician's can be of help to resolve the problem

If the surface is porous like drywall or ceiling tiles, they must be removed and replaced. Even wood must be cleaned, sanded or replaced so all signs of mold are eradicated.
 
Once an area is cleaned, paint with anti-microbial paint like Zinsser's Perma-White mildew proof paint. Add some ventilation and you should be free of mold once and for all.