Water Source

• The primary cause of mold growth is the mix of moisture and materials that feed the mold, such as the cellulose in drywall. Many materials can foster mold but it takes the addition of water to get it started. Problems such as plumbing leaks, damp basements and floods can cause the growth to begin. Once it has started, the growth continues until the water source is removed. Fix any plumbing leaks that drip beneath cabinets, caulk or block leaks in basements and remove water sources that should not be present. Dehumidifying damp areas with a dehumidifier that removes air moisture can help eliminate continued wet conditions that do not have a specific source.
  
  

Material Removal

• Take any materials that are contaminated by mold out of the location and dispose of them. These types of materials include carpets, wood flooring, paneling and especially drywall. Mold can be cleaned from non-porous materials like plastics, ceramic tiles and metal surfaces. Sealing or painting fibrous surfaces where mold contamination has permeated the material does not kill or deter the mold, and does not provide a safe method of removal. The disposal must be done properly, where the materials are sealed within plastic containers or trash bags. Some materials need proper disposal at waste collection sites that take contaminated materials, which are considered hazardous.
  
  

Cleaning

• Bleach solution is often an effective way to clean surfaces and materials; the key to cleaning is to kill the mold and remove its residue. There are a number of commercially available mold-cleaning solutions; some are more caustic than others, and should be tested on certain materials to verify they don't damage the materials further. Be sure all cleanable areas are checked because mold spores adhere to locations such as the inner workings of appliances, beneath carpet pads and in ceramic tile grout. These mold spores must be killed to prevent further growth. Fungicidal application to avoid further contamination is a useful preventative measure in cleaned areas after a mold contamination.
  
  

Protection and Containment

• Mold remediation should never be attempted without first protecting yourself and any undamaged areas from exposure to the spores. Disturbing the mold by tearing out and cleaning damaged materials spreads the spores to areas that may not have been exposed yet, and could cause a regrowth in a new location. Seal off the damaged area where work is taking place with heavy plastic sheeting and duct tape. Be sure the area is completely sealed. Use protective disposable suits, gloves, eyewear and respirators when tearing out contaminated materials. Materials should be sealed and bagged within the containment area before being taken out for disposal.