mold remediation

Bathroom mold isn’t something anyone is ever happy to see, but it is common. The bathroom is the ideal breeding ground for mold; it’s damp, warm, and a relatively small space. If you don’t sufficiently air out a bathroom with an extractor fan or by opening a window, that warmth and moisture can cause mold.

The most common areas to find mold in the bathroom is on caulk, grouting, and painted surfaces since it provides a porous surface for the mold to hold onto. Since you’re here, we can safely assume you have found mold in your bathroom, and you want to know how to get rid of it.

The good news is it’s straightforward to remove mold. Read on to learn how to clean the mold in your bathroom and prevent it from happening again.

Can I remove bathroom mold by myself?

Small amounts of mold that grow on caulk, grout, and painted bathroom surfaces can be removed during your normal bathroom cleaning. We’ll guide you through how to remove minor appearances of mold below, but if you discover a larger patch that has been developing for some time, it’s best to contact a Bathroom mold remediation company to remove it for you. Mold can be harmful to your health, especially when disturbed, so do not try to tackle anything that looks like it has been in place for some time.

How do I get rid of mold on grout?

If you’ve noticed some dark spots appearing on your grout, it’s likely little specks of mold. While sealed tile is mold-resistant, grout is not unless it is sealed regularly. If there’s just a little mold and your grout is white, you can use a simple bleach or white (distilled) vinegar solution to spray and rub away the mold. If it does not simply wipe away, you can leave it to sit for up to 30 minutes and use a small brush to scrub it away.

If you have colored grout, it’s best to speak to bathroom mold removal specialists as using bleach, vinegar, or baking soda may make the color fade, and so it’s best to seek specialist advice.

How do I remove bathroom mold from a painted wall?

If mold has grown on painted or wallpapered surfaces in your bathroom, you’ll need to be careful. You cannot use bleach, but some lightly diluted white (distilled) vinegar can be effective. Simply spray or wipe some of the solution over the mold and it should come away easily.

If your bathroom has been decorated with bathroom paint, this will be easier, but matt paint and luxury wallpapers can prove more of a challenge. If you’re not sure, a bathroom mold removal company can advise you.

How do I prevent bathroom mold?

• Use your bathroom extractor fan or open a window as you shower, or immediately after if it’s too cold
• If you have a shower curtain, pull it out straight (so it’s not bunched up) after showering so it can dry efficiently
• Make sure towels are hung up and can dry properly
• Wash towels, mats, and your shower curtain regularly
• Make sure your faucets don’t have a leak (even a constant drip can make the room more humid)
• Reseal your grout once a year
• Repair/replace caulking that’s no longer effective
• Paint over walls that have normal paint with special bathroom or kitchen paint, as it’s designed to be water and mold resistant

General Tips for your Bathroom

Proper ventilation in bathrooms is vital to lowering humidity. Besides piping systems behind the walls in the bathroom, showering and general sink use creates elevated humidity which can be a breeding ground for mold and create a mold condition. Extraction fans should be installed in bathrooms, you typically need a one-inch fan for every 100 sq. ft of bathroom space. Backsplashes and tubs should be recaulked and regrouted every 18 months regardless of the deterioration of the sealant of backsplashes.  Building materials used for bathrooms should exclusively be cement board, tile, and grout. Ultimately, framing of the bathroom should be used with metal studs not wood 2 x 4’s.  Once a leak has been identified, and sheetrock has been affected by water damage in a bathroom, it should be immediately replaced. Once sheetrock has been affected by water damage, as it dries, it becomes more porous. Porous building materials are a breeding ground for mold growth.

A mold inspection and testing are recommended when you are not sure if you have mold, especially if you can’t see it.  It may be in your bathroom behind a wall, inside the ceiling, or in an area that you can’t get to or see, you should contact a mold professional to help you.

CLICK HERE for a Bathroom Mold Inspection

Bathroom Mold Removal in New York

If you’ve found mold in your bathroom and it’s unsafe to handle alone or is in a difficult-to-reach area, we’re here to help. We’re mold remediation specialists in New York and will remove bathroom mold safely from your home or place of work, ensuring the health of everyone inhabiting the building. To find out more, click here.

