Once you buy a home you never stop needing to care for it. That’s why people seek tips for simple DIY or preparing their home for a vacation. Mold is a pesky problem that many people find hard to get rid of. If you’ve ever tried to remove it from your home or workplace, you know just how frustrating it can be.
The great news is that there are steps you can take to make the process simpler. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips for getting rid of mold that keeps coming back.
What Is Mold And What’s The Problem?
Mold is a type of fungi that can grow both indoors and outdoors in warm, moist environments. It reproduces through tiny spores that float through the air and settle on surfaces. When mold spores land on a wet or damp surface, they begin to grow. Mold thrives in warm, humid conditions and can often be found in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and crawl spaces. Mold loves to feast on organic materials like wood, paper, drywall, insulation, and carpeting.
If you have mold growing in your home it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible – for yourself, your household, and any visitors. Some of the issues it can create include:
● Musty odors
● Visible growth on surfaces
● Staining
● Allergies
● Asthma attacks
● Breathing difficulties
Employ A Specialist Company
It may be that your best efforts have failed to stop the mold from reappearing in your home. In this scenario, it’s wise to contact a professional mold remediation company as soon as possible. They’ll be able to assess the situation and develop a plan to get rid of it long-term. Some common methods used by professional mold remediation companies include:
● HEPA vacuuming: This method uses special vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters that capture a high percentage of mold spores
● Wet cleaning: This involves using a detergent solution to clean surfaces and then drying them completely
● Dry ice blasting: This method uses dry ice pellets to remove mold from surfaces. It’s effective for getting rid of molds that’s hard to reach, such as in cracks and crevices
In order to discover a suitable company, it’s worth making a search on Bing or Google. This can help you find mold remediation services near you that can decontaminate the entire environment and make structural repairs for any mold damage. You can schedule an inspection or mold testing and let them clean up your belongings and contents.
Identify Where It’s Growing
Inspect any areas that are damp or that have previously had water damage, as these are the most likely places for mold to grow. Use a flashlight and mirror to check dark or hard-to-reach spots. Mold test kits are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores. On the exterior of your home, look for peeling paint, warped siding, and discoloration. If you have a deck or porch, inspect it regularly as well.
In the basement, look for leaks around windows, pipes, and the foundation. Check for any musty odors, since they could indicate hidden mold growth. In the kitchen and bathroom, look under sinks, around appliances that use water (like the dishwasher or washing machine), and in any cabinets or storage areas. Mold doesn’t just grow in damp or water-damaged areas so also check:
● On walls behind furniture where dust has collected
● In HVAC systems, including ductwork, vents, and registers
● On ceilings (look for water stains)
● Around doors and windows (check for condensation)
● In attics and crawlspaces
Get Rid Of The Mold Spores And Prevent Its Return
To remove mold spores from your home, wash moldy surfaces with detergent and water. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when doing this. For porous surfaces like wood or drywall, try cleaning the surface with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Use a stiff brush on rough surfaces like concrete. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with a mixture of one quart of bleach in one gallon of water. Once the process is complete you’ll need to dry the area completely.
You’ll also need to take steps to prevent it from returning. To do that:
● Reduce indoor humidity by venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and dehumidifiers; and increasing ventilation throughout your home.
● Fix leaks and seepage around bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and similar appliances.
● Use exhaust fans when cooking or showering
Keep Your Home Clean And Regularly Inspect Your Gutters
One of the best ways to prevent mold is to simply keep your home clean. Wipe down surfaces after you cook or shower, and vacuum and mop your floors regularly. If you do see mold starting to grow, clean it up immediately with a mixture of water and bleach before it has a chance to spread.
Your gutters play an important role in keeping your home mold-free. If they’re not working properly, water can pool around your foundation or leak into your home. Inspect them regularly to make sure they’re clean and free of debris. If you need to, hire a professional to clean them for you.
Use Waterproofing Sealant
This is a type of coating that’s applied to surfaces in order to make them resistant to water. This can be helpful in preventing mold growth, as it’ll create a barrier that mold spores can’t penetrate. Sealants are available in both clear and pigmented varieties, so you can choose the one that best suits your individual needs.
Application is typically done with a brush or roller, and the sealant will need to be allowed to dry completely before being exposed to water. Be sure to read the instructions on the product label carefully before use.
By putting these tips into practice you’ll soon be able to enjoy a mold-free home. What’s more, you’ll have maximum protection from it becoming an issue later on. In turn, you can enjoy your home without worrying about property damage or the risk to human health.
Featured image: Unsplash (Jezael Melgoza).
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