How to Get Rid of Mold in Crawl Spaces Like a Pro in 6 Steps

The crawl space isnt really inviting. You dont go down there very often. Still, the wholehouse smells musty, and youve looked everywhere else. You grab a flashlight and take a peek. Right away, you can see the source of that unpleasant odor. Its there in the crawl space.

You know how to deal with the stuff under a sink. Do you know how to get rid of mold in a crawl space?

As a DIY project, crawl space mold remediation is usually manageable, but you have to be very careful. You need personal protection gear, the right cleaning products and plenty of patience.

When you tackle mold in crawl spaces, its dangerous for the same reasons mold thrives under your homes first floor. The area is dark, humid and badly ventilated. The conditions are ideal for a mold outbreak that can pose serious health hazards in a compact space.

Mold type is another health consideration.White moldin a crawl space is easier to remove than toxic Stachybotrys chartarum. DIY removal of this strain of black mold in a crawl space can be very dangerous to your health. Before starting your cleanup job, think abouttesting the moldso that you know exactly what youre dealing with.

When were asked about how to get rid of mold in crawl spaces, we always stress the importance of personal protection. Before you begin any DIY mold removal project, protect your health with an OSHA-ratedrespirator or face mask, non-vented goggles, heavy gloves and throw-away coveralls.

Wearing your protective gear, assess the extent of mold in the crawl space. Set up lights, and lay down plastic sheets to catch mold as its cleaned from surfaces. If the job seems too big, contact a mold remediation company right away.

Spray affected areas with afoaming cleaning productspecially formulated for mold removal. Allow it to expand and loosen mold, and then begin carefully cleaning surfaces.

Soak any remaining thin coats of mold with a homemademold-killing mixtureor mold-removal cleaner. Commercial products are usually more effective, and they often remove mold stains too.

Let affected areas dry, and then use a stiff bristle brush to scrub away any remaining mold. This can be a time-consuming process, but you want to remove as much mold residue as possible.

Carefully fold up your plastic sheeting, and seal it in a heavy trash bag. Dispose of coveralls, brushes and any other contaminated gear the same way. Keep bagged items stored outside until trash pickup.

There areseveral different waysto address crawl space climate, but a dehumidifier is usually the most effective and affordable solution. Consider installing a model designed to operate in tight places. Make crawl space inspection a part of spring and fall home maintenance.

As sure as you are of your DIY talents, dont risk taking on a job thats too big or too dangerous. We strongly recommend calling in a mold remediation service if:

Affected areas include damaged or rotted wood. Mold covers multiple areas larger than 3 square feet. You or any family members deal with allergies or respiratory problems.

Bringing in a mold remediation specialist also addresses issues like identifying and eliminating mold sources and repairing and replacing affected materials.

If you decide to take on mold in the crawl space, removal techniques are very important, so please follow our guidelines carefully. We want you to stay safe. Wear protective gear, and take your time. Let us know how your DIY mold removal project turns out by sharing your experiences with our online community through our Comments Section.

Dont hesitate to call us if you have any second thoughts about doing it yourself. We have years of experience withcrawl space mold remediationin Chicago and the suburbs. Our services cover residential and commercial properties, and our team members are industry certified in mold removal and remediation. When the job makes you think twice, call us first here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

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How to Get Rid of Mold in Crawl Spaces Like a Pro in 6 Steps