Mold is a prevalent problem that impacts many homes. It can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and other health issues.
The good news is that mold removal doesn't have to be difficult. There are eight solutions you can use to get rid of or prevent mold growth in your home!
- If there is mold in your home, it's essential to remove the source of the problem as soon as possible. This will prevent further growth and stop any existing mold from spreading. If you are using a bleach solution to clean up an area with visible mold growth, be sure that all surfaces are covered entirely, or you risk future problems. You can also hire professionals who have experience dealing with this issue if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself. The main thing is just getting rid of the potential for future issues by removing current outgrowth quickly!
- Take off shoes before coming inside, so you do not track dirt into your home. This is an excellent idea to do whether you have mold issues or not. Dirt can be a carrier for mold spores to find their way into your home. If you have a problem with mold, it can make the issue worse by adding to your overall toxic load. This step is significant if coming from outside and going into the kitchen or bathroom as those areas of your home tend to be warmer and moister than other rooms in your house.
- Remove everything from cabinets/fridge, throw away anything that has signs of mold and clean the insides thoroughly: In general, you should clean the insides of your cabinets thoroughly and get rid of all food products that have signs of mold. In addition to this, take out anything from within them, such as dishes or utensils. Remove everything and throw it away. If the items aren't ruined, you can wash them and put them back after cleaning.
- Place a dehumidifier in areas that have excessive moisture, such as bathrooms and basements. The dehumidifier extracts moisture from the air, which prevents mold spores from growing. This makes it easier to control the outgrowth of mold and avoid any future damages.
- Increase ventilation in basements where there has been water leakage or flooding. This will allow for more airflow through your basement space so you can get rid of excess moisture quickly before it becomes an issue again. How does increased ventilation help fight against mold growth: The movement of fresh air helps decrease humidity levels inside while increasing oxygen flow throughout the room, therefore reducing chances for mold to grow back after the initial infestation/damage.
- Clean HVAC units with a disinfectant or replace the filter frequently (every month). Consistent cleaning of these parts will help reduce moisture build-up inside them, leading to the potential for microbial proliferation, so it's essential to keep them clean. Regular replacements also increase airflow through ducts which helps remove excess humidity from areas where there has been water leakage/flooding before mold becomes an issue again. If you do not have central AC but only use window units, then close all windows when using them as they bring cool outside air into your home that is full of mold spores left open while running.
- Remove any damp materials from inside of your home if there has been a flood. This includes carpets/rugs, furniture, bedding, etc., as these can continue to harbor moisture that can lead to further mold infestation/damage should they not be thoroughly dried before being brought back into your living area. By getting rid of anything that has excess water on it (or even just leftover moisture), you prevent the spread of potential for future issues.
- Place air purifiers in each room where mold damage has occurred or is still present. Air cleaners with HEPA filters are recommended to help eliminate airborne spores and prevent them from causing problems elsewhere inside your home, especially if you have had visible signs/damage caused by outgrowth before starting these steps. The last thing you want is further infestation (whether visible or not), so it's essential to ensure that there aren't any more spores left lingering after clearing out an area with existing mold growth/damage. Be sure they're in a good setting, too; some units need to be turned off when no one is around, while others can run continuously without concern.
Some other considerations include fixing any source of water leaks as soon as you see them, including roof issues or pipes that may be broken underneath the tile. Not letting pets sleep in your bedding or near areas where mold is prevalent because they can have more severe reactions than humans do when exposed to it—fixing any leaks or water damage immediately! This is where mold thrives, cleaning up spills right away with disinfectants to prevent staining from liquids, ensuring that you open windows when it's nice out to air out your home without letting cool air inside because this will cause humidity levels to rise, which can also lead to more problems down the road.