Have you been away for a few days and come home to find your home smells musty? A strange smell is the most common early warning sign that you have mold in your HVAC system, but it can be easy to overlook.

We all get used to the smell of our homes so it can take leaving for a few days, the words of an honest friend, or noticing a difference in smell when your HVAC system is on or off to realize your home smells… well, moldy.

The good news is that if the musty smell is coming from mold in your air ducts, HVAC mold removal is a straightforward process. Read on to learn how it got there in the first place, ways you can get rid of it, and how to prevent it from reoccurring.

How do I know if there is mold in the air ducts?

Here are some common signs of mold in air ducts:

Smell

As we touched on above, a musty or strange smell is a common sign. You may notice the smell fluctuates as your HVAC system powers on and off.

Discoloration around air vents

If you notice some darkening or discoloration around your air vents, it may be mold. It’s also worth shining a torch inside to see if you can see any visible signs of mold inside your air ducts.

Check your drip pan

The drip pan collects moisture that’s pulled out of the air, so any blockage can create the right environment for mold to grow.

Allergic reactions at home

If someone in the home suffers from seasonal allergies or has a respiratory issue (such as asthma), they may find their symptoms are worse while in the home than in another environment. If the mold in the home is bad, or one that’s particularly harmful, it can even make people with no existing respiratory issues sick with feelings of dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

Note that you don’t always need to be able to see mold for it to be there. Spores in the air may be coming from an area you can’t see. It’s also worth checking other high-risk areas of your home if you’re not sure where the mold is, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, basements, and attics.

Why has my HVAC system got mold?

Mold needs just three things to grow: a habitable surface (a porous material), a little warmth, and some moisture. If mold spores find these three things, and there’s little in the way of airflow, it will grow quickly. That said, if your HVAC system is well maintained and working correctly, there shouldn’t be any opportunity for mold growth. Here are some of the most common reasons why mold may be growing in your HVAC system:

You’re setting your A/C too low

If you regularly keep your AC at a warm temperature to save on your energy bills but crank it down to sweater weather when you get home, you may be creating unnecessary moisture. When the cold air and warm air meet, the moisture in the warm air may collect on surfaces near the vents. This generally has to be quite an extreme temperature change (say, walking into your home at 82F and setting your thermostat at 62F), but it does happen.

Your AC is too big for the space

An AC unit that’s too small for a space will merely leave a room too warm, but one that’s too big can cause problems. While you feel cool and comfortable, the AC may not be running for long enough to effectively extract moisture from the air, allowing it to collect and provide the right environment for mold growth.

You have a leak

If you have a small leak in a water pipe in your home or you have a leak in your air ducts, it may create the right conditions for mold. A small leak in a water pipe may mean it’s slightly too damp in your home for your AC unit to sufficiently pull moisture out of the air. Equally, having a duct with a leak will allow warm air in, causing condensation where the warm and cool air meet.

How do I remove mold from air ducts?

If your HVAC system has mold, it’s a simple fix, but it does require the expertise of an HVAC mold removal professional. It’s not enough just to spray the areas with a bleach solution and go about your day – there’s a reason why mold is growing, and it needs to be found and treated. Mold can also grow in areas you can’t see, which must be dealt with by an HVAC Mold Remediation Specialist.

HVAC Mold Removal Specialists have the right equipment to remove the mold entirely, without putting your family or themselves at risk.

If you’re in New York, we’re here to help. Our HVAC mold removal technicians use video inspection equipment with our specialist cleaning equipment to cleanse your air ducts of mold.

To learn more about our HVAC Mold Remediation Services, CLICK HERE

How do I prevent mold from growing in my HVAC system?

Once you’ve had your HVAC cleaned (and if necessary, fixed), you’ll want to keep it running smoothly to prevent mold from growing again in the future. The best way to prevent getting mold in your HVAC system is to get regular services and cleans – getting your HVAC system serviced regularly will ensure everything can work as it should and having scheduled cleans will ensure you stay mold-free.

This is an especially good idea if your home is humid (common for those keeping fish tanks, houseplants, and reptiles), you deal with recurring mold (more common in older homes), you live in an area with high humidity, or if someone in the home has a respiratory problem.

Why a Mold Inspection and Testing is Important?

