Fight Mold In Your Home

Molds are fungi found in damp and humid areas -- and they are everywhere. Outside, molds participate in the circle of life by decomposing dead organic substances to be reabsorbed by Mother Nature. If left untreated, molds inside the home can cause allergies, become irritants, or transform into life threatening toxic substances that may lead to more serious health problems. Mold spores cannot be detected with the naked eye. As a result, steps should be taken to prevent the development of mold. If mold has already crept into your home, it should be immediately removed.

Good Habits to Keep

Molds flourish in damp areas, so keep windows and doors open regularly. The increase of air flow will decrease condensation. To gauge the humidity level in your home, a humidity meter can be purchased from the local hardware store. Because of their constant state of dampness, bathrooms are breeding grounds for mold. During or after a shower, fall into the habit of turning on the fan and opening windows. Make sure roof gutters are maintained on a regular basis. Appliances such as air conditioners, clothes dryers, heaters, and stoves cause water condensation, so they should either be used outside or only when needed. In case of spilled substances, floods, or broken pipes, wet areas must be completely cleaned up and dried within 48 hours to avoid mold development.

Eliminating Mold

If mold growth is detected in the home, immediately locate the source of dampness and completely repair what caused the leakage before cleaning up the mold. If the moldy area is less than 3 feet by 3 feet, it is something one can tackle by scrubbing it off with detergent and water. If the area of the mold is greater than 10 square feet, contact a professional. Mold is airborne, so make sure you do not breathe it in, as exposing your lungs to mold particles can be hazardous to your health. Wear long gloves and goggles to minimize exposure. After cleaning, allow everything to completely dry.

Mold can be removed from hard surfaces. However, if it is found on porous surfaces, the exterior of the item may need to be replaced, since mold can hide in spaces that are hard to see and reach. Unfortunately, mold will stain the surface of objects, so there is a chance that the item will not look the same after it is cleaned. Due to the high likelihood of mold returning, cleaning more frequently will reduce or eliminate this from occurring.

Locating Hidden Mold

Some mold is hidden from view, but visible water damage or moldy smells are good signs that indicate its presence. It can be hidden in places such as the back of dry wall, behind wallpaper, or underneath carpets. Walls obstructed by furniture and walls around pipes can also conceal mold. Be cautious when trying to locate hidden mold. If too much is uncovered, the situation might be more than you can handle.

Because it is tough to determine when mold is completely removed, you will have to use your best judgment. You should not be able to see or smell mold. After a week or so, return to the spot and make sure the mold did not return. Keep in mind that simply killing the mold is not enough, as dead mold may still be harmful. Take extra steps in making sure that the mold is completely eliminated.