Trask Research, Inc. - Mold Problem Solving

Mold Remediation in Kitchens

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.

First, be sure you have the right personal protective equipment before working around mold. You’ll need at least a P100 respirator to protect against mold spores, gloves, goggles that are vapor proof, and protective clothing. If you don’t have disposable coveralls, be sure to at least wear boots, long pants and long sleeves with a hood. This clothing will need to be washed thoroughly after each day of work. It’s best to wash them in an enzyme based mol d c leaner like Oxy Mold. It’s a product that’s been designed for use in the washing machine, and is very efficient at removing mold growth, spores, stains and odors from clothing.

The second step will be to dry out the area completely. Any product you use to clean or kill the mold will work better if the surface you’re applying it to is dry. Also, be sure you’ve eliminated the source of the moisture that caused the mold to grow in the first place: pipe leak, flood, condensation, etc. If the moisture problem is not rectified as soon as possible, the mol d c oul d c ome back.

Be sure to remove and dispose of all porous items that are water damaged or have visible mold growing on them, i.e. drywall, insulation. These items are rarely able to be saved.

Once the area is dry you’ll need to apply Oxy Mold MX-501™ concentrate to the entire area twice, allowing time in between to dry (24 hours should be sufficient in most areas). The MX-501 is an EPA registered fungicide that’s been designed to get to the roots of mold in almost any type of surface. In most situations you’ll want to mix at a ratio of 4 ounces MX-501 per gallon of water. Once the entire infested area has been treated twice, allow time to dry.

HEPA vacuuming and HEPA air filtration may be necessary to remove mold spores and potential mold toxins from the air. Always remember that even dead mold can be a health risk, so it’s important to physically remove as much of the mold growth from the structure as possible.

It’s always recommended to perform Post Testing (clearance testing) to make sure the mold is dead. There’s no sense rebuilding or repainting if living mol d c ould still grow in the area. If the mold tests are clear and there’s little to no sign of living mold, it’s safe to rebuild and repaint.