Mold in the house is mostly grown in patches of black, green, or brown spots. These are also known as fungus patches that are always present in the air. Mold is mostly seen developing in areas around the house with the most moistness and humidity.
In the long term, mold growth leads to damaged property and even health problems. Here is everything you need to know on how to get rid of mold in the house in this blog post.
Understanding Mold Growth
As mentioned before, mold growth mostly occurs in moist areas. Some reasons why this happens are flooding on the floor, condensation or rainwater dropping and getting trapped in windows, and leaky pipes around the house – When a person breathes in a mold-infested house, he/she can have allergy-like symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and irritated skin.
A more serious problem is caused by people who have asthma or other respiratory issues.
Identifying Mold Infestation
The best way and the first step of getting rid of mold is to quickly identify its growth. Mold is mostly present on walls, ceilings, or floors and can be of black, green, or brown colors.
If you fail to find any mold by sight, try to spot any funny and foul smells around your house and in your attic and basement. Mold also results in peeling paint so that can also be an identifier.
Assessing the Extent of Damage
Not every mold infestation calls for expert assistance. Homeowners may generally handle small mold patches (less than 3 square feet) on their own.
However, it’s better to contact a reputable cleanup company if the mold appears to be growing behind walls, covers a bigger area, or is situated in a vital area like the HVAC system.
They can safely remove large amounts of mold growth and locate the moisture source because they have the knowledge and tools necessary.
Developing a Remediation Plan
If you decide to tackle a small mold patch yourself, here’s a basic action plan:
Address the Moisture Source
Fix any leaks or plumbing problems that might be causing the dampness.
Remove the Mold
For hard surfaces like walls or tiles, scrub the mold with a solution of warm water and dish soap. For porous surfaces like carpets or drywall that are heavily affected, removal and replacement might be necessary.
Dry the Area Thoroughly
Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected area completely. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent mold from returning.
Dispose of Moldy Materials
Place moldy materials in sealed bags and dispose of them properly in the trash.
Implementing Remediation Measures
Always prioritize safety when working with mold. Here are some additional tips for a successful DIY mold removal project:
- Work in a well-ventilated area. Open windows and doors whenever possible.
- Don’t mix bleach with ammonia. This creates toxic fumes.
- Clean the tools you use. This prevents the spreading of mold spores to other areas.
- Monitor the area for regrowth. If mold reappears, it might indicate a larger problem requiring professional help.
Preventing Future Infestations
The best way to deal with mold is to prevent it from growing in the first place. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
- Address condensation problems on windows. Double-paned windows can help reduce condensation.
- Control humidity levels in your home. Aim for a humidity level between 30% and 50%. You can use a hygrometer to measure humidity levels.
- Clean up spills and damp spots immediately. Don’t let water sit for more than 48 hours.
Seeking Professional Assistance
Everything is not done DIY. It is best to hire professional assistance if you have health concerns to clear the mold infestation from your house.
Sometimes, mold can also be poisonous so it is best to contact a professional that can guarantee a proper cleaning of the house. If you live in LA, a search for ‘mold remediation in Los Angeles’ on the internet can provide you with plenty of options to choose from.
Conclusion
Mold is both an annoyance since it is slimy and filthy and also is a health risk since sometimes it can be poisonous leading to health problems.
It is very important to take proactive action and follow the advised instructions to clear mold infestations from your house. Prevention is always better than cure so make sure your house is regulated for moisture levels so mold never gets developed in the first place.
