According to a Harvard University study every second homeowner is forced to use some kind of mold removal solution. A statistic which should stun many homeowners who are confident their houses are not infested since they cannot see or smell mold. Although, mold growth can flourish even if it’s not visible. When a mold problem does exist, it is not easy to manage and get rid of. In certain circumstances you will need professional intervention for a complete and safe job. But before starting the removing process, we must know exactly what mold is.
What is mold and what causes it to thrive?
Mold is a type of fungi that can live both inside and outside buildings. Building materials such as wallpaper, insulation, walls, floors, fabrics provide a good environment for mold growth. The best areas of development are wet and rotten. Moisture accumulation from floods, leaks or high humidity lead to mold growth and development. Also spores can accumulate in the walls, where they can stay inactive for many years.
Mold reproduction is by creating spores, spores that can carry many harmful chemicals called mycotoxins. Spores are released into the air and can land on household surfaces and from here nothing easier to make direct contact with us. Here you can find more information about what is mold.
Mold, a health hazard
Outdoors, in nature, molds and mildew help break down organic matter such as leaves. However when they arrive in our homes, they not only have no utility, but may cause or aggravate health problems.
The spores in contact with skin may cause irritation. If inhaled, these toxins get into the lungs and infiltrate the alveoli. Symptoms that may develop are allergies and fever, as well as stuffy nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. The state of discomfort will not disappear until mold spores will not disappear from our home.
Be aware of a musty mold smell
Musty smells, which signify mold infestation, are occasionally found in basements, bathroom and home appliances such as washing machine, refrigerators and freezers. Adopt particular consideration to get rid of mold smell as quickly as possible to prevent further unpleasant and unhealthy mold growth. Mainly, that musty smell dissipates if the room is proper heated and ventilated. Find out how to get rid of mold smell.
Prevention is better than treatment
It is better to prevent mold growth than to treat or remove after it is formed. To prevent infestation, humidity should be controlled regularly in house room. Through hygrometer (an instrument that measures the humidity in the environmental air,) you can discover the first signs of moisture. In the sense of maximum permitted levels, must be ensured that the humidity in room air should be 65-70% and along the wall surface to be 80%.
Doors and windows of the rooms with plenty of moisture and vapor are formed (bathroom, kitchen, etc) shall be kept closed, to prevent moisture in other rooms.
- After the shower, the water must be removed of the walls.
- After use, wet towels must be put to dry on the radiator or outside.
- In the kitchen the humidity can be quickly reduced by installing a kitchen hood.
- All the rooms should be ventilated thoroughly to ensure a proper air circulation. A slow-moving air may promote the occurrence of mold.
- Condensed water, which is formed in the windows area, should be wiped.
Mold can enter a home through any opening, such as a door or opened window, roof leaks or made directly in the pipes. Buildings that have been exposed to moisture must be tested for the presence of mold.
To reduce the spread of spores and breeding, new homes should be built with adequate measures to reduce a potential moisture accumulation. So there are ways to prevent growth, or if it is already installed, we can get rid of mold efficiently.
How to start a mold removal
Mold removal is better to be performed by a professional inspector, or by a licensed remediation company. However, there are available various step-by-step guides that every homeowner can follow to remove mold and minimize mildew growth in an effort to help protect their home and family.
Although there is no fast home remedy or easy answer to the question “what mold removal solution to use,” prompt and adequate action must be made for a successful job. These include:
- Containing the mold growth so that it doesn’t spread
- Eliminating mold
- Dead mold removal
- Removing or remedy the source that causes mold
- Preventing against future mold infestation; such as moisture and humidity control