MOLD BUSTERS
Proactive Steps for a Healthy Home Environment
Mold is a fungus that has plagued homeowners for over a century. Seeing patches of black, white, green, or orange mold around the house is enough to send shivers down homeowners’ spines. While plenty of mold types are harmless, some can cause damage and are toxic. Breathing around mold patches can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and worse. When you see mold in or around your home, your first thought may be to remove it, but it’s essential to identify it to take the proper precautions. If you see small black spots around damp areas of your home, like your shower grouting, sinks, and bathroom walls, you’re likely dealing with mildew. Mildew is a common type of mold, but it’s relatively harmless. When mildew appears around your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or elsewhere around the house, use a cleaning brush and your standard store-bought mold killer. It might return, but you can use this procedure every time without running into serious issues. The other common types of mold in your home are trickier to combat. Aspergillus is a common mold found on foods and in air conditioning units that can cause your allergies to go haywire. In worst-case scenarios, it can lead to bleeding in the lungs. Another type, cladosporium, can also
be black or green and is commonly found on the back of toilets, painted surfaces, and fiberglass air ducts. Exposure to this type of mold can lead to watery eyes, rashes, sore throats, and more. Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is known for being dangerous, but that’s not necessarily the case. While it can be hazardous for asthmatics, others are likely to experience only allergic reactions when exposed to it. The best defense against mold is proactivity. Once some types of mold have settled into your home, it can be challenging to get rid of them, especially without the help of a professional. Preventing mold growth starts by identifying the areas of your home at risk of excess water and moisture, like your basement, attic, bathroom, and kitchen. To start your mold prevention efforts, look under every sink in your home for leakage. If you have a cabinet underneath your sink, check the corners, pipes, and the rest of the area for water. If you notice anything unusual, find the source and replace the parts causing the leak. You should also invest in an under-the-sink mat that can catch any water dripping from your pipes to reduce the risk of damage to the woodwork underneath. Another common area for leaks and mold is around your washing machine or water heater.
These often tight areas aren’t as easy to check and clean, so your best solution is to invest in a water sensor to inform you of any excess water on the floor. Some of these sensors can even connect to your phone through Bluetooth to notify you when water is present. If you take hot showers, you should take extra precautions to prevent mold and mildew from forming. If you have a bathroom exhaust fan, use it! And keep it running for 10–15 minutes after your shower. Use a squeegee to get water off the tiles, and if you’re worried about mold forming inside your walls or floors, use a moisture meter. Mold in your walls may require the help of a professional to get rid of. Cleaning up any existing mold can prove tricky. First, if the mold covers an area that stretches over 10 square feet, you should hire a professional. While cleaning mold, wear protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask. Mix 1 part bleach and 10 parts water to create a solution that combats mold. Use stiff scrub brushes for durable surfaces and sponges for delicate areas. Once you’ve cleaned the area, place all products you used into a trash bag and immediately remove them from your home. Mold can be a nightmare when left untreated. Be proactive and tackle any problem areas immediately!
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