The purpose of containment is the prevent mold spores and moldy dust from spreading into habitable areas of a home, so keep the car outside when cleaning away mold. If you have to do the work in a garage, keep the overhead garage door open.

As long as they work outdoors and wear PPE, and do not themselves have mold allergies, owners or trained maintenance personnel can clean an area less than 10 square feet in size that contains mold growth not caused by long-term leaks. (If you are asthmatic or allergic to mold, consult a physician before tackling mold clean-up jobs.)

In an automobile, professional remediators or mechanics should deal with the following:

• A heating and cooling system that delivers musty-smelling air.
• A carpet or upholstery that experienced flooding from category 3 water (from a river that contains silt, organic debris, or dangerous chemicals).

Test the air in the car with an EZ Mold Test Kit, first with the heating and cooling system off, and then with the system on. If you suspect that a carpet may be moldy, test the carpet by patting the carpet with the soft surface of the mold kit facing the fibers (wear a respirator when taking the sample). The surface of the agar does not have to touch the fibers.

You don’t have to wait for the test results to start cleaning surfaces that contain visible mold.

Before You Begin Cleaning

Put on your PPE. If you work outside, you don’t have to set up containment. If you work in a garage, keep the overhead door open, and if the garage is attached, keep the door to the house closed.

Have leaks repaired and eroded seals and gaskets replaced. You can leak test areas to find out how water is getting into the vehicle. For example, spray the windshield with water. Then use a bright flashlight and mirror to see where water may be dripping in.

Dry the car as much as you can. Remove moldy mats and wipe up any water. If you live in a dry climate, open up the car and let it dry in the sun. Drying the air will help dry out surfaces, stop mold growth, and improve the effectiveness of anti-mold products.

Directions for Use

It’s only possible to take one of the following three tests with the EZ-Mold Test Kit.Additional kits are required to test more than one area of a property.

Swab Test: The first and most obvious test would be a swab test.Pour the potato dextrose agar into the bottom piece of the Petri dish, then place the lid back on and sit the dish on a flat surface to harden for an hour.Once the agar has hardened, take the dish to the area to be tested.Using the swab, gently roll the tip of it over the moldy surface a few times.Microscopic spores will adhere to the tip.Gently roll the tip upon the hardened agar surface inside the dish.Apply to as many places in the dish as desired in order to get several cultures started.Then close the lid, tape it shut on the edges with clear or electrical tape.Then sit the dish aside for 24-72 hours.Mold will start growing within a couple of days.Some molds grow slower than others, so if nothing is happening in the dish after two days, check the kit each day after this to see if mold starts to grow.

Air Test: Pour the potato dextrose into the Petri dish and then replace the lid.Sit the dish aside on a flat surface to harden for an hour.Once it’s hardened, remove the lid and place the dish with the hardened agar on a flat surface in the room to be tested.Mold spores in the air will settle in the dish.Leave the dish there for an hour.After this, replace the lid and seal the lid to the bottom with clear or electrical tape.Set the dish on a flat surface for 24-72 hours.If there really were excessive mold spores in the air, mold should begin to grow within two to three days.If mold begins to grow, send the kit back to us so that we can have it analyzed by our lab.

Ventilation Test: Pour the potato dextrose agar into the Petri dish.Replace the lid and sit the dish on a flat surface to dry for an hour.Once the solution is hardened, take the dish to one of the vents in the building.Remove the lid and tape the dish to the grill, open side facing into the vent.Then turn the ventilation system on for 5-10 minutes.If mold or mold spores are in the ventilation system, they will collect in the dish.After 10 minutes turn the system off and then replace the lid on the dish.Tape the top lid to the bottom with clear or electrical tape and then sit it aside for 24-72 hours.If the system was contaminated, mold will begin to grow in the dish within a few days.At this point send the dish to a lab for analysis.

Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner comes in concentrated packets. It is an oxygen-enzyme technology formulated for the cleaning and deodorization of mold and mildew stains on any porous or nonporous surface that is washable with water.Oxy-Mold™ is biodegradable and eco friendly.It’s harmless to plants, contains no bleach or ammonia, and is non-flammable.It can be used safely in areas with limited ventilation.

Directions for use in washing machines or clothing

For the deodorization of musty odors in washing machines, just toss a packet of the Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner in with a regular load of laundry, or run an empty cycle with the Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner. Washing machines, especially front loaders, tend to build up moisture and musty odors on a regular basis, so continued maintenance with Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner may be necessary.

Clothing itself can be difficult, if not impossible to treat. Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner can remove musty odors from most clothing, especially light weight clothing.However, for heavier items (jackets, sweatshirts, jeans, etc.) strong musty odors can be impossible to remove.These items should be disposed of.Also, clothing with visible mold growth on it should be disposed of as well.When in doubt, check with a local mold remediation company or a drycleaner.

Directions for use in the home

Mix one packet of Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner with two gallons of warm water.Apply with a pump sprayer or a sponge to any porous or nonporous surfaces that’s water washable.Nonporous surfaces can be wiped down and rinsed off to remove mold stains.Porous items like wood, concrete and other surfaces may require strong scrubbing with a stiff brush to remove some of the harsh stains molds can leave behind.Rinse the Oxy-Mold™ off of the surface afterward with water. Wood, if the mold has been growing on it for more than a few days, may even need to be sanded.

Directions for use outdoors

Mix one packet of Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner with two gallons of warm water. Apply with a pump sprayer, sponge or pressure washer.For small, easy to reach areas, the Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner can be sprayed on, scrubbed and washed off.For larger more difficult jobs, pressure washing may be an option.This can help to remove mold stains from driveways, block or brick walls, most siding, and even roof shingles if done carefully and correctly.

Directions for Use

It is a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.This product is not for use on Medical devices or medical equipment surfaces.

Apply this product with a cloth, mop or mechanical spray device. When applied with a mechanical spray device, surfaces must be sprayed until thoroughly wet. Treated surfaces must remain wet for 10 minutes. For sprayer applications, use a coarse pump or trigger sprayer. Spray 6-8inches from surface. Rub with brush, sponge or cloth. Do not breathe spray.

NOTE: With spray applications cover or remove all food products.Prepare a fresh solution at least daily or when use solution becomes visibly dirty. For heavily soiled areas, a preliminary cleaning is required.

DISINFECTION/FUNGICIDAL DIRECTIONS: Use at a rate of 4 ounces per gallon (or equivalent use dilution). Allow surfaces to remain wet for 10 minutes. Apply solution to hard inanimate, non-porous surfaces, thoroughly wetting surfaces as required, with a cloth, mop, sponge or sprayer.For heavily soiled areas, a preliminary cleaning is required. For sprayer applications use a coarse spray device. Spray 6-8 inches from surface. Rub with brush, sponge or cloth. Do not breathe spray. Prepare a fresh solution at least daily or when use dilution becomes diluted or soiled.

FUNGICIDAL PERFORMANCE: At 4 ounces per gallon use-level, (or equivalent use dilution) (488 ppm active quat) and a 10 minute contact time, this product is effective against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, athlete's foot fungus, and Aspergillus niger on inanimate surfaces in locker rooms, dressing rooms, shower and bath areas and exercise facilities. Pre-clean all surfaces prior to using this product.

MILDEWSTAT: Controls the growth of mold and mildew on pre-cleaned hard, non-porous surfaces (such as floors, walls, table tops) add 4 oz. of this product per gallon of water (488 ppm active quat) (or equivalent use dilution). Apply solution with a cloth, mop or sponge making sure to wet all surfaces completely. Let surface air dry. Prepare a fresh solution for each use. Repeat application at weekly intervals or when mildew growth reappears.

