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No, soap scum doesn’t cause mildew, but the two substances often appear in the same spots. If soap scum is left to sit long enough and if the area stays damp, mildew and mold can grow on top of it. When these fungi combine with soap scum, your surface can become discolored, grimier, smelly, and more difficult to clean.

While a biohazard cleanup sounds like a scary process, knowing what to expect can help ease your concerns and set you up for success. It’s good to note that more than one professional might be needed depending on your situation, but that will be determined during the assessment. What you can expect during a home biohazard cleanup is the following:

• Assessment: The first step in this process is for a biohazard cleanup professional to assess the damage. They create a report that includes the biohazard safety level, the needed damage cleanup, and the time it should take to complete the project. 

• Setup: The cleanup professional prepares the site to prevent cross-contamination and reduce toxicity risk. This process can include tarping and creating decontamination zones. 

• Removal of surface contamination: Any contaminated materials are removed from the area, starting with large materials followed by small ones. The professional can assess any floor-related damage once everything is removed from the site. 

• Salvaging items: The biohazard cleanup professionals assess which items can be saved and which are contaminated beyond the point of saving. Those deemed unsafe will be disposed of immediately. 

• Waste disposal: The next step is carefully disposing of the hazardous waste. Your professional will place the contaminated items in specific containers to keep the contamination from spreading.   

• Disinfection: The house will be disinfected and odor-neutralized. Even more minor details, like light switches and bulbs, will be disinfected so that they do not recontaminate the area in the future. 

• Restoration: Once the decontamination is complete, the last step is to restore the home. This includes repairing the damage to flooring, walls, or even the home's foundation.  

It’s best to steer clear of abrasive sponges and commercial cleaning products when cleaning your bathtub. These cleaning materials can scratch the surface of your tub, especially those made from acrylic and fiberglass.

A damp smell that lingers on the clothes after drying could be a result of staying in the washer too long or not drying all the way in the dryer. The best way to get damp smells out of clothes after drying them is to run them through the washer again. For stubborn smells, you can add scent boosters or use a laundry odor remover.