08 Aug Exceptional Tips for Dealing With Mold
Mold is more than an eyesore. It can also have serious consequences for your safety and health. Because mold is so common in houses and apartments, homeowners mistakenly believe it’s normal and even harmless.
Mold is not normal or harmless. Mold can be a serious problem in a home. Here are some tips from experts to help you deal with mold: how to detect, remove and prevent it.
To find the source of your mold problem, identify where excess moisture is coming from.
Common moisture issues include:
- leaky pipes;
- Poorly sealed doors and windows
- Foundation cracks
- Roof damage
- Poor ventilation
- condensation.
You should pay particular attention to your basement and crawlspace, which are more susceptible to moisture problems. Also, ensure that furniture, walls, hardwood floors, carpets, and carpets are dry.
This is because mold thrives on organic matter which can be found in drywall and wood as well as paper and fabric.
You should look for signs of mold.
These are the most popular:
- Moist, musty, or earthy odors
- Bubblegum paint or wallpaper
- Condensation on walls
- Floors that are not straight;
- water staining and wall discoloration
- Black spots on walls
A mold test is recommended if you suspect that there may be a problem with mold.
Mold problems can be treated to improve indoor air quality.
Professional testing is more reliable than DIY mold testing kits. Professional testing is more reliable and safer because you have someone who has years of experience and knowledge to assess the situation.
A visual mold inspection can be useful in the development of a remediation plan, but a mold test will confirm the presence. You will also find other useful information like the type of mold and the amount of mold spores present in the air.
Be aware of any changes in your health.
Mold exposure can cause persistent or unusual symptoms without any apparent cause. These are the most common mold reactions:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Symptoms of difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
- Wheezing and coughing
- headaches;
- Nausea and dizziness
- Fatigue;
- Asthma and allergies worsen.’
Mold can affect different people in different ways. Some may experience severe and debilitating symptoms, while others may not feel any reaction at all.
Your individual reaction to mold will depend on your individual sensitivity and how long you have been exposed.
Baking soda in water is a natural and efficient way to remove small amounts of mold.
Baking soda has a pH of 8, which is enough to prevent mold growth. Baking soda absorbs moisture, which can also help stop mold growth.
Contrary to popular belief bleach is not a good mold cleaner. It only removes the surface contamination. It will not kill mold growing on porous materials like wood, drywall, or carpet.
Bleach is a corrosive and extremely powerful chemical that can cause harm to your health.
If you have a small or isolated mold problem, you should call a certified mold professional.
Mold remediation is a complex process that requires sealing the affected area to prevent cross-contamination, using industry-standard equipment to eliminate all mold spores, disinfecting with eco-friendly products and safely disposing of any contaminated materials.
Controlling moisture is the best way to prevent mold growth.
You can reduce your risk of mold growth and save money by addressing moisture issues early. These are some of the ways you can reduce moisture in your house:
- Regularly open windows and doors to ensure proper air exchange.
- If the relative humidity in your home is higher than 50 percent, you can use a humidifier.
- Seal foundation cracks
- Leakages in pipes, faucets, and appliances should be fixed immediately
- When you are cooking or showering, turn on the exhaust fans.
- Check your gutters and make sure they are clear.