The Reality of DIY Mold Remediation

[@traciemartin2509]

Great information! I have a good eye for ppl and I can tell you genuinely care about what you do. I sure wish you were on East Texas. My son is suffering from contamination OCD since last September 1 2022. Basically what happens is the c virus reactivates dormant vir uses in the body. We just found out he has mold infection/inflammation in his body. Just getting the protocol for healing is alot and the stress of trying to get mold safely out of the home is overwhelming. Basically it's his restroom, under the kitchen sink, my daughter's closet behind her toilet, and out of all places, the dispenser in the washing machine. I yanked it out and I cleaned as much of the washer as I could. I still smell it. I wish there were more ppl like you. I'm on all these fb groups for mold, ocd, Pandas, autism, and anxiety and ppl are suffering so so badly. It is a mental crisis. My son is 21 and still has not returned to his room since last September. It's not because of mold it's because he "feels" like HE is contaminating everything in his room. He prays every day really hard especially for others. Mold is a beast. Thank you for listening 🙏♥️

[@IAQJosh]

Thank you for the thoughtful comment. I wish and your son all the best. I can only understand what he’s going through. 🙏

[@khizernaeem]

I don't know how I ended up on this video. But it was GOLD. Learned a lot of valuable things. You are a real professional. Keep the videos coming.

[@IAQJosh]

Thank you for the kind words! I genuinely appreciate individuals like yourself consuming the content I put out. Thanks for watching!

[@toniapovlsen4866]

​@@IAQJoshAZ llpp

[@michaelbutler4933]

Water damage technician in British Columbia. This video is brilliant! Thank you!

[@debis.8549]

Thank u so much for this video. I just found a mold problem in a home I just moved into and your video is the only one so far that actually breaks down in detail the correct DIY way to do mold remediation. It was so very helpful and this video is very necessary in order to educate the public on the dangers of mold and the correct way to protect yourself and your contents. Thank u for sharing

[@IAQJosh]

Thank you for the wonderful comment! Mold can certainly be dangerous, if not handled properly. Unfortunately, it’s also someone that is around us all the time.

[@JeniLambert]

Job well done (mold remediation company here)

[@kerronyoung88]

This was an absolutely great and informative video! Greatly appreciate it and looking forward to more content from you!

[@IAQJosh]

Thank you for the kind words, Kerron! A bit of planning went into this video, so I’m glad to know that it is being appreciated by you and others.

[@marcusb13mb]

Really appreciate your videos and how in depth you go into every category it shows that you’re very knowledgeable on the topic and helps a fellow project manager, such as myself use better, Termanology, and ways of explaining

[@IAQJosh]

I appreciate the kind words, especially from a fellow restorer! Best of luck with everything you do.

[@ginkodragon]

Awesome job on that container! It is good to see you be able to start to move things out of the mill so you can work on the interior! Just make sure that you getveid of that mold before you store it in the container. Black mold is toxic! Bleach does not kill it, but vinegar and baking soda does, so does some other solutions. You will have to install some kind of moisture barrier in the house.

[@IAQJosh]

Thank you for your comment!

[@briannewton8161]

Great video!!!! Thank you so much!! I’m taking my mold class iicrc in September and this helps so much!

[@IAQJosh]

Great to hear, Brian! Suck up as much knowledge and training as you can.

[@samuru8613]

Amazing containment. Keep learning how to do better remediation.

[@IAQJosh]

Appreciate it! Containment is an art, and one that I’m always working on improving myself.

[@gearbarrel6237]

Bro-this is legit content. SUPER HELPFUL keep sharing …hope you’re making some cash off of KZbin. Thanks again

[@IAQJosh]

Appreciate the feedback! Definitely trying to find the time to post more content.

[@NikkiVelazquez]

I learned a lot from this. We have a pro coming to remediate our bathroom, and now i have some idea of how this all works.

[@IAQJosh]

Thanks for the feedback! Best of luck with the remediation.

