Trask Research, Inc. - Mold Problem Solving

Mold Remediation in Bathrooms

By Matthew Yurina, Mold Inspector & Remediator

CONTAIN- the mold from spreading into uncontaminated areas;

KILL- the mold;

REMOVE- the dead mold and materials used for remediation; and

PROTECT- the cleaned out area against future mold infestations.

Before entering any area infested with mold, be sure to have personal protection equipment: P100 respirator, gloves, goggles and protective clothing. When applying a fungicide, or similar biocide, you’ll need a P100 respirator that will also protect you against organic vapors. You may not need full body, disposable coveralls, but you’ll at least need boots, long pants, and long sleeves with a hood.

First contain the contaminated area as close to the source as possible. Dry out the infested area completely and keep moisture from entering. Whatever water or other moisture problem started the mold growth in the first place needs to be eliminated and fixed so no more water can enter. At this point you’ll need to remove all extremely porous material, i.e. drywall, insulation, that has visible mold growth on it. This type of material cannot be saved from mold growth. You’ll need to remove as much of the growth as possible with the Oxy Mold™ Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner product. Bag up and dispose of the mold growth as cleanly and safely as possible so mold will not spread to other areas.

Wood products, cabinets, studs, etc. can be saved in most cases unless the mold has begun to deteriorate them. If you have to cut more than a tenth of an inch into studs to remove the mold growth, then the wood itself needs to be replaced. Treat the contaminated area twice with Oxy Mold MX-501™ concentrate, allowing at least 24 hours in between for the area to dry. The MX-501 can be either sprayed or fogged. In any case where the air is contaminated with mold spores; Fogging will be the best option. This will kill spores in the air and kill surface mold as well.

HEPA vacuuming is recommended to remove the dead mold from the bathroom at this point. It’s important to remember that even dead mold can still pose a health risk to some people.

Once you’ve done this, it’s always advised to perform Post Testing (clearance testing) to make absolutely sure the mold is dead and there aren’t enough spores left around to restart any future growth or become a health risk. If the tests show the area is clear, then you may proceed to rebuild, repaint, etc.

As long as the source of moisture is eliminated and the bathroom is ventilated properly (bathrooms should have an exhaust capacity of at least 50 cfm) and kept dry (clean up any leaks or other moisture problems within 24 hours or their occurrence), then the bathroom should remain mold free forever.