Commercial Cleanup
In the commercial remediation section we pointed out that it is all about the mold and its potential to destroy everything that it grows upon. We also mentioned briefly about the methods used to remove mold from a commercial (and residential for that matter) building. Now it’s time to take a closer look to these methods and what they pertain to:
- a) Wet Vacuum
When the materials that need to be cleaned up are still wet we use vacuum cleaners that are designed to remove water. The process will not work in porous material or in surfaces that have already been partially dried. Since it is possible that the spores that created the mold in the first place can stick to the vacuum surfaces, after each use we take special care in cleaning them up. For the same reason we cannot use these vacuums if enough water is not present. The spores will be disturbed and dispersed all over the place.
- b) HEPA Vacuum
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. It is a vacuum cleaner that is used at the end, after everything is cleaned up and dried, to remove any moisture and any spores that still remain in the premises. This is a process that must be handled by professionals as it must be made certain that the filter is precisely positioned so that all the air passes through. HEPA vacuum filters are not cleaned up after each use. They are disposed of completely and appropriately and new ones will be positioned the next time the cleaner is used.
- c) Damp Wipe
To remove the spores and any mold from hard surfaces sometimes it is necessary to treat them with wipes or scrubbers along with water or water and detergent. This is a painstaking process that must be carefully executed as either alive or dead mold can sometimes be toxic and it is definitely allergenic. Special protective clothing and other equipment is to be used in this process which is not to be handled by amateurs and it is not a process that you should exclude in order to save some money. If anything, you need to make sure that it is this process that has indeed taken care of your premises and your hard surfaces.
It is of the utmost importance during a commercial cleanup to carefully bag any and all mold contaminated debris and / or equipment that is deemed as unsalvageable, in polyethylene bags that are specially designed for this purpose and sealed with duct tape. The spores that created the mess have the nasty habit of dispersing and growing again if the circumstances are favorable. This process is to be completed before they are taken out and disposed of as commercial waste.
It may seem to a lot of people that if the appropriate disposable paper protective equipment is available and if water and air vacuum cleaners are also at hand, then there is no need to call for a professional team. This is a great mistake. How are you going to sterilize the area? How are you going to make sure that all the spores are gone? Are you aware that if you use standard chlorine bleach to scrub the surfaces it will not solve your problem? Are you aware that if you mix chlorine bleach with another solution that contains ammonia you will create toxic fumes?
The above and a few more little secrets of the trade, is what makes the difference between professionals and amateurs. Our team has not only been properly trained to handle commercial cleanup. They are also experienced enough to know when to do what. And they are at your disposal with a call at (818) 584-2988.