[@samiam5021]

Thank you for showing how the prep should be set up and WHY. So much of the anxiety of figuring out how to create a checklist for when to call a pro and how alarmed to get, for me has to do with ignorance. Short of following your steps here, are there ways to know how bad the prevalence of mold is? I would pay money for an “if…then” checklist or flow chart that would lead me to an informed decision. Or: would it be better to call in an assessor? How do you identify a good one? If you did a video on “okay, you found mold in three different places in your rental housing, and you don’t have the money to just call in a pro, and you don’t want to sound foolish when you ask your landlord for help, but you also don’t want to just let the mold go and ruin the building or your health…here is a roadmap for what you can do” I think you would help a lot of people. You’d def help me!

[@IAQJosh]

Hi Sam. Thank you for the detailed comment. Lots of great insight there. Personally, I love the idea of creating a flow chart for consumers. I’ll gladly give you credit for the idea, when I finally create and share something like this. As far as identifying a good assessor, that’s easier said than done. There are an absolute ton of individuals who are great at pulling samples and providing you with the results. There are fewer assessors that are able to adequately interpret those samples and also provide a good inspection. There are even fewer folks that understand why they are sampling, are excellent at interpreting the results and perform a great inspection. And even when you make it this far, a small fraction of the few understand building science, causation and proper corrective actions. My best advice for determining one assessor over another is for a consumer to understand exactly what they’re looking for (or at least more than a general idea). The more knowledgable the consumer as to what their needs are, the easier the interview process with assessors will be. While a consumer does not need to be a mold expert, they should certainly do their research to understand the limitations of a mold assessment and what forms of sampling may be advantageous over another. Many assessors are quick to pulling standard air and surface samples. In many instances, this is fine. In others, this is not in line with what a consumer may need.

[@Tonisuperfly]

I’d also love to see a flowchart!

[@schmuckersinc]

first off love your videos man, ive learned alot from you! keep the great work up! just a little tip for the cabinet sealing. id suggest taping the back edge along the wall aswell. most bathroom cabinet drawer construction (specially hanging ones) has a super thin board just slid in or none at all at the back. and most aren't siliconed or caulked at either side or bottom.

[@IAQJosh]

I appreciate the kind words! As for additional preparation around cabinetry, there is no such thing as too much. Good call on the edges, as I too have seen what you’re talking about.

[@jakeb1778]

I am wondering why you created the air inlet with the filter for neg air vs running without?

[@IAQJosh]

Great question! I used a filter in this application for a couple of reasons: 1. I am able to maintain a negatively pressurized containment area, with reference to the bedroom, all while maintaining relatively neutral pressure within the bedroom itself. This is important because it ensures that I avoid pushing cooler, indoor air into the interstitial spaces. 2. I am able to bring in cooler air from the bedroom, ultimately promoting more favorable working conditions.

[@IAQJosh]

By utilizing filter, I can minimize potential cross-contamination, in the event that there is a power outage and the negatively pressurized air filtration devices turns off. If the containment area decides to pressurize, the filter will assist with excess particulate trying to make its way out of the work area.

[@bobrebera494]

Good video, when I take a door off, I take out the pins with a punch. I have found that many folks strip out the screws when they try and put them back in. I have used a lot of golf tees and dowel rods in filling up holes to reattach the screws. Another note is that you talked about the waste under the floor from the bad wax ring, and I know you have seen how many companies that rent homes just cover up the mess without the proper remediation.

[@IAQJosh]

What’s funny is that I attempted to pop the hinge pins prior to us starting to film - but to no avail. Every once in a while I run into issues removing the pins, with this case being one of them. To anyone else reading this, Bob is spot on. Removing the pins is always a better option, as you’re not running the risk of stripping screws. Different ways to get it done, but both will typically work. As to your wax ring comment, many folks are more heavily motivated by mold than “water” from a toilet - for whatever reason. I think that there is more awareness on the health effects relating to mold, however, grossly bacteria-ridden water doesn’t seem to get the same spotlight.

