A major mold infestation can ruin your home and even pose a threat to your health. Mold and mildew is the most common type of mold.
It is a surface mold which thrives in warm and damp places in your home like, bathroom, fabrics and even on books you have stored in the basement. The mold causes discoloration and harms surfaces and primarily damaging your home structure. Fortunately, there are various products and DIY tricks you can use to remove mold.
What causes mold in your home? Mold is caused by humidity and moisture that doesn't evaporate quickly. Some common causes in a home include leaking pipes, damp conditions in the basement or first/ground floor, or even leaking roofs which allow water during rain or window hinges. In the case of new building structures, mold can grow in case the water used during the floor's foundation has not dried out completely. Condensation can also cause mold infestation due to excess moisture from cooking, drying clothes indoors, improper ventilation, and showering.
Preventing mold. The main requirements for the growth of mold in your home include organic materials which mold feed on and moisture. In most homes, there are plenty of organic materials such as drywall, wood, and other building materials. Mold needs 1 to 2 days to begin its growth. It is therefore advised to air out any material in your home which has been wet for more than 24 hours to reduce the risk of mold infestation. Water leaks cause moisture, which creates a conducive environment for mold growth. It is recommended you fix leaking walls, pipes, roots, taps, and showers. It is wise to inspect your home for any water leaks. Condensation forms on cold surfaces, especially in concrete walls, metal pipes, windows, and water tanks. It is recommended you maintain the temperature in your home by installing insulation. You can also cover the metal pipes to reduce condensation by maintaining your humidity. The best way to lower the humidity in your home is through ventilation. You can open your windows during the day and close than when it is raining. Installing exhaust fans, air conditioners, or dehumidifiers can also reduce the humidity in your home.
Mold remediation. Mold remediation procedures for your home: When it comes to remediating mold, it is recommended to consult a professional mold removal and remediation services. However, in cases of non-toxic mold growth areas in your home, you can proceed with mold remediation by yourself. You need to wear protective gear. This is to protect you from spores present in the air. The gear includes a dust filter mask, gloves, goggles, and protective clothing which cover your entire body. The next step is containing the spores. You can seal off the room to prevent the spread of spore to the rest of the house. Use duct tapes and clean sheets to seal the doors, windows, and vents. You can use an exhaust fan to blow the air out of the house. This removes the stirred mold spores in the room.
Get rid of mold yourself. There are several products which you can utilize for mold removal in simple DIY steps. Bleach can eliminate different types of indoor mold through immediate contact with the spores, thus leaving a surface which is sanitized and prevents future mold bloom. Ventilate the area you are about to work on to prevent the harsh fumes from bleach products. Mix a cup of bleach with a gallon of water. Apply the solution to non-porous surfaces with mold growth with a spray bottle. Vinegar is a natural and safe technique which eliminates different mold species. Apply white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle and spray on the mold infested area. Wipe off the area and let it dry. Baking soda is mild and harmless but effective in getting rid of mold. Add a quarter spoonful of baking soda and dissolve with water in a spray bottle. Spray the mold area with the solution. Use a scrubbing brush to remove the mold formed on the surface. Let the surface to dry off as this will prevent mold from returning.