Cleanup of Visible Mold
The following information is taken for the most part from the EPA material presented in Mold Remediation in
Schools and Commercial Buildings. This information is presented as a guideline reference. It should be noted that
other approaches and cleaning methods can be as effective as the those presented in this guideline. There are no
EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contamination as of December 2000. These guidelines are based on
the area (in square feet) of visible mold growth. It is quite possible that if mold is visible that mold growth is also
occurring in areas not visible such as the interior of walls, under wallpaper or carpet, and in cavities such as an attic
or crawl space. To be assured that a mold problem will not reoccur the water problem must be fixed because if
there is a source of water mold will reoccur especially in an indoor environment.
First
Before attacking the mold and
after stopping the source of the
water aiding the mold growth
appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) must be
selected for the job. There are
three levels to be considered.
Second
To keep mold contaminants from
being dispersed throughout the
building i.e. through the heating
and ventilation ductwork or
tracked to other rooms.
Containment is required. Listed
below are two levels of
containment.
Third
Cleanup methods:
Use the methods listed below if the
water source does not contain
contaminates such as from a sewer
backup or contain chemical pollutants. If
contamination is suspected seek
professional advice.
Minimum:
Gloves, goggles/eye protection,
andN-95 respirator
Limited:
Use polyethylene sheeting ceiling
to floor around the effected area
with slit entry and covering flap;
maintain area under negative
pressure using a HEPA filtered fan
exhausted to outdoors. Block
supply and return vents within
contaminated area.
Method 1: Wet vacuum (in case of
porous materials, some mold spores may
remain in the material but will not grow
if the material is completely dried).
Steam cleaning is an alternative for
carpets and some upholstered furniture.
Limited:Gloves, goggles/eye
protection, N- 95 respirator or
half-face respirator with HEPA
filter, and disposable overalls
Full:
Gloves, disposable full body
clothing, head gear, foot
covering, goggles/eye
protection, N- 95 respirator or
half-face respirator with HEPA
filter
*Damaged materials: If you feel
these materials are valuable
have them cleaned and/or
restored by professionals.
Full:
Use two layers of fire-retardant
polyethylene sheeting with airlock
chamber. Maintain area under
negative pressure using a HEPA
filtered fan exhausted to outdoors.
Block supply and return vents
within contaminated area.
Method 2: Damp-wipe surfaces with
plain water or with water and detergent
solution scrub as needed (finished wood
surfaces - use wood cleaner)
Method 3: High-efficiency particulate
air (HEPA) vacuum after material is
thoroughly dried. Dispose of vacuum
contents in well-sealed plastic bags.
Method 4: Discard* - remove waterdamaged materials and seal in plastic
bags while inside of containment, if
present. Dispose of as normal waste.
HEPA vacuum area after it is dried.
WARNING!!! Mold CAN transfer into your new home or workplace and contaminate that space if
you don’t thoroughly clean the items first!!! Over 100 sf contamination: Seek a professional service.
Guidelines for Cleaning Mold Effected Areas
Note: Particular attention must be paid if people in the building have sensitivities, are immune compromised, are
young children or could be in anyway maybe affected by mold. Possibly they should not be present when the work
is being preformed.
Small Areas - Total surface area effected less than 10 square feet
Material or Furnishings Affected
Books and papers
Cleanup Method
Containment
3
Carpet and backing/padding
1,3
Concrete or cinder block
1,3
Hard surface, porous
flooring(linoleum, ceramic tile,
vinyl)
1,2,3
Non-porous, hard surfaces(plastics,
metals)
1,2,3
Minimum
N-95 respirator
None
Gloves
required
Goggles
Upholstered furniture & drapes
1,3
Wallboard(drywall and gypsum)
3
Wood surfaces
Personal Protective
Equipment
1,2,3
Medium Areas - Total surface area effected between 10 and 100 square feet
Material or Furnishings Affected
Books and papers
Carpet and backing/padding
Concrete or cinder block
Cleanup Method
Containment
3
1,3,4
1,3
Hard surface, porous
flooring(linoleum, ceramic tile,
vinyl)
1,2,3
Non-porous, hard surfaces(plastics,
metals)
1,2,3
Upholstered furniture & drapes
1,3,4
Wallboard(drywall and gypsum)
3,4
Wood surfaces
Personal Protective
Equipment
1,2,3
Limited or Full
This is a judgement call
and you should error on
the side of personal safety.
Limited
This is a judgement
call and you should
error on the side of
personal safety.