- 1). Search for areas that may support mold growth, especially after severely wet weather. This may involve an extensive search, including appliances, furnace ductwork, outdoor drainage, and any other closed-in areas that are not exposed to good ventilation. You may find it useful to write down or sketch problem areas as you find them.
- 2). Begin or plan mold removal you can conduct yourself. Arresting mold development may be as simple as scrubbing the shower with bleach and reminding users to leave the curtain open and the vent fan on after showering. It may be as complicated as professional cleaning of furnace ductwork throughout the house.
- 3). Throw away household objects tainted by mold unless they can be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Stacks of paper, fabrics and cardboard are particularly susceptible to hosting mold repeatedly. Since clean air depends on removing mold deposits, this may mean disposing of wallboard, sheetrock and other structural materials as well as possessions.
- 4). Evaluate ventilation capacities and strategies throughout the house. This may mean installing additional fans or dehumidifiers in basement, attic and other customarily closed-in areas.
- 5). Examine outdoor landscaping with a view toward improving indoor air quality. Large patches of moss in the lawn or against foundation masonry may indicate chronically damp areas. Blocked or inadequate downspouts may prevent rapid drainage of rain water and snow. Land sloping toward the foundation, tight massing of groundcovers against the foundation and any chronically muddy areas all suggest mold-prone areas that may be allowing mold into your house and your indoor air.
- 6). Contact your local health department or county/state department of environmental protection for further help with large-scale mold removal.
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