One of our post-construction cleaning tasks is to take precautions to ensure that we leave no mold behind. Mold has a tendency to grow where water may have settled during the building process—behind walls, under flooring, near pipes, or in basements. Throughout the cleaning, we inspect those areas of high risk for water damage, leaks, or wet materials. If we find moisture, we will dry it out using air movers, dehumidifiers, and ventilation. Our first priority will be to eliminate any moisture prior to becoming a mold problem.

If we find mold, we will use a safe and complete cleaning process. First, we will seal off the affected area with plastic sheeting or containments barriers to prevent the spread of mold spores to other parts of the building. We will wear protective gear—gloves, face masks, and goggles—to shield ourselves and avoid contamination. We will clean hard surfaces with EPA-registered antimicrobial solutions that kill and inhibit the regrowth of mold. If we find porous surfaces such as drywall or ceiling tiles too damaged to clean, we will tear them down and dispose of them according to health and safety procedures.

In order to prevent mold spores from remaining in the air or on surfaces, we will vacuum using HEPA-filter vacuums and wipe down the area with microfiber cloths. Then, we will allow the area to completely dry and, if needed, run air scrubbers or use odor control to make sure the area is fresh and clean. Before we finalize, we will also do an after-inspection to confirm that the mold has been completely removed and there is no left-behind residue and/or moisture.

By cleaning it this way, we are going to make sure each cleaned space is not only clean but safe and mold-free for the people who will be using it next. We strive to move beyond surface cleaning to fix any issues that lie beneath that can lead to later problems.