You must set up containment when cleaning up 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, for example in a closet, by putting an exhaust fan in a closet window, if present, and by closing the door. If the closet lacks a window, you can set up a ZipWall enclosure (www.zipwall.com) that includes a nearby window in an adjacent room. You can also exhaust air from the room by putting a HEPA vacuum outside the door (a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate arrestance filter). Do not use a shop vacuum or conventional vacuum cleaner, as these vacuums will spew out mold spores and other irritants and allergens in their exhaust. Extend the end of the vacuum hose to the closet and close the door until it contacts the hose. Use removable painter’s tape and/or plastic to make the door opening airtight. Alternatively, you can cover the doorway with plastic sheeting, and use a 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 can extend under the plastic sheeting to the outside of the house. Using expanding foam or steel wool, seal any openings around pipes that lead from the closet to adjacent 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 they may contain extensive, concealed mold growth).
2. Surfaces that contain mold growth and that are greater than 10 square feet in size.
3. An area that experienced major flooding.
4. 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).
5. 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 closet 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.

If there is any heating or cooling equipment in the closet, test the air coming out of the ducts. If that air contains mold, ask an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) professional to evaluate the system and clean it as needed, including the coil. If the furnace or A/C contains fibrous lining material, the material may contain mold growth and have to be replaced. (You can test any exposed fibrous liner by pressing the soft surface of the open test kit up against the material; wear a respirator while taking the sample). Flexible ducts are difficult to clean and thus may also have to be replaced if contaminated with mold growth.

Before You Begin Cleaning

Put on your PPE and set up containment.

Empty the closet. If there are any possessions you want to keep and they are damp, allow them to air dry in the sun, and then place them when dry in some kind of airtight and watertight storage container until they can be properly cleaned. Place goods in plastic garbage bags before moving them through other spaces.

Any pipe or roof leaks in a ceiling cavity above the closet should be repaired. Check around any mechanical equipment in the closet for leaks. (Close any supplies or returns that are in the closet, and cover the registers and grilles with aluminum foil, secured at the edges with removable painter’s tape). If water has infiltrated from the exterior, determine and repair the source.

Measure the relative humidity (RH) in the closet with a hygrometer, available in many hardware and building supply stores. If the RH is above 50%, open the closet window if you live in a dry climate, or open the closet door to help dry out the space. If this doesn’t help, dehumidify the closet.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. 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. 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 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.

Refer to the cleaning directions in “Drywall,” “Clothing,” and “Ceiling Tiles” sections of these directions. Any carpeting in the closet should be rolled up, bagged, removed and discarded. Lightly spray the carpet first with an appropriate EPA-registered fungicideto dampen allergenic, irritating dust and disinfect the material. HEPA vacuum closet surfaces when you’ve finished cleaning away the mold.

Consider re-testing the closet for airborne spores and re-treat as necessary. Don’t remove the containment until you are sure you have finished the job. Remember to remove the aluminum foil you used to seal registers and grilles.

As a precaution, HEPA vacuum surfaces in the space adjacent to the closet. 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, then put a new bag and HEPA filter inside.

Do post-remediation testing in the space. Depending on the results, more cleaning may be required.

You must minimize moisture to prevent mold growth. Repair any leaks or water-intrusion problems affecting the closet. Control the relative humidity. If you live in a dry climate and the dew point of the outside air is less than 55ºF, and the closet has a window, open the window now and then to air out the space. If you live in a climate with a humid season, and you have central air conditioning, keep the closet door ajar in the cooling season. During colder weather, keep the closet door ajar in the heating season, especially in a closet that has an exterior wall, to help keep the space warm. If you don’t want to keep the closet door ajar, you can replace a solid door with a louvered one. You can also use an electric heater, designed for safe use in closets (don’t use a regular space heater, as this may present a fire hazard), or leave the ceiling light in the closet on (but be sure there is nothing combustible near the light).

It’s tempting to pile a closet full with possessions, but if the closet is packed with goods, air won’t circulate very well in the space, and in cold climates, surfaces facing exterior walls can acquire mold growth. In a closet with an exterior wall or a closet that is located over a cold basement or crawl space, keep shoes, boots and other possessions up off the floor. It’s better to have solid flooring like wood, or vinyl or ceramic tile, in a closet rather than carpet, which can capture biodegradable dust.

If these steps don’t prevent mold from growing in the closet, you may have to improve insulation in the floor, walls or ceiling – perhaps by installing solid sheet-foam insulation.