[@bobrebera494]

I have messed up a few doors in trying to pop out the pins being corroded and some people just take a wack and they come right out.

[@IAQJosh]

@@bobrebera494 Mhmm… I know the feeling. 😂

[@Chozen1gaming]

Thanks this info saves lives

[@IAQJosh]

Thank you for watching!

[@PatoLoco1833]

Thank you! A few questions: how long were you going to run the air scrubber and how often were you going to change the filters? How does one know the scrubber is no longer needed?

[@IAQJosh]

Thank you for watching! Operation of an air scrubber will vary from situation to situation, but I tend to operate these devices for at least a day or two following mold remediation services. Our equipment often ends up running for a number of days between the time that work is complete and an IEP comes back with test results. As far as filter changes go, you should change them as needed. Once the remediation process is complete, most folks will change the filters and then run a single set of filters for the duration of air scrubbing. Unless the environment is very dirty, which would be odd post-remediation, not much airborne debris will be picked up by the pre filters. However, the HEPA filters should be changed regularly, given the contaminate that we are working with and the warehouse locations in which this type of machinery is often stored. One way to gauge when the air is clean enough and an air scrubber isn’t doing much is by evaluating particulate with a laser particle counter. If one was to use this type of device to check the particles in the air right after remediation, and then continue to measure over each day thereafter, you’ll see a point when the particulate levels stops going down. That’s generally a good time to remove the equipment.

[@kodak_jack]

If you call in a mold assessment company, are they obligated to shut you down and get you out of the house until the area is taken care of? Are they obligated to report what you have to your state or local health department so YOU can't fix it yourself?

[@IAQJosh]

Hi John. At least within the State of Florida, there is no requirement for us to report any of our findings to the State, or any other organization for that matter. A property owner can do most things on their own, with a permit at most being required on occasion. So long as individuals performing the work themselves properly protect themselves and have the required engineering controls in place, there’s few reasons why they couldn’t or shouldn’t take on a small DIY mold remediation.

[@Chafalota]

About how much does something like this situation cost?

[@vaxmax8620]

Excellent video

[@IAQJosh]

Thank you so much!

[@Thicknready2]

I have a beard and was working in an attic. The insulation, however, my beard was covered in unseen insulation also with a fuzzy black mold that embed itself in my face I did not know this happened while it was occurring, but days later, the insulation had glued my beard to my skin and was making my beard grow splotches along with the extra fuzz from the black mold. It was all over my face , arm, and leg hair.

[@IAQJosh]

That does not sound good at all. Were you wearing a mask or respirator of any kind?

[@rodgerbattle8692]

Hair is a breeding ground next time mask up and wear ppe equipment and take that stuff off before you leave work

[@davidrivera390]

What is the name of you half mask papper?

[@IAQJosh]

This is the Optrel Swiss Air. bakersgas.com/products/optrel-4700010?variant=39257622216806&campaign=17572506133&adgroup=&feeditem=&keyword=&matchtype=&device=m&network=x&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5cO33fayhAMVmYJaBR11ogBQEAQYASABEgKhIPD_BwE&creative=ad.atdmt.com/s/go;adv=11242241809840;ec=11242241809912;c.a=17572506133;s.a=google;p.a=17572506133;as.a=;qpb=1;?bidkw=&dvc=m&h=bakersgas.com/products/optrel-4700010%3Fvariant%3D39257622216806&gad_source=1

[@davidrivera390]

Thanks

[@Raya-5544]

fkn genius !!! excellent !!! thank you for this very thorough and very correct way of handling mold. Unlike some guys on youtube making videos of "mold removal" by spraying bleach on it 🤣🤣🙄🙄🙄.... someone should tell them bleach does not kill mold hahahah. And you my friend are also going to make a great husband/father some day. There are too many dumb guys out there and when I see a great one (rare) i'll say it !!! 👌

[@IAQJosh]

Thank you for the extremely kind words! I definitely take pride in what I do, so I’ll never just spit out content for the sake of - especially not any content showing malpractice with the steps. My experience has been that there are 3 types of restoration professionals: 1. Those who get it and know their craft. 2. Those that don’t know better, but also haven’t seeked higher education. 3. Those who are in it for all the wrong reasons - money > all else.

