Tuesday, March 19, 2024

What Do You Do About Mold In Your House

What Does Harmless Black Mold Look Like

How To Test For Black Mold In 5 Minutes

Harmless black mold looks like any other type of mold, but its a little more common in certain areas.

Like all molds, harmless black mold is a fungus that thrives on moisture and grows on surfaces that are damp or wet. It can be found in places like the bathroom and kitchen, where humidity is higher and the temperature tends to be warmer.

As with all molds, harmless black molds growth depends on how much water there is available for it to feed on. If you find a patch of harmless black mold growing on your shower curtain or in your basement, it could be due to excessive moisture in those areas.

How Can Mold Be Prevented

Rather than taking action after the mold is already a problem, you can do several things to prevent mold from ever growing in the first place. Keep things dry. If large quantities of liquid are spilled, dry off the damp surfaces within 24 hours using whatever means necessary. A little elbow grease now could save you a lot of effort, time and money later.

Remodel your house using materials that are mold-resistant. They may cost more initially but they will save you a headache later. You can find paints that prevent mold from growing. This will prevent mold from growing on bathroom walls that are often humid and covered in condensation.

Invest in a dehumidifier. Regardless of the climate you live in, your home will inevitably have excess moisture in it at some time. You can find basement dehumidifiers for large and damp areas, portable dehumidifiers for smaller spaces and bedrooms, energy-efficient dehumidifiers to help you save and quiet dehumidifiers for use in bedrooms. You can find a dehumidifier for almost any purpose you just need to find the right dehumidifier for your home.

You could also call a mold specialist in to assess your home for issues. Poorly planned piping, holes in your brickwork, soil build-up against walls… these can all cause damp and mold issues, and a professional survey will note them and advise on how to stop issues before they arise.

Condensation Around The Windows

Mold is often found near windows. It may not be a lot of mold but even a small amount of mold can damage paint and cause health problems.

Mold is less likely to occur on newer windows. Condensation is common on old, single pane windows but rarely on dual pane windows.

Also, make sure the window is set correctly so air isnt entering the house through the sides of the window.

Also Check: Will House Insurance Cover Mold

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Black Mold In Grass

How Common Is Mold In Buildings

Mold is very common in homes and buildings.

One 2017 study found mold in every public building studied, with an average of about 14 instances of mold per building.

Another involving 31 European countries found mold in 1 in 6 homes. The author noted that the prevalence of mold may vary greatly depending on the regional climate.

How To Get Rid Of Mold In The Basement/crawlspace

How To Identify Black Mold

Removing mold in these areas follows the same procedure as for walls and ceilings. However, in these areas, the cause of the mold might be especially hard to deal with. An overly humid basement or a poorly ventilated attic could become damp and moldy. Resolving the moisture problem that caused the mold is vital.

Remember that soft, porous surfaces contaminated with mold almost certainly need to be thrown away and replaced. Carpets and rugs are nearly impossible to get completely mold-free.

While mold remediation can be a dirty, time-consuming process, it is not impossible for the average homeowner to deal with. Keep in mind that mold spores are everywhere, so you do not need to eradicate every last spore. Removing all visible mold, thoroughly drying the area and resolving whatever caused the moisture to begin with are the key steps in removing mold. A thorough wipe down with a damp cloth and a HEPA vacuum can accomplish most of your mold removal needs.

Also Check: How To Detect Mold In House Walls

Scrub Moldy Surfaces With Mold Cleaner

  • Scrub the surface mold stains from walls and wood trim with a mixture of one quart water and 1/2-cup bleach mold cleaner to kill the mold.
  • Use a soft brush and work until signs of the mold disappear.
  • After scrubbing the surfaces, allow the bleach solution to continue to penetrate the surfaces and dry.
  • Wipe off, but DO NOT RINSE these surfaces.
  • Set trim in direct sunlight to dry. Scrub concrete with TSP or automatic dishwasher detergent.

Dangerous Mold Vs Mildew

The most common type of mold found in homes is mildew. Mildew is a surface mold that grows in warm, damp places like your bathroom and on fabrics and books stored in damp basements. Mildew begins as a gray or white powdery colony. It will turn black or brown if not removed promptly and often looks like soil accumulation. To test if the surface is covered with mildew or just dirt, dab the stain with a cotton swab dipped in household chlorine bleach. If the stain lightens or disappears after two or three minutes, it’s mildew. If not, it’s probably just dirt.

