How To Prevent Mold In Basement Apartment

Keep Plants Out Of The Basement

If your basement is also your living room, there is a chance you have plants inside it to make it more cozy. Dont forget that plants are the perfect source of food for mold. Mold loves to feed on leaves and soil, so those are the places where you can find it often. The best solution is to limit the number of plants in your basement or eliminate them completely if possible.

In case you want to keep your plants there as part of your room decoration, ensure that they are mold free. Check their soil regularly and change it if you notice the first signs of mold or mildew. You can also use a special anti-fungal treatment for plants to prevent mold from growing. Do not overwater your plants. Find out how much water they need to stay healthy and stick to that amount. And, while you are checking your plants, check their leaves as well to ensure that there is no unusual discoloration, as it may be a sign of mildew.

In case you have already noticed some dark spots and you are not sure if it is mildew or mold, grab your phone and . Dont forget that its not mold until tested and that mold itself has to be treated with professional solutions to prevent it from coming back.

How To Get Rid Of Mold

Small amounts of mold can be cleaned up with soap and water or a bleach and water solution and a thorough scrubbing to get rid of dead mold spores.

But if you have extensive water damage or mold growth, you should seek professional help in the form of a trained mold remediation specialist. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you call in a professional if the mold is widespread, or is more than 10 square feet in size.

How to reduce the chances of getting mold in your basement:

What Causes Humidity In Basements

Basements are commonly poorly insulated, which allows outside conditions, hot or cold, to have more of an effect on interior temperatures and humidity levels. If a homes foundation is cracked or its pipes are leaking, the moisture produced can also raise the humidity levels. If you notice that your basement walls are damp or the air seems thicker than usual, check it thoroughly to see if moisture has easy access to your basement.

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How Can I Remove The Moldy/musty Smell From My Closet

To remove the smell, you need to eliminate the source of the smell. Determining where the smell is being created is best left to the professionals at Mold Busters. They are trained professionals who know what to look for inside your home regarding mold and moldy smells. Contact Mold Busters today to book an appointment.

Extent Of Mould Growth

It is important to determine the extent of the mould problem in your home to help you decide on the clean-up procedure. An area of mould is considered small if it covers one square metre or less. There should be no more than three patches of mould, with the total area staying within one square metre. Many small patches of mould in one area or throughout your home are a sign of moisture problems that need to be investigated and corrected right away.

If ignored, small mould areas may become larger over time, so it is important to clean them up before the problem gets bigger. A small amount of mould may be cleaned up using proper procedures and protective equipment.

The area of mould is considered medium if there are more than three patches of mould , but the total area is less than three square metres. In this case, assessment by a qualified professional is recommended but in most cases a medium amount of mould may be cleaned up using proper procedures and protective equipment .

An area of mould is considered large if a single patch of mould is larger than three square metres. Health Canada does not recommend that an unqualified person clean up large areas of mould. You may need a professional assessment to determine why the mould is there in the first place and how to clean it up.

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Mold On Shoes Inside Your Closet

This follows the same rules as clothing inside your closet. If you put footwear inside your closet that is wet and damp, chances are you will see mold growing on them in the not-too-distant future. You must ensure that you dry your footwear entirely before storing them inside your closet to prevent mold growth from water, snow, sweat, and moisture on footwear from regular use.

Mold On Clothes Inside Your Closet

When clothing is put away inside a closet and is still damp, it is a great place for mold to form and grow. The clothing is damp the closet is warm and dark to provide a nice environment for the mold. It will start with just one or two spots of various colors depending on the type of mold spore that is growing .

Once well colonized, the mold will grow quite rapidly to the point where it will damage clothing that has not been worn recently. If you see mold starting to grow on your clothing, you will need to have it professionally remediated. If removed incorrectly, it could spread to other places in your home. Contact Mold Busters to have the mold correctly removed from your closet.

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What Causes Mold In Closets

Mold can be caused by a number of things. Closets are dark, relatively warm environments that mold likes. Add in moisture from various sources, and you have an excellent place for mold to grow and thrive.

