If you have mold in your home, you want to get rid of it quickly and thoroughly. However, you also want to keep yourself safe while you’re doing it. Mold contains spores that can cause health problems if they’re inhaled, so it’s important to follow some basic safety guidelines, including wearing the right clothing.
In this guide, we will discuss what to wear when cleaning mold and how to protect yourself from its harmful effects.
Why should you protect yourself when cleaning mold?
Mold spores can cause a range of health problems, including allergies and respiratory infections. When you’re cleaning mold, you’re likely to disturb these spores and release them into the air. If you inhale them, they can cause a number of problems, including:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Asthma attacks
What to wear when cleaning mold?
Wear long pants and sleeves
Mold removal is a messy process and involves using chemicals, so wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt or other protective clothing that completely covers your skin. If possible, wear clothes that can be thrown away or destroyed after the cleaning process. If you don’t have disposable clothing, choose clothes that can be washed in hot water with bleach afterwards.
Wear disposable gloves
Mold removal may involve chemical cleaners and disinfectants; these products often include directions for their use on packaging, including what kind of gloves to wear. In general, it’s best to wear gloves that are made of a material that can’t be penetrated by the chemicals you’re using.
Wear goggles or other eye protection
When cleaning mold, you want to avoid getting any of the spores in your eyes. Goggles or another form of eye protection will help to keep your eyes safe.
Wear a dust mask or respirator
A dust mask or respirator will help to filter out mold spores from the air and prevent you from inhaling them. If possible, choose a mask with an N95 rating; this will provide the best protection against mold spores.
Disposable shoe covers
Mold removal often involves a lot of scrubbing, so you want to avoid getting your shoes wet or dirty. Disposable shoe covers will help to protect your shoes and keep them clean.
Professional tips for removing mold from your home
If you’re dealing with mold in your home, it’s important to take the proper precautions. This means wearing the right clothing to protect yourself from exposure. Here are some tips on what to wear when cleaning mold:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from contact with mold spores.
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth to avoid breathing in mold spores.
- If you have long hair, tie it back or wear a hat to keep mold spores from getting in your hair.
- Wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Mold can be difficult to remove from clothing, so it’s best to wear something that you won’t mind throwing away if necessary.
- Put on rubber boots or shoes that can be easily cleaned. This will help to prevent mold spores from tracking through your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you change clothes after cleaning mold?
You should change clothes after cleaning mold, because you could potentially be carrying mold spores on your clothing. These spores can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
What kind of clothing should you wear when cleaning mold?
The best type of clothing to wear when cleaning mold is loose-fitting, breathable clothing that covers your skin. You should also wear gloves, a mask, and goggles to protect yourself from mold spores. If you have any open cuts or wounds, make sure to cover them with a bandage before starting the cleaning process.
What should you do with your clothes after cleaning mold?
After you finish cleaning mold, remove your clothes immediately and wash them in hot water. You may also want to throw away any clothing that has been significantly contaminated with mold.
Can you clean mold with bleach?
Yes, you can clean mold with bleach. However, it’s important to use caution when doing so, as bleach can be harmful to your skin and eyes. Make sure to wear gloves, a mask, and goggles when using bleach to clean mold. You should also open windows and doors to ventilate the area while you’re cleaning.
What are some natural ways to clean mold?
There are a few natural ways to clean mold, including using vinegar or baking soda. However, it’s important to note that these methods may not be effective on all types of mold.
Final thoughts
By taking these precautions, you can help to keep yourself safe from exposure to mold. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to dealing with mold in your home.