You must set up containment when cleaning away mold. The purpose of containment is to prevent mold spores and moldy dust from spreading into habitable areas. Containment always includes isolating the area and creating negative pressure by exhausting air from the space. In a small space like a bathroom, keep the door closed or hang plastic sheeting over the doorway. Keep all windows in the bathroom closed except one. Put a fan in the open window, and operate the fan on exhaust. If there are no windows in the room, and you are only cleaning surface mold, operate the ceiling exhaust fan to set up negative pressure. If there is no window or exhaust fan present, or if the exhaust fan does not work that well, you can exhaust air from the room by putting a HEPA vacuum outside the bathroom door (a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate arrestance filter). Do not use a conventional vacuum cleaner or a shop vacuum, as these vacuums spew out mold spores and other irritants and allergens in their exhaust. Extend the end of the vacuum hose to the bathroom floor and close the bathroom door until it contacts the hose. Use removable painter’s tape and/or plastic to make the door opening airtight and to temporarily seal the poorly functioning exhaust. Alternatively, you can use flexible, four-inch metal dryer hose and an in-line axial fan at the outside end of the hose to exhaust air from the space. The hose should extend under the plastic sheeting to the outside of the house. Using expanding foam or steel wool, seal any openings around pipes that lead to other spaces.

As long as they set up containment and wear PPE, and do not themselves have mold allergies, home occupants 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.)

It’s highly recommended that professional remediators deal with the following:

1. Surfaces that are less than 10 square feet in size, but that contain mold growth caused by long-term leaks (because there may be extensive, concealed mold growth present).
2. Surfaces that contain mold growth and that are greater than 10 square feet in size.
3. A water stain on a ceiling or wall that contains visible mold.
4. A large area of loose tiles in a tub or shower enclosure.
5. An area that experienced major flooding.
6. An area that experienced flooding from category 2 water (from a washing machine, overflowing toilet with urine but no feces, or when water has flowed over a very dirty carpet).
7. An area that experienced flooding from category 3 water (from a sewer back-up; a river that contains silt, organic debris, or dangerous chemicals; or an overflowing toilet that contained feces).

Test the air in the bathroom with an EZ Mold Test Kit. You don’t have to wait until you get the test results to start cleaning areas that contain visible mold.

Before You Begin Cleaning

Put on your PPE and set up containment.

Clear the room out as much as you can. Place moldy objects in plastic garbage bags or seal them in thin polyethylene plastic before moving them through other spaces in the house. Shelves should be emptied so they can be cleaned. Anything taken from the room that has solid surfaces only should be damp wiped outside with Oxy-Mold MX-501. Towels and small rugs should be washed. If you cannot wash your shower curtain or if the curtain is old and contains extensive mold growth, it should be replaced. If the curtain is salvageable, wash it with Oxy-Mold. If you have a hot air heating system and/or a central air conditioning system, close the bathroom supply and return, if present. Cover the registers and grilles with aluminum foil, secured at the edges with removable painter’s tape.

Get rid of moisture sources. Gently try to move your toilet. If it moves at all, hire a plumber to replace the toilet seal. Leaking pipes should be repaired. Seal a loose faucet fixture; tighten the ball joint compression nut for a leaking sink pop-up. Wipe up liquid water. If it’s a dry day and the dew point is under 55ºF, you can open a window to air out the room. Use a small fan plugged into a GFI outlet to mix the air, which will speed drying (large fans can stir up mold spores). Keep the room warm – at least to 65 or 70ºF.

Measure the relative humidity (RH) in the room with a hygrometer, available in many hardware and building supply stores. If after taking the steps above, you find that the RH is above 50%, dehumidify the space.Drying the air in the bathroom 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. Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner 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.Oxy-Mold 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 Indoors

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 Mold and Mildew Stain Cleaner 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 wetted. 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.

Using a HEPA vacuum (one with a high efficiency particulate arrestance filter), vacuum all surfaces, including walls, the floor, ceilings, radiators or baseboards, and exposed pipes. You can use a 36 inch vacuum crevice tool to get to hard-to-reach surfaces (search on line for “36 inch crevice tool” AND “vacuum”). Don’t forget to vacuum the bottoms of the fins of bathroom baseboard convectors. If there is dust trapped between the fins, spray the fin tubing with a solution of an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide; then spray the fins with water to rinse away all the fungicide. Put old towels beneath the convectors to catch the grime and protect the floor.

Using an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide, scrub grout and caulk with an old toothbrush. If you can’t remove the mold, then the grout or caulk may have to be removed and replaced. Bag up and discard moldy materials. Once the new grout is cured, protect it with silicone sealer as directed.

Treat surfaces with an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide as needed (follow product directions). Antimicrobial paints or sealants can be applied to surfaces, once dry. After cleaning and treating, painted surfaces can be repainted. If water has leaked from a fixture into your vanity for a long time, there may be mold on the bottom of the cabinet, especially if it is warped. Remove the bottom and treat exposed surfaces. If the vanity is seriously water damaged, consider replacement.

If you are cleaning a moldy area of a wall that is less than 10 square feet in size and that experienced a short-term leak, you will have to remove the drywall and wall insulation down to the floor below the leak area and about a foot above where the leak occurred. If the leak occurred inside the ceiling cavity, damp drywall or ceiling tiles and damp insulation should be removed. Ceiling materials and insulation about a foot away from the outside of the damp area should also be removed. These building materials should be placed in plastic bags and discarded. Decayed studs may need to be repaired or replaced. Give the wall or ceiling cavity time to dry before treating surfaces within with an appropriate EPA-registered fungicide. Once dry, surfaces can be treated with antimicrobial paints or sealants.

Do not close up the wall or ceiling cavity until treatment is complete and the entire area dry. If you had to remove bathroom tile, install new tile on cement board rather than drywall. After the new grout is cured, apply a grout sealant as directed. If necessary, the bathroom itself should be dehumidified to help surfaces dry after you’ve cleaned and treated the space.

When you’ve finished this work, HEPA vacuum surfaces in the space once again. Then take your coveralls, as well as boots, shoes or booties, off outside the house and before removing the respirator. Clean clothing before wearing again.

Consider re-testing the bathroom for airborne spores and re-treat as necessary. Don’t remove the containment until you are sure you have finished the job. When done, remember to uncover any registers and grilles that you sealed with aluminum foil.

As a precaution, HEPA vacuum surfaces in adjacent spaces after you’ve finished cleaning the bathroom. 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 the house. Depending on the results, more cleaning may be required.

Control moisture. Promptly repair all leaks. Replace the seal on a toilet as soon as you notice the toilet is loose. When you shower, use the ceiling exhaust fan, which should vent directly to the exterior through a vent kit rather than up into the attic or soffit. Be sure that water doesn’t leak out of the shower door or curtain. Install shower shields at the edges of the tub, to help prevent water from leaking out of the shower. If there’s a window in your shower enclosure, cover it with a shower curtain. After showering, keep the bathroom door open and operate a table or tower oscillating fan (plugged into a GFI outlet) for an hour to speed drying of surfaces. Hang damp towels in another room to dry.

If the bathroom is under an unconditioned space like a cold attic, make sure that there is adequate insulation above the ceiling, and that there are no ceiling or wall cold spots due to infiltration of outdoor air. You may have to improve wall or ceiling insulation, because low temperatures slow evaporation of moisture, which increases relative humidity. (Some molds can grow when the relative humidity is over 75 to 80 %.)

If you take all these steps and mold still grows back in the bathroom, take shorter showers and clean surfaces in the room more often.