• One major cause of mold growth inside a closet is damp clothing. Whether it is clothing from the dryer that is not completely dry or towels and other items put inside the closet while still wet are one of the leading causes of mold growth.
• Another major factor for the growth of mold inside a closet is a water leak. Most bathrooms are backed by a bedroom with a closet. If pipe leaks inside the wall, the mold can grow because of the moisture and water coming through and sitting inside the closet. This can also cause growth in the items that are inside the closet as well.
• The third cause of mold is attic mold. Most homes these days have their attic hatch inside a closet, and these hatches are sometimes poorly insulated or not insulated at all. The cold, damp air from the attic combines with the warm air inside the closet, creating moisture on the hatch, and mold will grow on that and spread if not recognized quickly.

Track Your Basements Humidity With A Hygrometer

What better way to monitor your basements humidity than with an actual tool that reads its levels? Consider making your house a smart home by installing a smart hygrometer, thermostat and other home appliances that can help you keep your home safe and comfortable with just a couple taps on your phone. One perfect addition is a Frontpoint security system with water leak sensors to help you get news of issues as theyre happening. Plus, you might even qualify for an American Family Insurance smart home discount!

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How To Prevent Mold Formation

Before you initiate the preventive activities, you need to sort the items that are exposed to flood waters according to their physical nature.

Porous materials such as wooden and upholstered furniture that got completely submerged in water should be discarded as much as possible.

Materials such as glass, metal, or plastic which are non-porous can be cleaned and reused. Molds do not form on these substances.

It is difficult to remove molds from carpets and rugs that are affected by floodwater. Carpets that got damaged beyond repair conditions are to be discarded to prevent further mold formation.

After removing the mold-infested items, the surface affected by molds needs to be completely cleaned and disinfected. Here are the steps to clean and prevent mold formation in your home.

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An Overview Of Solutions To Basement Moisture Problems

The best way to approach any building problem is to first do the things that are easy and low cost. Then proceed in a logical order doing the next least costly technique with the most positive likely result. With moisture problems, the best approach is almost always to remove or control the source of the moisture, not to try to stop it at the last line of defense.

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Control Water & Moisture

All of the above will be futile if you do not take steps to control excess moisture in your basement and around your home. Mold needs about 70-percent relative humidity to be active and produce spores. Reducing moisture begins with preventing water infiltration. If, for example, puddles form along basement walls after a heavy rain, examine your gutter and downspouts for clogs and disconnects. Install splash blocks and downspout extenders, if necessary. Take a level to concrete walkways that run along the perimeter of your home. If they have settled so that they now slope toward your foundation instead of away from it, call a contractor to make repairs. Slab-jacking companies can use polyurethane-injection methods to lift concrete structures, including patios and pool decks. If your walkways are built with pavers or bricks, regrading and rebuilding the path may be necessary.

The Health Risks Of Mold

Along with being pretty unsightly, certain molds can pose major health risks. Some people are sensitive to mold as an allergen, and it can cause anything from eye and throat irritation to asthma or more serious illnesses in those with compromised immune systems.

In fact, indoor mold issues pose such a widespread problem, that the World Health Organization released an extensive report on air quality guidelines concerning mold. In the report, they noted that it doesnt take a flood event to lead to mold in a building or home, but in fact the majority of mold spores come inside via the regular airflow. These spores, when they find a moist spot to multiply, create issues of health-impacting poor air quality in these spaces where we all spend the majority of our time: inside.

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Dehumidification Is Not A Permanent Solution

Dehumidification can be used as a means of reducing the symptoms of humidity and odor in a basement, but it is not a permanent or complete solution. In fact, if a dehumidifier is used in a basement with moisture problems, it may cause greater damage. By drying out the basement air, moisture is drawn into the basement more rapidly causing efflorescence and spalling of concrete and further damage to interior finishes.

Identify Areas Known To Harbor Mold

When you believe you smell mold, go on the hunt to find it. Look near water supply pipes, around water drainage lines and sewage pipes, anywhere near dryer vents and in laundry rooms, under sinks, in the ceiling above a finished basement, near bathroom exhaust vents, around sump pumps, and inside wall cavities.

