Mold solutions and prevention
Different types of Mold
Not all molds are created equal. However, all molds should be dealt with and prevented if possible. Mold growth is never a good thing. It is usually the indication of high levels of humidity, or some kind of moisture intrusion. If mold is left on it’s own, it will get worse, typically by spreading, damaging material, and sending out toxic spores. Common health effects and symptoms of the presence of mold are associated with respiratory problems. Certain kinds of mold can cause chronic coughing and sneezing, chronic fatigue, mucus membranes of the nose and throat, rashes, and persistent headaches.
How to remove mold
If you see mold growth in your home, you must first find the cause for the growth. If it’s a pipe leak, or condensation from an AC register, or drainage issue, you want to make sure you’re also addressing that issue as well. If you don’t fix the real problem, mold will continue to grow no matter how many times you clean it.
Cleaning mold is fairly simple, but precautions should be taken. Goggles, rubber gloves, and a functioning face mask are all minimum precautions that should be taken. Mold can be removed with household bleach/chlorine. If you would like a softer solution to protect your surfaces, you can use distilled white vinegar, water with borax or baking powder, or even hydrogen peroxide.
How to prevent mold
The primary way to prevent mold is cleanliness and humidity levels. Making sure that the humidity levels are within ideal (30%-50%), you can purchase a simple humidity reader to keep in your home. Having the AC consistently running in the home is the easiest way to keep it from getting too humid. Also, consider using a dehumidifier in extreme conditions.
Cleanliness is also key, as mold itself is a kind of bacteria. Cleaning your all your surfaces, floors and baseboards on a weekly basis is a great way to prevent any kind of bacteria growth. Damp or humid clothing should be dealt with immediately. In humid areas such as garages or patios, you want to remove any build up of clutter, piles of garbage, or stacks of papers. You want to allow air movement to flow, as well as keeping humidity levels low.