Community Corner

5 Things You Need To Know About Cleaning And Preventing Mold Growth

Safety measures and suggestions when tackling a mold problem in your basement.

Even if you've cleaned your wet basement after the flooding in Mentor, check this list first because you could still be at risk for mold. 

Nancy Niehus, director of Environmental Health at the Lake County General Health District, gave some tips on how to keep you and your home mold-free.

  • If it’s wet, throw it out. Mold grows on wet or moist objects so if it can’t cleaned easily, get rid of it. This includes carpets and drywall because they don’t dry quickly.
  • Dry wet floors or items with fans. If you already have mold, use a dehumidifier to take out the moisture because fans will spread mold spores.
  • Protect yourself. Mold can trigger allergies and is a skin and respiratory irritant for humans. Wear gloves, long sleeves and a painter’s mask when cleaning.
  • Scrub and wash. Some walls and clothes can be saved if you clean them early enough. Clothes can be thrown in the washer with hot water. Walls needed to be scrubbed with a brush, with soap and water; a rag won’t cut it.
  • Disinfect. When you’re done mopping the floor, give it a once-over with some mild bleach. This will kill anything that’s left over. 

Find out what's happening in Mentorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Mentor