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This Mold House: The Danger Within
Ever had a nightmare about your home being featured on "This Mold House?"
Maybe, maybe not. But, truth be told, no one but the most attention starved would want to be on that kind of show. Mold may come in a variety of colors, but it is unwelcome.
It can affect your health, ruin furniture, floors, and sentimental household items. In the most extreme cases, mold can ruin the home itself.
Still, it’s impossible to get rid of mold completely. Not even the most fastidious cleaner can completely rid their home of mold for like all fungi, it plays a necessary role in nature. How would fallen leaves decompose without mold?
It’s when mold multiplies that it becomes a problem. Cleaning and vacuuming your home regularly is the first step in preventing mold problems. Mold thrives off moisture and warmth. Places not to miss include refrigerator drip pans and outdoor gutters and downspouts
Homeowners and renters alike need to be on the lookout, using not just their eyes, but their noses as well (an earthy odor may indicate mold). Mold can grow just about anywhere so long as it has moisture for its offspring, the spores, to grow. It can be found on windowsills, in house dust, and hidden behind the walls. And unfortunately, walls still can’t talk.
Here are some important tips on dealing with mold:
Act on your instincts: Because mold testing can be time consuming and expensive, it’s generally recommended to clean and dry the suspected area first. Early detection and treatment are important and can save you a bigger bill in the long run.
Give it immediate attention: If you suspect mold, it’s important to address the issue right away. Mold not only needs to be cleaned up, but if there’s an underlying problem like a water leak, it will need to be fixed. Otherwise, mold will continue to grow. For an area more than 10 square feet, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends hiring a contractor or other professional service provider. Just be sure they have the experience and solid references.
Don’t just paint over it: Mold needs to be cleaned before wet paint is applied. If not, the paint will likely peel off, revealing the happily-growing mold.
When not to turn your HVAC system on: Mold can grow on anything, including the heating/ventilation/air conditioning system (HVAC). If you suspect there’s mold lurking, don’t turn the system on until you address the problem, or you could end up with more mold in other places. Also, check out the EPA’s guide, "Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?" for more information.
Treat your precious items delicately: If you find mold on one of your sentimental items, it may be in your best interest to have a restoration or cleaning specialist treat it to avoid ruining the item. Items may not always be restored, particularly absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet.
Dress for the occasion: The EPA recommends that you wear gloves, goggles, and an N-95 respirator to clean mold. However, if you believe the mold is affecting your health, consult a medical professional first. Mold produces allergens, irritants, and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances.
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