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Entering a home or building with mold damage requires a "safety-first" approach to your clothing. Because mold spores are microscopic and readily adhere to fabric, your clothes serve as your primary barrier against health risks and cross-contamination.
To protect yourself and prevent spreading the mold, choose disposable coveralls or slick, non-porous materials that are easy to clean or discard after use.
What to wear before entering a home or building with mold damage.
- Goggles or eye protection
- N-95 respirator or one that provides even more protection (check packaging for N-95)
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Long pants
- Waterproof boots
Mold Clean-up
- Toss. Anything wet with floodwater that can't be completely cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours should be taken outside. Take photos of discarded items for filing insurance claims.
- Air it out. Open all doors and windows while you are working, and leave as many open as you safely can when you leave.
- Circulate. When it is safe to use electricity, use fans and dehumidifiers to remove moisture.
- Don't mix cleaners. Don't mix products. DO NOT mix bleach and ammonia because it can create toxic vapors.
- Scrub surfaces. Clean with water and detergent. Remove all visible mold. Dry immediately.
- Don't cover it. Painting or caulking over mold won't prevent it from growing. Fix the water problem completely and clean up all the mold before painting or caulking.
- Dry it up. Dry your home and everything in it as quickly as possible, within 24-48 hours if you can.