Many molds found indoors such as Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium produce toxic secondary metabolites called mycotoxins that cause serious health complications when inhaled, ingested, and through skin (dermal) contact.

These toxic substances are released by certain molds and can contaminate the air, surfaces, and even food sources in your property. Exposure to them can lead to a wide range of health issues, including respiratory problems, allergic reactions, neurological symptoms, and even long-term health complications.

Before you clean to remove mycotoxins, you must first remove the mold from the property. This means that if drywall, flooring, carpeting etc. is affected, it will most likely need to be removed and repaired before you clean for mycotoxins.

When you remove mold during a mold remediation project, most of the spores and mycotoxins will be eliminated when you follow the proper safety protocols to dispose of any affected materials such as drywall, insulation, and carpet.

But there still may be cross-contamination in the immediate area or perhaps the entire home.

Even though the mold was removed, there are still cleaning procedures that will need to be done to ensure that any unseen hazards like mycotoxins are remediated from the property as well.

So when you clean after you remediate, you should also target invisible spores and mycotoxins that may be on the surfaces of your home.

The idea is simple.

To remove these hidden mycotoxins, you must assume they can be anywhere in your property so you will need to clean every inch of the area with mold contamination and possibly the entire home and any furniture and personal items as well.

Yes, this is a lot of work, but if you and your family are ill or very concerned about getting sick, it should be done to ensure all cross-contamination is eliminated.

THE PROCESS

To ensure comprehensive mold removal, specialized equipment and simple cleaning tools are often utilized.

Firstly, it is important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) before handling any mold-contaminated materials or cleaning supplies. This typically includes gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask to protect yourself from potential exposure to mold spores and harmful chemicals.

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum cleaners are commonly used to capture mold spores and prevent their circulation in the air. These vacuums have filters that can trap tiny particles, ensuring that mold spores are effectively removed from surfaces and the surrounding environment.

In some cases, professional-grade air purifiers may be necessary to further improve indoor air quality. These devices utilize advanced filtration systems, including HEPA filters and activated carbon filters, to capture mold spores, mycotoxins, and other airborne contaminants.

Still, the most effective method in the mold remediation industry is the wet and dry cloth method.

You simply use disposable wipes that you spray with your favorite non-toxic mold removal product and wipe down all surfaces in the interior of your home, such as your walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture.

There is no sure method as to how many times you can use each wipe before you carefully dispose of it in the garbage. A good rule of thumb is to use them for no more than 10-20 square feet each.

You clean these areas twice using a new wipe on the second go around to ensure the mycotoxins are removed.

You then follow up with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any moisture.

When it comes to cleaning supplies, it is best to use disposable items whenever possible. This includes disposable wipes, brushes, and mops.

Please keep in mind, that as you walk around and clean, there may be spores released in the air, so it is always wise to have a good HEPA air purifier near you when you clean and move it around with you....