If you detect a musty smell anywhere in your home, then you have a high concentration of mold. It can be coming from a hamper filled with damp towels, from a damp crawlspace under your home, or from carpets that have mold growing in the padding. If you smell that odor, it’s definitely time to take action to get rid of the problem.

All mildew is mold, but not all molds are mildew. Mildew can discolor and slowly harm surfaces but there are much more dangerous molds that can damage the structure of your home. If you see a black or green mold that is fuzzy or slimy and the drywall or wood underneath is soft or crumbly, there is irreversible rot, and the mold and the damaged surfaces must be removed immediately.

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Why Should You Only Use A Local Home Mold Removal Service

It is best to avoid mold removal companies who claim they are from out of state. Without local connections, it is easy for a scam artist to take the projects money and run away with it.

If someone claims they work for an out-of-state company, chances are there is not even a company by the name they give since it can be challenging to track these things out of state.

Additionally, you can check local references. Actual neighbors who have used the company before will be the best way to determine if a company is honest, if they do quality work, and if theyre reliable.

Warping Or Paint Peeling

How to search for hidden mold in your home

Warping or paint peeling doesnt mean you have mold but its another sign of moisture. If the moisture doesnt dry up, mold will surely grow.

If you see warping or paint peeling you may have to remove a section of a wall to see whats happening within.

Once you find the cause, fix it and repaint or replace the warping.

Also Check: How To Test Mold Toxicity

Allergy Or Asthma Flare

Certain species of mold release a harmful substance calledmycotoxin, which can trigger respiratory issues for those with allergies and asthma . Have you found yourself sneezing, coughing, feeling fatigued or blowing your nose no matter the time of year? It may be time to give the home a thorough inspection.

Have you been experiencing an increase in your allergy and asthma symptoms? Mold in your home may be the culprit. If you suspect that your home has a mold problem, it’s critical that you act fast. Trust the Experts. Trust ProClean. #MoldRemediation#MoldAssessment#MoldRemoval

ProClean Pensacola

Tips On How To Remove Mold From Home

The first step is to locate and confirm the presence of mold. In addition to looking for the obvious discoloration spots, you can have your home tested for mold. According to homeadvisor.com, the average cost to test for mold is $834. However there are home mold-testing kits available for $10 to $50.

It is quite important that you remove the mold the moment you discover it, because the spores can affect the quality of air in your home. It is always advisable to hire a professional to remove the mold, but if you do it yourself, use an OSHA approved respirator, gloves, disposable coveralls, non-vented goggles. Listed below are a few tips on how you can remove mold from your house:

Remove moldy materials

If not properly disposed of, moldy materials may stir up spores, which can spread into your house. Because of their microscopic size, a square foot of wall can have over 3,000 million mold spores. You have to use the appropriate equipment and follow the safety procedures so as to protect yourself from the spores.

Excessive levels of contamination may require that you discard absorbent materials such as carpets, wall paper etc. To avoid airspore becoming airborne, professionals seal off the affected area with tape, and use plastic sheets to seal doorways and vents. They also use air movers, dehumidifiers and HEPA air scrubbers to eliminate moisture and dry out the air and surfaces.

Heating, Insulation and Ventilation

Find and fix interior plumbing leaks

Check the ductwork

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Seal Moldy Areas After They Dry

  • Set out dehumidifiers and new fans to dry the now-cleaned areas for at least three days, then check them by sight and smell for mold.
  • Pro tip: If you discover more mold, clean again with bleach for mold remediation.
  • When youre sure the mold has been eliminated, seal the wood surfaces with pigmented shellac like BIN or an oil-based primer like KILZ.
  • Repaint cleaned wall surfaces with a regular latex paint that contains a mildewcide to help stop future mold growth.
  • Install new insulation and drywall and nail the trim back on. Keep in mind that if the moisture returns, mold will return.
  • You Bought A House With Mold Problems: 5 Things You Need To Do Now

    What Does Basement Mold Look Like?

    No one ever images theyre buying a house with mold problems. You assume the home inspection process uncovers potential problems, but even newly constructed homes can harbor hidden mold. If you find mold in your house after you purchase the property, follow these five steps to resolution and recovery.

    Read Also: Does Ammonia Kill Black Mold

    If You Use Bleach To Clean Up Mold

    • Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce a poisonous gas.
    • Always follow the manufacturers instructions when you use bleach or any other cleaning product.
    • Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
    • Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected areas.
    • If you need to clean more than 10 square feet, check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, which gives advice on all building types. You can get it by going to the EPA web site at .