WATER AND SMOKE DAMAGE RESTORATION (Not applicable in CA)

Effective against odor causing bacteria and fungi for home, institutional, industrial and hospital use. This product is particularly suitable for use in water damage restoration situations against odor causing bacteria on the following porous and semi-porous materials: carpets, carpet cushion, sub floors, drywall, trim, and frame lumber, tackless strip and paneling. Saturate affected materials with enough product to remain wet for at least 10 minutes. Use proper ventilation.

Sewer backup & river flooding (Not applicable in CA): During mitigation procedures, dilute 6 to 12 ounces of this product per gallon of water (or equivalent use dilution) allowing for the diluting effect of absorbed water within saturated materials. Remove gross filth or heavy soil along with non-salvageable materials. Saturate all affected areas with a sprayer using a coarse spray tip, before and after cleaning and extraction.

Carpets, carpet cushions & other porous materials such as sub floors, drywall, trim and frame lumber, tackless strip and paneling: For water damage from a clean water source, extract excess water. Test hidden area for colorfastness. Dilute 6 to 12 ounces of the product per gallon of water (or equivalent use dilution), allowing for the diluting effect of absorbed water within saturated materials. Remove gross filth or heavy soil.Apply directly with a sprayer using a coarse spray tip, to fully saturate affected materials. Roll, brush or agitate into materials and allow the materials to remain damp for 10 minutes. Follow with a thorough extraction. Dry rapidly and thoroughly.

Special Instructions for Cleaning Carpet against Odor Causing Bacteria: This product may be used in industrial, institutional, commercial and residential areas such as homes, motels & hotel chains, nursing homes, schools and hospital(s). For use on wet, cleanable synthetic fibers. Do not use on wool. Vacuum carpet thoroughly prior to cleaning. Test fabric for color fastness.

For Portable Extraction Units: Mix 3 ounces of this product per gallon of water.

For Truck Mounted Extraction Machines: Mix 104 ounces of the product per 1½ gallons of water (or equivalent use dilution) and meter at 4 gallons per hour.

For Rotary Floor Machines: Mix 6 ounces of this product per gallon of water (or equivalent use dilution) and apply at the rate of 300-500 sq. ft. per gallon.Do not mix this product with other cleaning products. Follow the cleaning procedures specified by the manufacturer of the cleaning equipment.After using this product, set the carpet pile and protect the carpet from furniture legs and bases while drying. Do not over wet. If applied to stain resistant nylon carpet, apply a fabric protector according to the carpet manufacturer's directions.

SMOKE DAMAGE RESTORATION (Not applicable in CA): Effective against odor causing bacteria and fungi for home, institutional, industrial and hospital use. This product is particularly suitable for use in smoke damage restoration situations against odor causing bacteria on the following porous and semi-porous materials: carpets, carpet cushion, sub floors, drywall, trim and frame lumber, tackless strip and paneling. Follow directions as outlined in the Water Damage Restoration section. Saturate affected materials with enough product to remain wet for at least 10 minutes.Use proper ventilation.

CARPET DEODORIZATION AGAINST ODOR-CAUSING BACTERIA, FOR HOME, INSTITUTIONAL, INDUSTRIAL AND HOSPITAL USE: This product cleans and deodorizes the carpet by controlling/reducing the growth of odor-causing bacteria. It can be used in industrial, institutional, commercial and residential areas such as homes, motels, hotels chains, nursing homes and hospitals. Vacuum carpet thoroughly prior to application. Mix 3 ounces of product per gallon of water (or equivalent use dilution). Follow the injection and/or extraction procedures as specified for any conventional steam cleaning equipment you are using. For rotary floor machines, mix 1 ounce per gallon of water and spray on carpet at a rate of 300-500 sq. ft. per gallon. For use on washable synthetic fibers. Do not use on wool.Test color fastness of carpet before use. Apply diluted product to a small, concealed spot, then rub with a clean white cloth. If color changes or transfers to cloth, a water-based product should not be used. After using the product, set carpet pile in one direction with a stiff brush. Place aluminum foil under the legs of furniture while carpet is drying. Over-wetting can cause carpet to shrink. Manufacturer assumes no responsibility for over-wetting misuse.