Mold in your home can be harmful and dangerous especially if you have a baby, children, or someone who is immune-compromised or has respiratory issues.  If you think you might have mold, it is worth spending the money to have a professional come to your home and do a mold inspection and mold testing.  It is important to do the research and find a reputable mold inspection company.  They will come to your home and inspect the areas with the mold issue.  The technician will determine where and how many tests should be taken.  They will take an air sample, swab sample, or tape sample.  It is sent to a laboratory for comprehensive results.  Within a week, you will be given a mold report and lab results.

Click here to learn more about a Mold Inspection in the New York area

When testing for mold in the HVAC, air sample testing is usually recommended since it is the best way to find out if you have a mold issue.  Air sampling captures a volume of air and measures the contaminants in it. You should hire a qualified professional mold removal company to do mold testing at your home or workplace.

Click here to Book a Mold Inspection with a certified Mold Remediation Company

If the laboratory results show that you have mold or mold in your ducts, you should consult a remediation company.  It is possible to DIY but it is time-intensive and you need to make sure it is properly removed or it can come back.  It may be better to hire a remediation company who have the training, expertise, and knowledge about effectively removing mold at your home or commercial building.  They will use commercial-grade chemicals, products, and equipment that you may not have.

HVAC Mold Removal in New York

When you suspect you have mold in your home or at work, mold in your HVAC system, or have found significant evidence of it, our experienced team is here to help. Our HVAC Mold Remediation Services ensure NYC households stay mold-free and keep you healthy, and breathing easily.

To Find Out More, CLICK HERE or to Book an Appointment, CLICK HERE.

Are you concerned about black mold in the home or workplace?

Mold plays an important role in the environment. This type of fungus breaks down organic matter and it’s even used to make clothes, furniture, and building materials. However, there is also such thing as “toxic mold” which most often refers to a mycotoxin called Stachybotrys chartarum. Now, that’s not to say there is only one type of toxic mold but rather to point to the importance of black mold removal.

But what is black mold exactly or the dangers associated with mycotoxins?

Potential Health Risks Associated with Black Mold

With prolonged exposure, mold and black mold can cause health problems. Black mold produces a toxin called mycotoxin. The main difference is black mold causes more severe symptoms on your health and respiratory system.

 Black mold is usually found on porous items such as drywall, padding, paper, and carpet. Long-term exposure to this mold is potentially harmful and there are different types of black mold such as the one mentioned above – Stachybotrys chartarum.

Stachybotrys chartarum features a greenish color and releases toxic chemicals called mycotoxins into the air. These fragments are dangerous when ingested and this is especially true for those who suffer from asthma or allergies of some kind.

Studies show that mycotoxins are linked to serious health issues. When ingested, these chemicals are known to cause mutations, cancer, and general toxic effects. In fact, drug resistant mold infections are the cause of serious concern for vulnerable people and “mycotoxicosis” is now a common term that refers to mold poisoning.

Either way, black mold is present in our daily lives and the potential dangers associated with this fungus is why mold removal companies are in high demand.

Reasons Why You Should Hire a Professional Mold Remediation Company? 

If you think you might have mold in your home or at work but are not sure, the first step is to hire a mold remediation company that can perform a mold inspection with sample testing (air or swab). Within 2-3 days, you will get laboratory results of the samples tested along with a report on their findings from the inspection and an evaluation of the lab results.

After the inspection and testing, it will give you peace of mind to know if you have mold or not, if it is toxic or not, and if it is a potential health risk to you and your family. The mold remediation company you hired for the inspection will also give you recommendations and advice on mold remediation and mold removal for the affected space.

If you can visibly see the mold, you can skip the mold inspection and save your money for the mold remediation you will need from a mold removal company.

Have questions Regarding Mold Removal ? Contact us here !

In need of a Mold Inspection In your Area? Contact Prime Aire Mold Inspections HERE  

Let’s take a closer look at some black mold symptoms!

Black Mold Symptoms That You Should Know About

While there is no concrete evidence that mold is the cause of specific symptoms, the WHO cites mycotoxins as a serious health threat. Most types of molds are also yet to be studied and evidence suggests that exposure to toxic mold should be avoided.

But how might you know if black mold is causing health problems?

