EPA 's Mold Remediation Guides : NOLA Indymedia

Concern about indoor exposure to mold has been increasing as the public becomes aware that exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions. This document presents guidelines for the remediation/cleanup of mold and moisture problems in schools and commercial buildings; these guidelines include measures designed to protect the health of building occupants and remediators. It has been designed primarily for building managers, custodians, and others who are responsible for commercial building and school maintenance. It should serve as a reference for potential mold and moisture remediators. Using this document, individuals with little or no experience with mold remediation should be able to make a reasonable judgment as to whether the situation can be handled in-house. It will help those in charge of maintenance to evaluate an in-house remediation plan or a remediation plan submitted by an outside contractor.1 Contractors and other professionals who respond to mold and moisture situations in commercial buildings and schools may also want to refer to these guidelines.

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldcleanup.html

Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/mold_remediation.html

Last Sept. in Detroit I de-molded my basement, which was an extreme case. Pros would have charged $10g; it cost me about $1g and half of that was pros cleaning furnace ducts and anti-mold fogging them, so you can do it for much less down South.

Equipt.: shop vac with HEPA filter; respirator with HEPA filter; protective suit (very cheap, Home Depot); sponges, cloths; Mr. Clean; clorox with spray bottle; duct tape and sheet plastic; carpentry tools, including a power drill and sanding discs; possibly a dehumidifier.

First (assuming all water is removed): seal off moldy area of building.

Second: tear out everything that is moldy and can be gotten rid of, such as paneling.

Third: vacuum all surfaces.

Fourth: wash all surfaces with Mr. Clean. Use clorox only on hard, non-absorbent surfaces (it doesn't penetrate far enough to be effective on absorbent surfaces like wood), where it is very good. Wash after it.

Fifth: vacuum again all surfaces.

Sixth: Any places where mold remains must be ground or sanded away till the mold is gone, then vacuumed and washed again.

Seventh: if you have furnace ducts, they should be cleaned and possible fogged against mold.

During all this you must find a way to shower at the end of each day before going into non-moldy areas. This is a health matter. Also, even though you will be wearing the disposable suits, you still should not carry the clothes you work in into non-mold areas.

I did all this and now have virtually no mold (you'll never get rid of it absolutely, but can reduce it to a bare minimum). Of course, in Michigan I live in a climate that is less conducive to mold.

You might install a dehumidifier, leave it plugged in and run its hose to the drain. In a damp climate it may come on a lot and use a lot of juice, I don't know.

Good luck!