What is Mold?
Moisture problems in schools and commercial buildings can be caused by a variety of conditions, including roof and plumbing leaks, condensation and excess humidity. Some moisture problems have been linked to changes in building construction practices during the past twenty to thirty years. These changes have resulted in more tightly sealed buildings that may not allow moisture to escape easily. Moisture problems are also associated with delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance, due to budget and other constraints. Temporary structures, such as trailers and portable classrooms, have frequently been associated with moisture and mold problems.
Suggestions for Reducing Mold & Mildew GrowthReduce Indoor Humidity
- Vent showers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside.
- Control humidity levels and dampness by using air conditioners and de-humidifiers.
- Provide adequate ventilation to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-60%.
- Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning in food service areas.
Mold and Mildew can be removed and cleaned by doing the following:
Step 1: Killing the mold…
Killing mold requires an EPA registered biocide. Biocides are chemicals (typically liquids) that protect against biological growth and infestations. For example, certain types of chemicals are added to pool water to act as an algicide, protecting the water from infestation and growth of algae. Moldez is a biocide designed to disrupt the life cycle of mold and protect against the formation of new mold & mildew growth. Moldex Mold Killer can be used as a surface cleaner because it contains mild detergents, but its primary function is to kill mold… just as a weed killer is designed to kill weeds. Like weed, grass, or vegetation killers, once the plant has died, you need to remove the dead biological growth to finish the job. In order to “lift” or “remove” what is beneath the surface (mold stain) after the organism has died, a powerful cleaner is required.
Step 2: Removing the stain…
Stain removal is the process of removing a mark or spot left by one substance on a specific surface. Most stains are removed by dissolving them, but the effectiveness of the cleaner is dependent on two factors: the cause of the stain, and the material that has been stained. Different cleaners dissolve different stains. A Mold & Stain Remover is a bleach-based product that is designed to remove difficult mold & mildew stains on surfaces that are bleach-friendly. Bleach-friendly surfaces include materials like tile, grout, vinyl, plastic, cement, and wood. It is color-safe and meant to be used on surfaces sensitive to bleach.
Do you need a Killer & Stain Remover?
Unfortunately, yes. We know, it’s an unpopular answer. However, stain removers lack the ability to effectively kill the living organism that cause mold & mildew. For years, people have relied on regular bleach to clean mold, and for years mold has continued to grow back. Take Hurricane Katrina for example… after experiencing the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans was dealt a second blow: MOLD. People used conventional wisdom and regular bleach & water to clean up after flood waters receded. Within a few months, all of the dangerous mold returned. Why? It was because they didn’t use a mold killer disinfectant.
Mold is a dangerous hazard. It must be cleaned, killed, and removed properly. Mildew may seem like a minor nuisance, but it can be potentially dangerous too.
For information on mold removal cleaning products and procedures please contact customer service at 800-540-8596.