Black mold poisoning is not always easy to detect because it shares the same symptoms with many other types of virus or health problems. For example, many people who have been exposed to black mold will cite problems with dry skin, coughing, and shallow breath. It’s also not possible to outline a definitive list because more research is needed when it comes to black mold symptoms in general.

– Bodily pains/aches

– Headache

– Sore throat

– Coughing

– Skin irritation

– Runny nose

– Itchy eyes

– Congestion in the nose

– Sneezing

– Tightness in the chest

– Shortness of breath

Please note the above are merely some examples of black mold symptoms.

Black mold symptoms are different for every individual. As already explained, the elderly are often affected and black mold is problematic for those with allergies or existing breathing issues. Babies and young children also have a higher sensitivity to mold and black mold since their immune systems are not fully developed yet.  This is also not a risk that needs to be taken and aside from contacting your doctor for health advice, the black mold needs to be eliminated.

How to Remove Black Mold from a Home and Building

Most people inhale mold spores every day and mold removal is the only way to eliminate this problem. If you find mold inside a building, there’s no need to perform a test and you should just want to remove this fungus to cleanse the area of fungus.

But how does a mold removal company go about this task?

There is a right and wrong way to go about mold removal and it’s possible to prolong this unwanted issue.

For instance, drywall is known to soak up moisture. Some homeowners decide to paint over the mold but this paint will eventually peel away over time. Instead, black mold should be removed from the wall and then painted afterward.

Let’s Take a Look at Some Steps for Black Mold Removal:

1. 1. Protection & Quarantine for Safe Mold Removal – It’s necessary to use the right protection for mold removal and a high-grade face mask is the first line of defense. Gloves and goggles are also recommended, and plastic sheeting is used the cordon off the area and stop the spores from spreading.At this point, a mold removal company will usually remove any items in the area which cannot be dried quickly and any items/furnishings etc. that show signs of mold.
   2. Identifying and Removing the Water Source – It’s then time to go about finding the source of the water that enables this mold to grow. This is sometimes due to a water leak but most often the result of poor ventilation and neglected areas of a building in which mold has emerged over time. Just so you know, black mold is unable to grow without moisture so removing the water source is a main priority for the mold removal company.
   3. Cleansing the Air for Better Ventilation – As explained, moisture control is key to preventing black mold and a well-ventilated house stands a better chance of remaining mold-free. Water leaks and damp areas will encourage the growth of mold and a lack of oxygen will quicken this process. Mold removal companies often use a desiccant dehumidifier to remove excess moisture in the air. Negative air scrubbing machines and HEPA vacuums are needed to remove allergens such as bacteria, fungi spores, mold spores, viruses, pollen, and dust mites. They are also effective on odors, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), vapors, and gases too.When it comes to DIY cleaning of a small area of mold, when using bleach or chemicals, make sure to wear protective gear on your hands and face with all doors and windows opened for ventilation.
   4. Scrubbing and Drying Hard Surfaces – There is no substitute to a bit of elbow grease for getting rid of mold. Clean affected area with water and detergent and make sure these same surfaces are bone dry at the end. A mold removal company uses anti-fungal coating on affected wood surfaces and porous building materials. They will sanitize, damp wipe, and surface treat with antimicrobial products all affected areas including walls, subfloors, exposed interior, studs, etc. (NOTE: Mold Removal Companies know how to take precautions during this process and avoid some potentially fatal pitfalls. It has happened that homeowners mix ammonia and bleach for the purpose of removing mold but this particular mixture creates a poisonous gas that can prove fatal – another reason to leave this job to a mold removal company.)
   5. Preventative Maintenance – While black mold treatment is recommended, the best way to avoid poisoning is by preventing this mold from growing in the first place. A mold specialist can recommend certain changes in a building to help prevent this growth in the future and ensure the local environment is free of any mycotoxins and black mold going forward.

What to Wear by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

8 Tips for Cleaning up Mold by the CDC:

Final Thoughts

For people with strong immune systems and full health, black mold symptoms may not feel so extreme. But black mold can certainly pose a danger to those with poor health or any allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues It’s also impossible to avoid the spores around us and harmful toxins when black mold is present in the area.

Either way, it’s important to remove black mold and a mold removal company is sure to eliminate the problem and protect against this fungus showing up in the future.

Now, do you need a mold removal company? Get in touch with our team.