15 Aug Learn How to Easily Identify and Remove Mold in Your Home
Learn more about mold and mildew and how to remove them. Also, learn how to protect your home from this nasty fungus.
What is Mold?
Mold is a type fungus that can grow indoors or outdoors. It thrives on moisture. Mold is formed from tiny spores floating in the air. They settle on moist surfaces and reproduce to become mold colonies.
There are many types of molds in the world. Most of them are harmless. Some mold can cause damage to your home’s integrity. Some molds can also be toxic and could cause serious health problems.
Mold can cause a musty, damp odor to develop in certain areas of your home. It is most common in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
You should inspect for mold growth in walls, flooring, and carpet if you smell a musty odor. It is important to address a mold infestation immediately before it becomes more severe or causes permanent damage.
Different types of mold
Mold can come in many colors, including orange, white, green, and even green. Aspergillus (also known by black mold), cladosporium, and stachybotrys chartsarum are the most commonly found types of mold. Aspergillus, a mold that can cause allergic reactions, is often found in foods and indoor air-conditioning systems.
Cladosporium, a black-colored or green “pepper-like” substance, grows on the backs of toilets and painted surfaces. Although this mold is not toxic to humans, it can cause common allergies such as rashes, red eyes and watery eyes.
It is common to find mold that looks orange or red outdoors. This is because it thrives on moist wood and decaying plants. This mold can look slimy and should not be removed.
Although white mold is technically not a type, it is a sign that the mold is still in its early stages and can be easily treated.
Mold vs. Mildew
Mold and mildew are often used interchangeably by homeowners. However, it is important to know the difference between mildew and mold. Mildew can be found on damp walls, doors and grouting. This mold appears as tiny black spots with a sometimes powdery appearance.
Mold can be used to describe many species of mold. Mold can appear as slimy, green, or black. Mold can be more expensive to treat than mildew and is often more severe.
Mildew is easily removed with a brush and a store-bought anti-microbial spray. However, mold can be more difficult to get rid of and may require professional remediation.
How to test for mold
Simply allowing your nose to sniff mold is one of the most reliable and effective ways to test for it. A mold problem is usually identified by a musty odor that becomes apparent in damp environments.
Mold loves to hide and seek so check underneath carpets, behind the drywall, inside ductwork and between bathroom tiles if you suspect you have a problem.
Bubbled paint, uneven hardwood flooring, and discoloration of finished surfaces are all signs of moisture buildup.
A home testing kit is a better option if you prefer a formal test. You place the home testing kit in an area where harmful mold is growing. This dish will collect spores for 24 to 48 hours, then mold the spores. The mold is then visually or lab tested.
The information that home test kits can provide is limited and will only tell you if there are molds. You can then hire a professional to do a thorough assessment of the type and location of the mold. Mold testing may not be necessary or conclusive, especially if the mold is already present.
It is important to understand the cost of a mold inspection if you’re thinking about hiring someone to locate mold in your home.
Mold infestations are very variable in size and cost. A mold inspection will also be costly. Experts can cost anywhere from $400-$3,000 to inspect your home.
Some companies offer mold inspections for free, but they do so in the hope that you will hire them if they find mold.
It is a good idea to plan ahead and prepare any questions that you may have. Also, be prepared to identify your concerns. This will reduce the time they spend in your home and help you save money.
Make sure you do your research on the companies you’re considering hiring as a mold inspector. Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you call a company to find out more about their services.
How to Get Rid of Mold
Some molds are easy to remove.
The most important distinction between professional remediation and homeowner clean-up is whether the mold is less than or more than 10 square feet.
If your drywall is contaminated with mold, or if you have allergies to it, you may need to hire a professional.
To eliminate a major mold problem you need to remove the mold and fix the moisture problem that caused it.
Long Beach mold remediation specialists recommend that you immediately address the source of the mold problem. This could be bad plumbing, a leak or excessive humidity. Mold needs moisture so cleaning efforts might be futile if it isn’t fixed.
To reduce your exposure to mold, wear gloves, goggles, and N95 respirator masks when cleaning mold yourself. To remove mold spores from a room that has outdoor openings, you can place an exhaust fan next to them if they exist. Lightly spray the area with water if it is dry. This will help reduce the likelihood of mold spores in the air.
You can wipe down non-porous surfaces like counters, cabinets, and vanities with water and dish detergent. For more delicate surfaces, use a stiff scrubber or a sponge.
Allow the area to dry completely. Rodriguez suggests spraying the area with 50/50 white vinegar and 3% hydrogen Peroxide if the surface is porous or absorbent. If the mold remains stubborn, you might need to remove the affected areas.
To avoid spreading mold spores, place all sponges, equipment, and other materials in a large garbage bag.
How to Prevent Mold
Mold thrives in moist, warm areas. Therefore, controlling moisture buildup at home is key to mold prevention.
Mold prevention starts with controlling humidity and getting rid of water intrusions or leaks as soon as possible.
You should immediately fix any water leaks if you see them. To better manage indoor humidity, you might consider investing in an air conditioner or dehumidifier.
Long Beach mold remediation specialists recommend that your HVAC system be serviced annually to prevent humidity buildup. Mold growth is common in crawl spaces and basements.
They are not climate controlled. These areas may not be ventilated so a dehumidifier might be necessary. Experts in mold remediation Long Beach recommend that you be mindful of where your items are stored.
A pile of magazines or newspapers can absorb moisture and become a breeding ground for mold.
Bathrooms can also be a hotbed for mold growth. Make sure you open the window or turn on the fan when taking a bath or shower. To prevent mold growth, make sure to clean the shower stall.
Sometimes mold can grow in shower areas where water is trapped. These areas should be dried out quickly.
Mold Exposure Symptoms
Although many molds are harmless, some can cause serious health problems by producing allergens and toxins. Mold exposure can cause symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose, congestion, rashes, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and even irritation of the lungs. Mold can trigger asthma attacks if you have asthma.