Mold in Your Home is Not a Welcome Guest

Mold is something that nobody wants, yet almost all of us have to deal with on a frequent basis. Anyone of us could open the refrigerator door and likely spot mold on some forgotten leftover. While mold on food is a nuisance, mold in your home is a health hazard.

Mold can be found anywhere that water or moisture is trapped, such as tubs, showers and bathrooms. Laundry rooms, storage rooms, attics and basements are also typical humid spaces that invite mold and mildew to form over extended periods of time. Damp carpet, rugs, and other fabric based items can fall prey to mold as well.

There are many different species of mold that grow on a variety of organic materials found in the home such as fabric, wood, and paper. This means that carpet, wood trim and sheet rock are all susceptible to mold growth if the conditions are right. Mold needs moisture to grow and reproduce. As it does, it releases millions of tiny spores into the air that get trapped on material, cling to clothes, and can get into eyes and airways. This is how mold can quickly and overwhelmingly affect inhabitants of homes with mold issues.

It doesn’t take mold long to grow, but the good news is that it two things will stop mold in its tracks; removal of affected materials (food) and reduction/elimination of moisture. Steps are critical to both prevention and treatment of mold in your home.

Mold Treatment and Tips

• Pay attention to “musty smell”. While it doesn’t always indicate mold growth, it can be a first step.
• Eliminate moist conditions; no standing water, proper air ventilation, and use of dehumidifier.
• Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens and other confined spaces where moisture is likely to build up.
• Use ceiling and floor fans when appropriate to circulate air.
• Leave doors open to allow better air flow, especially after using the shower. Leave the shower door or curtain open, towel off wet surfaces, and leave the bathroom door open.
• Remove any wet items. Send clothes and scatter runs through a hot laundry cycle, use hot soapy bleach water on washable items that have been in contact with mold.
• Contact your insurance provider to see what may or may not be covered.

In extensive cases of mold, items such as sheet rock, wood trim, and flooring may need to be removed. Remember that mold is a health and safety issue and will not go away on its own. You can contact us to discuss what may need to be done to eliminate mold issues; we believe experience in such issues really is important.