Mold Prevention and Treatment

What are molds?

Molds are tiny microscopic organisms that digest organic matter and reproduce by releasing spores. Molds are a type of fungi and there are over 100,000 species. In nature, mold helps decompose or break-down leaves, wood and other plant debris. Molds become a problem when they go where they are not wanted and digest materials such as our homes.

How to control mold growth in your home?

Dry out the house and fix any moisture problems in your home:

• Stop water leaks, repair leaky roofs and plumbing. Keep water away from concrete slabs and basement walls.
• Open windows and doors to increase air flow in your home, especially along the inside of exterior walls. Use a fan if there are no windows available.
• Make sure that warm air flows into all areas of the home. Move large objects a few inches away from the inside of exterior walls to increase air circulation.
• Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
• Ventilate and insulate attic and crawl spaces. Use heavy plastic to cover earth floors in crawl spaces.
• Clean and dry water damaged carpets, clothing, bedding, and upholstered furniture within 24 to 48 hours, or consider removing and replacing damaged furnishings.
• Vacuum and clean your home regularly to remove mold spores.
• Check around your windows for signs of condensation and water droplets. Wipe them up right away so mold can’t start to grow.

How to clean up the moldy area on your own?

Clean up mold and take care of the problem by following the advice on how to control mold growth in your home above to keep your home dry and keep mold out. Act fast! Mold damages your home as it grows. Clean it up as soon as possible.

Guidance to clean up the moldy area on your own:

1. Use Protection
   • Wear goggles, gloves, and breathing protection while working in the area. For large consolidated areas of mold growth, you should wear an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved particle mask.
2. Seal the Area
   • Seal off area from the rest of your home. Cover heat registers or ventilation ducts/grills. Open a window before you start to clean up.
3. Remove Items
   • Remove all your furnishings to a mold-free area. Clean the surrounding moldy area then follow cleaning directions below for the items you removed and the new space.
4. Bag Moldy Trash
   • Bag all moldy materials and tie off the top of the bag. Bring them outdoors and place in your garbage container right away.
5. Scrub Surfaces
   • First wash with a mild detergent solution, such as laundry detergent and warm water. Allow to dry
   • (Optional step) Then wipe with a solution of 1/4 cup bleach to one gallon of water. Wait 20 minutes and repeat. Wait another 20 minutes.
   • Last apply a borate-based detergent solution and don't rinse. This will help prevent mold from growing again. A borate-based laundry or dish washer detergent has "borate" listed on the ingredients label.
6. Clean and Wash
   • Give the entire area a good cleaning, vacuum floors, and wash any exposed bedding or clothing.
7. Monitor
   • Check regularly to make sure mold has not returned to the clean-up area.

Local contacts for more information about mold

In Washington State, you can contact your local county health department for more information about mold. If you live outside of Washington State, try contacting your county or state health department.

More Resources

• Information Line: 360-236-3090 (Answers the most frequently asked mold and indoor air quality questions.)
• Mold, EPA - Resources for homeowners, schools, and building managers.