Removing mold in your house

Cleaning up after mold can pose health dangers. Government and private industry experts give these tips:

- Dry out a building as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours of flooding or rainfall. Open doors and windows and use fans.

- Don't start mold removal until the area in and around the building is dry or it will just reappear.

- When in doubt, take it out is the rule for furniture, etc.

- Fix water problems fueling the mold , such as leaks in roofs, walls or plumbing.

- To remove mold from hard surfaces, use commercial products, soap and water, or a solution of 1 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water. Use a stiff brush on rough surfaces like concrete. Never mix bleach with ammonia (can cause toxic fumes), and open windows and doors for fresh air. Wear gloves and protective eyewear.

- If you think mold is inside air conditioners or heating systems, don't turn them on. That could blow spores throughout the building.

- If the moldy area is less than 10 square feet (roughly 3 feet by 3 feet), most people can handle the job themselves. If more than that, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guide "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings," available at 800-438-4318 or www.epa.gov/mold/mold--remediation.html.

- If you hire a contractor, make sure he has experience cleaning up mold. Several associations certify mold remediators.

Courtesy of Associated Press