How to Get Rid of Attic Mold

wiping mold from a wall
  • 400-500
What You'll Need
Plastic storage containers
Sponge
Commercial mold cleaner
Portable air conditioner
Fans
Pan
Bucket
What You'll Need
Plastic storage containers
Sponge
Commercial mold cleaner
Portable air conditioner
Fans
Pan
Bucket

If the formation of mold has been a problem in your home's attic, you may be wondering how to go about getting rid of it. There are different tactics that can help you make your attic mold-free and create a healthier home.

Step 1 - Thoroughly Clean Your Attic

Most attic mold can be purged with nothing more than a sponge and a commercial mold cleaner. Apply the cleaner to any mold-laden areas of your attic, then use your sponge to vigorously wipe the infected areas clean. As many commercial mold cleaners contain potent fumes and chemicals, make sure that the area in which they are being used is properly ventilated. Also, if your attic mold takes a substantial amount of time to clean, be sure to take periodic breaks in order to ensure that your exposure to the cleaner's fumes is limited. In addition to cleaning the mold, however, you'll also want to prevent it from returning.

Step 2 - Adjust Your Attic's Temperature

thermostat

Adjusting your attic's temperature is a great way to reduce the area's amount of moisture, one of attic mold's root causes. If you're on a budget, you can cool the area by frequently running one or more fans within your attic. You can also cool your attic with the aid of a portable air conditioner. For attics that feature windows, window air conditioning units can be used for this task as well. Alternatively, if your home has central air, you may to considered extending it to your attic.

Step 3 - Get New Storage Containers

If you, like many homeowners, use your attic as a storage area, you may want to consider upgrading your storage containers. While most people tend to store their old things in cardboard boxes, such containers are not recommended for use in humid, insulated environments like household attics, as cardboard is highly susceptible to moisture. For this reason, it is recommended that you purchase durable plastic storage containers for your attic storage needs. While these containers may require an occasional cleaning, they are much sturdier than their cardboard counterparts and far less likely to fall victim to moisture. They may cost a little more than cardboard boxes, but plastic containers will save you both time and money on attic mold removal in the long run.

Step 4 - Patch Roof Leakage

roof that needs repair

Roof leakage is one of the leading causes of mold in attics. Should you ever come across any leaks in your roof, you must promptly have them patched, lest they create copious amounts of mold-forming moisture in your home's attic. For all but the most seasoned handymen, roof patching is a job best left to licensed professionals, due largely in part to its dangerous nature. Before your leaks can be properly patched, take care to place a large bucket or pan directly beneath any leaky areas in order to prevent wet spots and moisture buildup.