[@rockstarnrg4me]

Very well put together video. However, Just out of curiosity… are decontamination chambers a thing over in Florida? Along with wearing a suit? I ask because you went to the extent of building a nice containment on the door with make up air, utilizing an air scrubber. A very expensive mask, but then don’t use a suit nor build a decontamination chamber to change in and out of your suit to prevent cross contamination into other areas of the home.

[@IAQJosh]

Excellent professional observations! To your question of decon chambers being a thing in Florida, they most certainly are. They are definitely more prevalent within the asbestos abatement sector, but companies like mine and others will utilize them to better manage the process. As to your comments about a suit and such, I specifically lined up a small scale project for a DIY video - as anything larger would be professional level scale. A suit is definitely a “best hygienic practice” move, so excellent job bringing that to light for viewers. Thanks for watching and for your comments!

[@Midnightwest74]

Great great great video!

[@Midnightwest74]

Do you offer consulting???

[@IAQJosh]

Why thank you!

[@IAQJosh]

Depending on the service(s) you’re looking for, I can certainly be of assistance on the consulting side! Reach out to me and we can further discuss anything you’d like. Here is my contact info: poplme.co/hash/7UdaGQ2L/1/share

[@gracehinson1969]

Is white vinegar good to remove mold..

[@IAQJosh]

Hi Grace! While I do not have any experience using white vinegar for mold removal, I will see that many solutions that have lower surface tension are effective at removing mold from surfaces. My go to for removing mold from surfaces is soap and water. Again, I’m only talking about surfaces here. If there’s a potential for mold to be within or behind the surface of a material, cleaning is not a good approach.

[@C4n4bysmal]

Omg... Im 14 and live in a small room of our house and ive been having issues with typical mold and mildew in my room for a few years and recently my mood and behavior has been very strange. Today i found WHITE MOLD ON MY CURTAINS AND WINDOW SILL!!! I THOUGHT IT WAS DUST FOR A GOOD 3-4 MONTHS😐 I have no clue what im gonna say to my parents, its 5 am and ive been up all night panicking cus of it 😢

[@C4n4bysmal]

Its likely not something we can tackle our selves, my eyes are literally burning while typing this :')))

[@betterstill100]

@@C4n4bysmalyou can use borax 95% and washing soda5% to wash down the area after removing the curtains and washing them with ammonia. Mold needs moisture, food (dust) and dark to grow. Look at all the mold videos online to see why it formed.

[@redwansuleman9833]

Spent more time showing people how to put up a plastic sheet than the mold problem.

[@IAQJosh]

Would you like to know more about the mold problem?

[@DogHairDontCare]

For jobs like these, set-up is paramount.... you may think "it's just mold," but if you cross contaminated asbestos (which often comes with water damage because lots of old drywall / joint compound has asbestos) into the home, you'll have a large headache on your hands of having to damp wipe everything.

[@SpicyPisces3]

Bro, lemme send you pictures of what I just discovered in the closet of my master bathroom 😱. MOLD!!! It looks like black mold, and I think the cause is an improperly installed and sealed shower. 🙄 (it was a flipped house when we bought it, thinking everything was done properly, or at least up to code. 🤬) Our house is concrete block, so I'm hoping that means the mold will be easier to remedy, as it hopefully has less wood and drywall to penetrate. (At least, that's my uneducated theory) God knows we can't afford to NOT do it ourselves, and with that said, it's not even something we can afford to do ourselves at the moment. 😢 Idk what to do, because we have to have the shower and tile completely gutted in order to correct the issue, and who tf has that kinda cash laying around? No, I'm seriously asking, anyone got $20k burning a hole in their pocket??? 😂 I'll totally help you out and take those bands off your hands. 😂

[@IAQJosh]

Man… so sorry to hear about your situation.

