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MOLD REMEDIATION PROCESS

Mold Vocabulary. Quick definitions of the terms I use when talking mold remediation. Hyphae — thread-like filaments that make up a fungus. They grow/branch through pores and fibers; masses of hyphae form mycelium (the main body). Mycelium — the network of hyphae; what actually colonizes materials below the surface. Quats (quaternary ammonium compounds) — common disinfectant actives that disrupt microbial cell membranes. Great on hard, non-porous surfaces after cleaning; not deep-penetrating or sporicidal. Disinfectant — EPA-registered product that kills listed bacteria, fungi (molds/yeasts), and viruses on hard, non-porous surfaces when kept wet for the full label time. Not the same as a sporicide. Sporicide — product proven to kill bacterial spores (e.g., C. diff) under EPA test methods; labels specify exact concentration and dwell. EPA-registered (label is the law) — building-use antimicrobials are regulated by the EPA. You must use them only as the label permits (sites, surfaces, organisms, contact time). EPA List K — EPA’s curated list of products with claims against C. difficile spores (i.e., true sporicides). AHP (Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide) — disinfectant technology combining hydrogen peroxide with surfactants/chelators for faster, broader action on non-porous surfaces (e.g., Oxivir TB). Phenolics — disinfectant class (e.g., Sporicidin) effective on hard, non-porous surfaces; stronger odor, watch finish compatibility and ventilation. Borates (e.g., DOT: disodium octaborate tetrahydrate) — wood treatments that diffuse into wood, inhibiting wood-decay fungi and insects (e.g., Bora-Care, Tim-bor). Not a surface disinfectant; used after demo/drying on keepers like studs/subfloor. Mycotoxins — toxic compounds made by some molds. Surface disinfectants generally don’t claim to “neutralize” them; best practice is physical removal, dust control, and verification. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) — filtration standard capturing 99.97% of 0.3 μm particles. Used in vacuums/air scrubbers for source removal and post-cleaning. PRV (Post-Remediation Verification) — the pass/fail check after remediation (visual cleanliness, moisture back to dry standard, and, if specified, third-party clearance).

Mold Remediation: What I Use & How I Operate

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I use EPA-registered products chosen to match the material and the job. Labels and safety come first—always. (See Right Side Dropdown Box).----->

  • Botanical disinfectants (thymol): Plant-based cleaners I use after removal and HEPA cleaning on hard, non-porous surfaces. Low odor for occupied homes.

  • Quat disinfectants: My workhorses for post-demo wipe-downs of framing, subfloors, concrete, tile, and other non-porous surfaces.

  • Accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP): One-step cleaner/disinfectant for hard surfaces with fast contact times and no harsh bleach smell.

  • Phenolic disinfectant: Effective on hard, non-porous surfaces; I mind ventilation and finish compatibility.

  • Borate wood treatments: Penetrating treatments for keepable structural wood (studs, joists, subfloor) that help inhibit wood-decay fungi inside the wood fiber.

  • Mold inhibitors/barrier coatings (select areas): Only after thorough cleaning and drying, to help discourage regrowth.

I don’t rely on “fog-only” fixes. If a porous material is colonized, I remove it. Chemicals finish the job; they don’t replace source removal.

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How I work inside your home

  1. Find & fix the moisture. I track down the leak/humidity source and address it first or in parallel.

  2. Protect clean areas. I set up containment, run air filtration as needed, and protect walk paths.

  3. Remove what can’t be saved. Wet/colonized drywall, insulation, or carpet is removed and bagged. Structural wood is evaluated for cleaning and treatment.

  4. Detail clean the structure. I HEPA-vacuum, scrub, and wipe surfaces, then apply the right EPA-registered disinfectant to hard, non-porous areas.

  5. Dry to standard. I dehumidify and verify materials are back to normal moisture levels before any rebuild.

  6. Treat keepable wood (when appropriate). I may apply a borate wood treatment to help inhibit future fungal activity within the wood.

  7. Verify cleanliness. I do a visual and surface-cleanliness check. When specified, I coordinate third-party post-remediation verification.

  8. Rebuild & hand-off. After dry-down and a clean pass, I reinstall finishes. You get photos, readings, and product info for your records.

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Quick FAQs​​

  • Will it smell? Light, temporary product odor is possible. I ventilate and choose low-odor options when families are home.

  • Do we need to leave? Usually no. For bigger demos or sensitive occupants, we’ll plan what’s best.

  • How long does it take? Small areas: 1–2 days plus dry-down. Larger scopes vary; I’ll write it in your estimate.

Your plan is tailored. I use EPA-registered products—often in combination—chosen for your materials, the level of growth, and the moisture source, all to obtain a lasting result. Benefect Decon 30 — Disinfectant (surface mold cleanup); thymol (botanical); fungi. Bioesque Botanical Disinfectant — Disinfectant (surface mold cleanup); thymol (botanical); fungi. Concrobium Broad Spectrum Disinfectant II — Disinfectant (surface mold cleanup); thymol-based/quats depending on SKU; fungi. Fiberlock ShockWave (Concentrate) — Disinfectant/cleaner (post-demo wipe-downs); quaternary ammonium compounds (quats); fungi. ShockWave RTU — Disinfectant/cleaner (post-demo wipe-downs); quats; fungi RMR-141 RTU — Disinfectant (surface mold cleanup); quats; fungi. Nisus DSV / DSV II — Disinfectant/sanitizer (restoration use); quats; fungi. Microban / Mediclean Disinfectant Spray Plus — Disinfectant (restoration standard); quats; fungi. Vital Oxide — Disinfectant (surface mold cleanup); stabilized chlorine dioxide system; fungi. Oxivir TB — Disinfectant (one-step cleaner/disinfectant); accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP); fungi. Sporicidin Disinfectant Solution — Disinfectant (surface mold cleanup); phenolic; fungi. Bora-Care (DOT borate) — Wood treatment/preservative; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate diffuses into wood; inhibits wood-decay fungi and wood-destroying insects (penetrative). Bora-Care with Mold-Care — Wood treatment + moldicide; borate + quat; penetrates wood to inhibit mold/decay organisms on/in the substrate. Tim-bor (DOT borate) — Wood preservative; borate diffuses into wood; controls wood-decay fungi (penetrative). Concrobium Mold Control / Plus — Mold inhibitor/barrier for porous/building materials; leaves a residual film that helps inhibit regrowth (not a hospital disinfectant; penetration is limited vs. true wood treatments). Chlorine Dioxide- Often used as a final cleansing of the home after the affected area has been remediated. Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is a reactive oxidizing gas used in controlled, low-ppm doses to inactivate microbes on exposed or hard-to-reach surfaces. Helps address remaining spores and mycotoxins lingering in other parts of your home.

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