Hocking County
Health Department
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Accessible text version of Mold Clean Up (PDF). Hocking County Health Department, 350 St Rt 664N, Logan, OH 43138, 740-385-3030.

Mold Clean Up
Six Steps to get rid of mold you see in your home.

  1. Find and fix the water problem

    This is the most important step.

  2. Dry anything that is wet

    • Start as soon as possible.
    • Move wet items away from walls and off floors.
    • For larger problems, use fans and dehumidifiers.

  3. Get rid of moldy items

    Cover with plastic and throw out

    • Moldy clothes, fabric covered furniture, drywall, insulation, plaster, carpet/carpet pad, ceiling tiles, wood products (other than solid wood), and paper products.
    • If sewage has been in the house, throw all soiled items out.

  4. Protect yourself and others

    During mold clean up, wear:

    • Long sleeves and long pants – put directly in laundry after use.
    • Rubber gloves.
    • Eye goggles.
    • N-95 rated “dust” mask available at hardware store.

    If anyone in the home has asthma or a chronic disease – do cleanup when they are out of the house.

  5. Clean solid surfaces

    • Scrub all moldy surfaces using a stiff brush, hot water and a non-ammonia soap or detergent.
    • Collect excess cleaning liquid with a mop, sponge, or wet/dry vacuum.
    • Rinse area with clean water and remove rinse water.

  6. Disinfect surfaces (if desired)

    • Mix 1/2 cup bleach per gallon of water.
    • Spray, sponge or wash on moldy areas.
    • Allow to sit on the surface for 15 minutes.
    • Collect any remaining bleach solution with a sponge, or mop, or wet/ dry vacuum.

    Warning! Do NOT mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners!

Be on MOLD ALERT!

When can we rebuild?

You can rebuild if the moisture problem is fixed, all mold is cleaned up, and everything is dry.

Note: This fact sheet is a basic clean-up guide for small areas of mold growth. Other safety steps may be needed. When in doubt, stop work and seek advice from your local health department or an experienced mold professional.

Source: Fact Sheet: Mold In Homes. Minnesota Department of Health, Environmental Health Division, Indoor Air Unit. http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/mold/index.html

Publication Date: 3/2004.