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Identify Problem Areas In Your Home And Correct Them

You can’t mold-proof your home, but you can make it mold-resistant. Do an audit of your home: where are the problem areas? Does the basement flood? Do you notice frequent condensation on an upstairs window? Is there a water stain on the ceiling from a persistent leak? Preventing mold from growing or spreading might be as simple as ripping up carpet in a damp basement, installing mold-resistant products, or repairing damaged gutters. Or it may be a matter of major excavation and waterproofing. Whatever the case, address the problem now. It might cost some money up front, but it will surely be more costly down the road if mold continues to grow unchecked.

How To Tell Whether You Have Mold

Its not always obvious that mold is present, but these are things to look for, and be aware of:

• Water damage: You’ll probably notice water damage and staining before you notice any signs of mold, because mold tends to grow faster inside the wall than on the surface. Thats why its important to address any moisture problems quickly.

• Odor: One of the first signs that mold might be present is a wet, musty smell or the smell of moldy, wet building materials. These indicate a moisture problem that can lead to mold it doesn’t necessarily mean you have mold.

• Spots: Black, gray, green, or brown spotting. Only testing can prove whether or not its mold, but if you see spotting on a surface like sheetrock that is or was wet, its worth testing, Gross says.

• Health problems: Respiratory reactions including asthma are most common, though mold sensitivity can also cause headaches, irritated eyes, and skin rashes. Some people have symptoms immediately, for others, it develops over time. Note that not all types of mold cause health problems, and that not all black mold is toxic mold. To identify which type of mold you have, an industrial hygienist will need to collect a sample for testing.

If you do think you have mold, there are many at-home mold testing kits available. You can also hire a certified industrial hygienist to take air samples, perform a survey, and devise a clean-up plan.

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What Are The Damages Caused By Floods

Among the damages caused by floods, the formation of molds lasts for several weeks and causes potential risk to your health and properties. It is important that you know how to prevent mold formation after a flood to protect your life and properties. It also helps you to prevent the formation of mold in the future. Molds can grow in any place where there is constant moisture left on the surface.

Basement Humidity In The Summer

During summer months, the air outside is hotter and more humid. That air can make its way into your basement, increasing your humidity levels to around 60 percent. Because of this, homeowners must work to adjust those levels back to the ideal humidity level between 30 and 50 percent or risk mold, mildew and bacteria buildup.

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What Does Mold Inside Closets Look Like

Mold inside a closet can take on many forms. It can be of various colors and textures. Some could be black and circular in growth pattern, while others can be dark green and have a hairy look. White mold is another mold that frequently grows in residential closets. You should be aware of what these look like and have a basic knowledge of what to look for. Once identified, a Mold Busters professional should be contacted to inspect the area.

What Can I Put In My Closet To Prevent Mold

To prevent mold inside your closet, you can install a low-wattage incandescent light bulb and leave it on at all times. This will create a dry heat source and keep the humidity and moisture low inside your closet. Also, a few desiccant packs placed around will help dry out the closet as well. Just remember to replace them periodically, so they continue working.

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Easy Ways To Prevent Mould Growing In Your Home

Winter is in full swing, and with it comes dark, damp and dreary weather. In the colder months, your home could become a breeding ground for mould and mildew, which can pose all sorts of health risks – with respiratory problems, sinus infections, headaches and eye irritation being the most common complaints.

Mould can be dangerous for anyone, but if you live with infants, the elderly or people with respiratory issues, its especially problematic. Apart from the health implications, mould can ruin your furniture and even compromise the structural integrity of your home.

But what exactly is it? Mould you find in your home is an airborne spore that thrives in warm, damp conditions. It can form on virtually any surface, from textiles, to wooden furniture, tiles, painted concrete walls and plastics.

Winter is prime time for mould infestations, as we tend to keep windows and doors closed to keep out the elements. In doing so, your home lacks proper ventilation, which causes the build-up of humid air. As days and weeks tick on, condensation gathers making for perfect damp conditions for mould to form.

Always check to see if mould growth is covered by your home insurance policy.

Luckily, there are plenty of precautions you can take to make sure your house in mould-free this winter.