[@tztok-rubkok6789]

Would be worth noting that you should never put painters tape on cabinets that will be within containment that requires a dehu, it will cook that adhesive and then you will end up paying for a new set when you peel off that finish :)

[@IAQJosh]

Great insight! There are definitely instances where that occurs, as it sounds like you very well know. Fortunately for us, we merely leave a little residue (which can be removed using strips of new tape) in most instances. The only time we’re really concerned for damage to the vanity is when it’s painted after production. Many homeowners who re-paint cabinets tend to not properly prime them. Great advice for everyone though. I appreciate you chiming in!

[@tztok-rubkok6789]

@@IAQJosh oh yeah, can definitely save people some money in case finish gets taken off and usually when you’re dealing with insurance companies working for a company as a preferred vendor, always like to just empty them out and make sure they’re clean during your final clean day.

[@DogHairDontCare]

"Professionals" I've seen don't even go to this extent of doing things properly. You have no idea how often contractors come and bust people's walls up ignoring that there are potentially asbestos in the drywall / joint compound. No containment, no negative air pressure systems. It's wild.

[@IAQJosh]

Believe it or not, I actually have quite the idea, as I intentionally put myself out there in various FB groups and other forums where property owners and tenants often share their horror stories when dealing with some professionals. Asbestos is coincidentally a big topic for me of late, as I’ve personally gone through the process of certifying my companies to be able to perform ACM sampling. Through this process, I’m learning more and more about the disregard for asbestos containing materials by some companies. Fortunately, I was also happy to hear that some prioritize this type of testing before any work is performed!

[@Cyberia1993]

Josh, it sounds good...hiring a professional but the 4 licensed mold remediators I hired all cut corners and just do not follow full protocol. I think the owner is great, but the work crews they send out with fake project managers don't wear full pep, definitely put up fake containment and don't do a proper wipe down...seems it's demeaning to them and no patience to do a proper cleaning. So every time mold remediators do their pretend mold remediation, they end up filling the house interior full of mycotoxins and mold. Not worth hiring fake professionals who charge in the thousands only to make the interiors and contents contaiminated and...yeah throw away everything and move 4x. Corrupt industry filled with criminals. No one does what you're doing on the video though that is the process.

[@theantichrist4267]

A real pro tip 🤔 would be centering the containment zipper ,centered on the doorway plastic entryway 👍

[@IAQJosh]

Maybe you didn’t notice the make-up filter or air filtration device exhaust locations. 😉

[@fox156]

All that PPE and he wears short sleeve shirts , no hood or hat. WTF?

[@IAQJosh]

Clearly you did not see the backward hat. 🤪 Thank you for the comment.

[@johnd942]

For goodness sake cut down on your words; hyperbole it's called. Just get to the point!

[@IAQJosh]

My life story. 😂 It’s an active effort. Maybe one day I’ll be able to tell a story in 100 words or less. 😎

[@kylelaw7210]

I watched this at 1.5x speed and it helped

[@kerronyoung88]

Lol this was your only take away?

[@TheTaterwhisperer]

Hyperbole is exaggerating 😮😂 didn’t seem too wordy to me

[@lydiaahubbell8545]

verbosity, not hyperbole, and I thought it was great

[@GNada-g6l]

Laughable. Five hours of "environmental mtitgation" to remove a toilet and replace the wax ring because a moisture meter reading on a baseboard. Ah, the lack of "old fashion DIY" is lamentable. But great if your goal is to play Darth Vader at a costume party.

[@IAQJosh]

I’m more of a Luke Skywalker fan, so I’d probably rock his attire at a costume party. 😎

[@melimel961]

Quit talking so much, Jesus! Get to the point t

[@IAQJosh]

You came to the wrong channel if you’re not looking for long-winded commentary. 🙃

[@pauljr1974]

You don't like him explaining as he goes.....go watch another video