Learn how to keep mold from infesting your home—and what to do if mold does gain a foothold
The specter of “toxic mold” continues to frighten many people. However, the fact of the matter is that “toxic mold” is a misnomer. No mold is toxic in and of itself. Some extremely rare types of mold are toxigenic, meaning they can release mycotoxins, but there is no clinical evidence establishing a link between these molds and severe adverse health effects such as pulmonary hemorrhage.
What we do know is that mold has been scientifically linked to allergy-like upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, and asthma. So while you don’t need to fear for your life every time you find mold in your home, it is wise to take steps to clean up existing mold and prevent it from returning. Here are some tips to help you do this.
Inspect Mold’s Favorite Hiding Spots
Mold can be found just about anywhere in your home, but the most mold-prone places seem to be basements, showers, crawlspaces, ventilation ducts, and areas around heating & cooling appliances or plumbing. By inspecting mold’s favorite hiding spots regularly, you can catch infestations early and prevent them from spreading.
Fix Leaks Quickly
Mold loves moisture. Plumbing leaks, dripping under-sink pipes, and roof leaks can all create inroads for mold to take root. By fixing leaks quickly, you can avoid providing mold with an invitation to set up residence in your home.
Control Your Humidity Levels
Mold spores are common in outside air, so no matter what you do a few of them are going to make their way into your home. You can at least make sure they won’t find a hospitable environment by keeping your home humidity under control. Use a dehumidifier to keep your humidity below 50 percent, and also make sure that your bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room are properly ventilated.
Don’t Just Clean Up Mold—Kill It
When you find small patches of mold in your home, be sure you clean it up in a way that will prevent the mold from regenerating. Don’t just use water—instead use a cleaning product specifically designed to kill mold or a solution of 1 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water.
Hire a Professional for Big Jobs
If you discover an extensive mold colony in your home, you should contact a professional mold remediation company like AQHI Inc. to eliminate it. We’ll provide our expert opinion regarding which moldy surfaces can be successfully cleaned and which need to be removed from the home. Plus, we can use professional-quality biocides to prevent the return of the mold.
