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FEMA: Tips on Treating Mold in a Flooded Home

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FEMA: Tips on Treating Mold in a Flooded Home

FEMA: Tips on Treating Mold in a Flooded Home

When it comes to NY mold removal and keeping you informed about it, Stern Mold has you covered.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has put out a comprehensive guide for mold in your flood-damaged home and what to do about it. You can read what they say by clicking on the FEMA link, and we will summarize some of the tips and advice that they provided in their guide. Some of the most important things to know are:

• Mildew and molds grow on wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves and other organic materials.

• Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours.

How to Get Rid of Mold

• Turn off main power if wiring is wet or moldy.

• Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture unless mold has already started to grow.

• Remove all wet items such as furniture, rugs, bedding, toys, and carpeting.

• Wash items such as metal, glass, solid wood, plastic, and other non-porous materials with a non-ammonia detergent and hot water.

• Disinfect all cleaned surfaces with a 10% bleach solution. Let the solution stay on the surface for at least 10 minutes before rinsing with clear water and allowing to dry.

These are just some of the tips from FEMA about mold and mold removal after a flood. You can read the entire post or call us at Stern Mold for answers to all of your questions, or to schedule a free mold inspection. We are proud to be your NY mold removal expert, serving NY for over 20 years.

 

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Tips, Mold Treatment, MoldExterm, News, NJ Mold Removal

Top Mold Exposure Questions for NYC Residents

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Got Questions About Mold?

Got Questions About Mold Exposure? Get the Answers From Stern Mold.

The effects of a mold infestation in your home or building are more far-reaching than you may realize. Our NYC mold treatment experts answer some of the top questions you might have about mold exposure.

Common Questions About Mold Exposure

1. Is it sufficient to clean only major items and surfaces such as furniture, clothing and carpeting?

When it comes to mold, there’s no such thing as “spot” cleaning. Due to their microscopic size, mold spores are present everywhere. Be sure to clean decorative accessories, canned foods, toiletries and everything inside your home or building.

2. How do I clean electronic devices such as computers and TVs?

Clean the casings, then vacuum the openings to extract dust and mold spores.

3. What’s the best way to handle paper items like books and documents?

  • Books that have remained closed should be vacuumed carefully, but any books that were open should be discarded.
  • Photos can be washed, but frames made from a porous material should be thrown away.
  • Documents should be copied or scanned, then the originals should be destroyed.

4. Should I use a fresh cleaning cloth for each item?

The cleaning process alternates between wiping and vacuuming, so you can reuse one cloth.

5. Do I need a special type of vacuum cleaner?

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and replace the filter when you are done cleaning.

Stern Mold: The Leader in Effective NYC Mold Treatment

Our proprietary MoldExterm system eliminates mold and leaves behind a protective barrier that prevents future recurrences. Contact us today and schedule a free mold inspection of your home or building with one of our experienced technicians.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Treatment, News

Mold 101: Treatment Tips for Mold Exposure

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Mold Treatment

Of course, if you ever have an allergic reaction to household mold, your best method of treatment may be to take an anti-histamine and see your local doctor.

So, when it comes to treating mold exposure on certain materials, and getting rid of it, there are several things you can do yourself. However, if the problem is severe, then it’s always best to get professional Manhattan mold remediation.

Here are some tips …

  • On Wood — Generally, unless it has spread everywhere, wood can be cleaned with bleach or a mold removal solution and then allowed to thoroughly dry.
  • On Drywall — Unless the drywall has been painted and the mold is topical, the entire piece or area must be cut out and removed, and a new piece of drywall put in its place. There is no other option because the mold will have tunneled into the porous drywall structure, and it cannot be cleaned or wiped away.
  • On Tile Grout — Bleach or a mold removal solution can be used to clean tile grout and remove the mold, and then ideally, a grout sealer should be applied to seal the pores on the grout to keep mold from coming back.
  • On Carpeting — If the mold is topical on the carpeting, it can be carpet cleaned away. Unfortunately, most mold on carpeting lies deeper within the matting, and when that occurs, the entire area where the mold is present, must be cut out and replaced.

If you have any questions about mold infestation and removal, please call the professionals at Stern Mold. We offer a free mold inspection and are the experts for Manhattan mold remediation.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

Can You Live in a House with Mold?

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So you’ve discovered a patch of mold in your house and you’re unsure about what to do next. Do you and your family need to leave, or can you proceed as normal while dealing with the situation? The answer can depend on the effects of the mold as well as the method of mold treatment.

The nature of mold

While the presence of mold is off-putting, the substance plays an important role in the cycle of nature by decomposing dead organic materials such as wood. When mold develops indoors, it can cause damage by acting on porous materials like drywall and carpeting. Indoor mold is a sign of a leak or other water problem that must be addressed.

Health effects of mold

Mold spores are a major allergen that causes upper respiratory distress ranging from coughing and sneezing to sore, itchy eyes. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Consult your physician if you suspect that you or a family member are exhibiting symptoms related to mold exposure.

Treatment or remediation?

It may not be physically necessary to leave your home during remediation, but the disruption could cause you to seek other quarters. Remediation often involves pulling out furniture and building surfaces affected by mold, and the lengthy process can take days or even weeks.

Our proprietary MoldExterm treatment is usually completed within one day and works proactively to prevent future reoccurrence. Contact us to schedule an appointment and let our mold treatment experts handle the problem safely and effectively with little disruption to your household.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Treatment, News

Keeping Safe If You Think You Have Mold

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In 2012, Superstorm Sandy became the second-costliest hurricane in U.S. history, affecting New Jersey and 23 other states. Lingering effects include persistent mold infestations resulting from chronic dampness in flooded homes. It’s estimated that it will take a minimum of seven years to fully restore affected areas.

Claire Galiano, a health and safety trainer for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has been traveling Eastern states leading seminars educating residents about mold treatment. Here are some of her tips for safely dealing with an infestation in your home.

  • There are several brands of paint and other items on the market aimed at preventing mold. Be sure to learn about any product you may use as some of them can be toxic.
  • Black mold is the most well-known of the 16 toxic species, but testing is needed to determine whether a patch of black mold is the toxic variety.
  • When cleaning out a moldy area, use a respirator, goggles and ear plugs to prevent mold spores from entering your body. Afterwards, immediately place protective gear into a plastic bag to keep the spores from dispersing to begin a new colony.
  • Mold spores can become trapped in porous surfaces like wood paneling or furniture upholstering. Galliano recommends, “If in doubt, throw it out.”
  • A mixture of powder Cascade, Borax soap and water makes a safe cleaning solution. Dispose of brushes, clothes and any other materials immediately after use.

If your New Jersey home requires mold treatment, let our trained technicians handle it with our innovative MoldExterm system. Visit our website to learn why MoldExterm is a safe, effective and cost-efficient alternative to traditional remediation.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Treatment, News
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