Removing Mold From Attic Insulation

How to remove moldy insulation 1.

Removing mold from attic insulation.

You can also cover the insulation with plastic foil and fold the foil sealing its contents after the cleaning process. The most effective way to remove mold from hard porous materials such as wood rafters and plywood roof decking is to scrub it with detergent and water while wearing a dust mask and rubber gloves. Because wood is porous it may be difficult to remove the mold stains from sheathing but you can kill. If your attic mold is limited to a very small area you may be able to use a power sander or a wire brush to remove it.

Cut through the drywall. In most cases mold growth on the insulation is found when mold on the roof sheathing is present as well. Brush all contaminated porous insulation such as fabric or foam with a wire brush to remove loose mold. The epa and other government agencies no longer recommend bleach for doing this.

Therefore in some cases it is best to remove the affected insulation. Other options for limited areas of mold include spraying it with a mixture of water and tea tree oil or water and vinegar. Cardboard paper or loose fill insulation should be disposed of as these will be practically impossible to clean. If not wear coveralls.

The mold removal process involves scrubbing hard surfaces with a biocide but porous items like insulation and drywall cannot be cleaned and must be thrown out and replaced. This solution can cause discoloration on some surfaces so be cautious. Installing fans in your attic windows so they blow outside helps reduce the airborne spores. This will not remove the mold spores or the discoloration.

Put on protective gear before touching moldy insulation. While wearing a mask and gloves to protect yourself from both the mold and the bleach carefully apply the bleach solution to the moldy area. Tape the seams as well to prevent mold spores from. Now that you ve prepped the space it s time to attack the mold itself.

Mix a cup of bleach into a gallon of water and use that solution to attack the mold. Remove all contaminated material seal it in plastic and dispose of as regular waste. Bleach is corrosive and nasty to use and it kills only surface mold. Wet insulation should be removed as quickly as possible and allowed to dry.

They recommend using hepa vacuum after this but in the attic you d most likely have to remove the floor insulation if contaminated. By far the most popular diy mold killer is bleach. Wooden wall studs and similar items must often be sanded to remove all traces of mold since wood is somewhat porous.