Cleaning up Mould

There are two ways of cleaning up molds. The objective of both ways is to prevent fine particles from being thrown back into the room. 
The first is to vacuum mouldy materials or surfaces with a HEPA vacuum or a central vacuum exhausted directly to the exterior (and not into the garage). Vacuuming removes loose organic material, which will make the cleaning safer and easier. Dust is stirred up, so respiratory protection is important, and the space should be unoccupied. Vacuuming should precede cleaning with other cleaning substances. Vacuuming is also the way to clean most surfaces that cannot be washed; for example, upholstered furniture.
Upholstered furnishings that have been exposed to damp conditions over a prolonged period cannot be cleaned; they should be re-upholstered or preferably discarded.
The second is to use a solution of detergent (e.g., unscented dishwashing liquid) and water, and rinse well. Bleach is no longer recommended for a general mould cleanup as it was in the past  (older publications will recommend it). Bleach is now used only to clean mould off badly contaminated wood surfaces. When using bleach, ventilation of the area and respiratory protection are essential. Concrete surfaces can be cleaner=ed with tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) and water. Prepare by adding one cup of TSP to 2 gallons of warm water. Eye and skin protection is necessary.
When washing, the affected areas should not be saturated, and the space should be well ventilated to speed drying of the cleaned surfaces. 

SOLPLAN REVIEW 
May 2001