Note: This product must not be mixed with other cleaning products.

These are P-100 (particulate) respirators that, when used with appropriate cartridges, can also protect against Organic Vapor, Chlorine, Hydrogen Chloride, Sulfur Dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Hydrogen Fluoride, Chlorine Dioxide, Ammonia, Methylamine and Formaldehyde.

Trask offers large and extra large size coveralls to protect from contact with Trask’s chemicals as well as mold spores and mold damaged materials.In some applications coveralls are not entirely necessary, but in any case where there are moldy materials that need to be removed, if work is being done in a tight area like an attic or crawlspace, or if chemicals must be sprayed up high or overhead, coveralls are essential.

These are Nitrile, powder free 4 mil examination gloves.Mold Inspectors use these when sampling for mold to avoid the cross contamination of testing equipment.These will protect the wearer from mold spores and most water based chemicals, however, work gloves may be necessary as well when cutting out or removing mold damaged materials, or when working in a crawlspace or an attic.

This is a safesplash goggle, made of soft vinyl, with indirect ventilation to prevent the intrusion of chemicals and particulates.

HEPA vacuum surfaces in the space (a HEPA vacuum contains a high efficiency particulate arrestance filter). Do not use conventional vacuum cleaners or shop vacuums, because these vacuums emit mold spores and other irritants and allergens in their exhaust. Metal, plastic, wood, fiberglass, and other car surfaces can be treated with an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide as needed, but the surfaces must first be dry.

Cloth seats can be treated with an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide. Test the product first on a small spot of fabric to be sure it won’t cause damage. Do the same if you are planning to treat leather-covered seats with an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide.This will help to remove mold stains.A light application of an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide can help to disinfect areas of light surface mold on the seats.Carpets that smell slightly musty can be steam cleaned using an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide. If the carpet contains visible mold, however, or has remained damp for more than two days and has a strong musty odor, it may have to be removed and replaced. Any carpet pad present should also be removed. If you cannot remove the carpet and pad, treat them as directed above and then allow them to dry thoroughly. You can then cover the carpet, once dry, with an adhesive-backed plastic (www.pro-tect.com), available in many building supply stores. Then cover the carpet and plastic with a large rubber mat.

When you’ve finished this work, leave car windows and the trunk door open to help the inside dry, and HEPA vacuum surfaces within the car once again. If you are using the same HEPA vacuum that you used for the cleanup, take the vacuum outside, and remove and discard the bag and the HEPA filter. Then damp-wipe the interior and exterior of the machine with an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide, and put a new bag and HEPA filter inside. Do post-remediation testing in those rooms. Depending on the results, more cleaning may be required.

Then take your coveralls, as well as boots, shoes or booties off outside, and before removing the respirator. Clean clothing before wearing again.

If the drain line from a car’s A/C is clogged or the cooling coil is moldy, the unit must be professionally cleaned. The coils should also be cleaned and disinfected.

Consider re-testing the air coming from the heating and cooling system. If the test indicates the on-going presence of airborne spores, further treatment of the system may be necessary.

If you control moisture, you avoid mold growth. Repair leaks promptly, keep the windows closed during heavy rains, and avoid eating in the car so you won’t spill food and beverages on the carpet. Kick snow off your boots or shoes before getting into the car. Dry damp carpet and surfaces promptly, and replace seals and gaskets that have deteriorated. Repair any holes in the car body that may be allowing water entry.

Vacuum carpets and upholstery frequently. Place rubber mats over the carpet to protect it from moisture and dust. Remove these mats now and then for cleaning and drying. If the carpet got damp underneath the mats, open windows and use a fan to dry the carpet before you put the mats down again on the carpet.

Have your mechanic check the heating or cooling system if the air coming from the system begins to smell musty, and clean or repair the system as needed. If your car has a cabin air filter, change the filter according to the car manufacturer’s schedule.