What should I do if I find or suspect moldy conditions in my home?

if you see a discoloration or growth on surfaces in your bathroom, water heater closet, on your window sills, under your kitchen sink, on your baseboards or under rugs and carpeting, it may be mold.

1. Fix any plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Mold will not grow without moisture.
2. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely. Use of biocides such as chlorine bleach is not recommended as a routine practice. Please note: Dead mold (treated mold) can still cause allergic reactions in some individuals, such as those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory disorders. It is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed.
3. Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores. To limit your exposure to mold use an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware stores.
4. Wear gloves. Avoid touching mold or moldy items with your bare hands. We recommend wearing long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearms.
5. Wear goggles. Avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes. We recommend wearing goggles without ventilation holes.
6. Throw away moldy, porous materials like ceiling tiles and carpet.
7. To contract for extensive mold clean-up (i.e. greater than 10 square feet of moldy material), call Mold Remediation of Chicago at 708-396-0200.