    Washing The Mold Off Of Your Clothes Is Crucial

    When you finish, he says to take off your work clothes, place them in a plastic bag and transport them to the washing machine. Add ¾ cup white vinegar to your wash water to kill the mold on your clothes.

    Keep in mind, you need to ensure that youre addressing the problem and not just a symptom of the problem. When you come across mold in a home, it should be understood that you have a moisture issue first and a mold issue second, says Evan Roberts, a real estate agent with Dependable Homebuyers in Baltimore, MD. He tells us that scrubbing surface mold with mold killer will not be effective if you do not address the moisture issue.

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    How Do Molds Affect People

    Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath.

    In 2004 the Institute of Medicine found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people with asthma symptoms in people with asthma and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition.

    In 2009, the World Health Organization issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould pdf iconexternal icon pdf icon. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies.

    If You Treat Mold Yourself Always Wear Protection

    My House Has a Mold Problem, What Do I Do?

    In fact, preparation and protective wear are important parts of making sure that youre removing and not spreading mold.

    Robert Weitz is a certified microbial investigator and founder of RTK Environmental, a leading environmental testing firm. If you find mold, he recommends having a professional mold test to see if you can clean it yourself. If you can, he has a list of items that youll need:

    • A mask or respirator to filter out the mold spores youll be disturbing

    Read Also: What Is The Treatment For Black Mold Exposure

    Spotting And Fur On Your Walls

    There are so many varieties of mold that you can’t really identify the type based on specific shape, size or color. It can appear as a furry, dark growth, as a black stain, or as black, white, orange, green or brown specks. Rather than look for out-of-the-ordinary, multi-colored flakes in every inch of your home, identify areas that are moist and then look for possible signs of mold. The fungus thrives in cool, damp areas, and it will be much easier to find it by limiting your search to areas that are affected by excess moisture. Yes, paint and wallpaper gets stained and marked from every day living, but if you see a pattern to the stains, or they appear in the corners of a room, this is usually a good indicator that mold is present.

    How To Get Rid Of Mold On Shower Tile And Grout

    Shower tile and grout can be a difficult area to keep mold free because the wet and warm conditions make it a prime breeding ground for mold. However, small areas of mold can be removed with a grout cleaner , a mold remover, or a bleach-and-water solution.

    • Spray the grout, let the formula penetrate, and rinse. In some cases, there’s no scrubbing needed: In our tests, Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover spray killed 99.9% of mold and mildew germs and bacteria in only five minutes.

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    Some Natural Recipes To Stop Mold

    Tea tree oil is one of several natural mold killers that can be used as an alternative to chemicals such as bleach. Combine about 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture where you see the black mold. Allow it to saturate, then reapply if necessary. Tea tree oil is said to be one of the best natural mold killers.

    Baking soda works as a remedy for mold because of its antifungal content. Mix baking soda with water, and spray the content on the moldy area. Scrub off the mold using a brush, then rinse and respray the surface, without scrubbing allow it to dry.

    Spay undiluted vinegar on moldy areas, do not rinse or wash off. After a while, the presence of the mold will begin to fade and so will the vinegar smell.

    • Grapefruit Seed Extract

    Grapefruit seed extract offers an alternative to vinegar because it is odorless and contains an antifungal property that helps fight off mold. Add grapefruit seed to water and spray on the affected area.

    • Hydrogen Peroxide

    Hydrogen peroxide can be used to fight black mold. Spray the hydrogen peroxide around the affected area, let it saturate for about 10 minutes and then scrub thoroughly. Wipe the area with hydrogen peroxide when youre done scrubbing.

    Hire Professionals

    Try To Determine Liability

    4 Reasons Why Mold Removal is Not a DIY Project

    Its possible that the seller didnt disclose a mold problem because he or she wasnt aware of it. Before you bought the house, the original home inspection report should have noted signs of leaks or mold. Hire a second home inspector to confirm and document mold growth and damages that were originally overlooked.

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    Consider The Benefits Of Professional Mold Removal

    Even if mold cleanup in your new home looks like an easy job, think twice about handling it by yourself. Talk with a restoration company that specializes in mold removal. Certified technicians handle everything from independent mold testing to drywall tear-out and reconstruction. You also enjoy these important benefits.

    Restoration teams address all structural damage caused by mold including rotted wood framing. They follow up with industry-proven mitigation techniques that keep mold from coming back. From start to finish, you have detailed documentation of all completed work and accrued expenses. You enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing the mold problem in your new house is resolved.

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