Top 5 Mold Removal Tips To Get Your Home Back In Shape

mold

Mold isn’t always an overabundant problem, but when it is, you want to be on top of your game. Mold is present, always, and many people don’t really know that. It is when they have a mold issue that they start to really pay attention. That’s natural, and in those instances, you want to know what needs to be done to get the situation under control. There are different types of mold, and there are also different methods of mold removal. Here are five of the best mold removal tips, and if at any time you feel the situation is out of hand, call a mold removal and remediation team.

These businesses not only have the tools and supplies for removing the mold, but they have testing equipment, too. Finding all the mold, the source of the mold and knowing exactly what to do requires experience. You may be able to handle this mold situation yourself though, and you want to give it a try. So what are the top 5 ways for getting rid of mold inside a home?

You might of heard that bleach is often a popular solution. Some experts say that bleach doesn’t work with black mold. Let’s be clear though that many homeowners see mold and immediately think that their home is infested with black mold, when it’s not. That doesn’t mean yours isn’t though, and it’s important to know at least a little about the different mold types. You are going to want to call in the experts if you truly think that you have black mold.

So bleach has been identified as one solution for getting rid of mold. However, you can step up your game if you try this next solution. Bleach is involved, but you are going to add water and detergent. This mixture of three ingredients is good for getting rid of mold and mildew in general. Now one thing you should know as well about mold is that you don’t get rid of it all, it’s coming back. Also, if you don’t stop the source of the mold, it’s coming back.

Make sure that you are dealing with mold and not just dirt. Let’s look at another one of the top 5 mold removal tips. Have you heard of antimicrobial sprays? These sprays can be very helpful with mold removal and prevention. After you have cleaned an area and removed all the mold, make sure you check back on the area and continue to clean it diligently. However, another important point to make right now is that you really need to be sure that the area dries out completely, too.

moisture

You know that moisture is going to cause more mold to grow. As for using that antimicrobial spray, you can use it in the spray bottle, or people also suggest a fogging machine. Let’s say that you are using the spray on bathroom tiles. You can also use do some re-grout the bathroom tiles after you have sprayed them with antimicrobial spray. Naturally, you are going to want to be sure that they are dry, too. That is a great mold prevention method that works.

Did you know that there are more than 100,000 mold species? When it comes to the top 5 tips for mold removal, remember that you also need to think about the fact that mold damage isn’t often going to be covered by homeowners insurance. And mold removal isn’t just about the products used as you can tell. You need to know how to deal with the situations entirely, and these five top mold removal tips should help.

What Is Household Mold?

info on mold

What Is Household Mold?

Although mold is part of the natural environment and plays an important part in breaking down organic matter in nature such as fallen leaves and dead branches from trees, indoor mold growth should be avoided. Mold comes in a variety of colors including black, green, white, and orange and reproduces by tiny airborne spores.

The most common types include:

– Aspergillus – a fairly allergenic strain commonly found in air conditioning systems and on food.

– Cladosporium – a green or black mold that grows behind toilets, in fiberglass air ducts, and on painted surfaces. While this type of mold is not considered toxic to humans, it can trigger allergic symptoms such as watery eyes, rashes, and sore throat.

– Stachybotrys atra – also known as ‘black mold’ grows on all damp surfaces and are commonly found in basements, bathrooms, behind walls, and on ceilings.

Red or orange mold is typically found outdoors on decaying plants and moist wood and has a slimy appearance. It is considered to be completely harmless and should only be removed for aesthetic reasons.

Technically white mold is not really a type of mold but merely indicates that it is in the early stages of growth. This type of mold is the easiest to remove.

Indoor Mold and Health

Mold grows where there is moisture and has been with us for millions of years. It is always present everywhere, whether in the air or on surfaces. Some people develop a sensitivity to mold as the airborne spores can cause reactions such as throat irritation, nasal congestion, skin and eye irritation, and coughing and wheezing. People who develop mold allergies can have severe reactions that may be potentially life-threatening.
People with serious lung infections, chronic lung problems such as obstructive lung disease, and immune-compromised individuals who are exposed to mold may be at risk of serious lung infections and should avoid all areas with mold, including cut grass, compost heaps, and wooded areas.

Mold in the Home

Mold can enter a home through open windows and doors, vents, air conditioners, and heating systems. Mold can become attached to clothing, bags, shoes, and pets and transported into the home.

Mold thrives in dark damp places where there is lots of moisture such as leaks from pipes, roofs, and windows, especially after a flood. They grow on surfaces such as ceiling tiles, wooden surfaces such as doors, floors, and frames, damp cardboard and paper, and tile grouting in bathrooms. It can also grow on wallpaper, drywall, upholstery, fabric, carpets, paints, and dust.

How to Control Mold in the Home

If you have a mold problem you need to identify the source of the moisture and fix the problem before attempting to get rid of the mold. If there is a serious leak from a pipe or a leak in the roof that has allowed rain to enter after a storm, you will have to seek professional help from a mold removal company. Some companies offer a repair service in conjunction with mold removal to ensure that the source of the problem has been fixed and to avoid a further mold infestation.

The only way to deal effectively with mold is to have regular mold inspections, either from a professional mold removal company or doing it yourself. Early detection makes it much easier to eradicate mold and ensure a healthy indoor environment. A mold problem that has been ignored and allowed to deteriorate can have devastating health and financial repercussions.

Indoor mold growth can be controlled by:

– Keeping humidity levels in the home low with proper air conditioning and ventilation;
– Keeping damp areas such as bathrooms, showers, washrooms, and basements clean and dry;
– Promptly fixing any leaks that may occur and regularly checking the roof, plumbing, and windows for possible leaks;
– Keeping high moisture areas such as laundry rooms and cooking areas well ventilated;
– Thoroughly dealing with flood damage by cleaning and drying all surfaces and fixing any damage done.
– Replacing carpets, upholstery, and curtains that have become damp.
– Regularly removing visible mold from surfaces such as countertops, walls, and wood with commercial products or normal soap and water and household bleach.

Identifying Mold

Mold growth in the home looks like tiny spots, most often black or green, and often has a distinctive musty smell. Since the effects of mold on humans can vary greatly, it should be removed immediately and controlled to prevent a serious infestation.

For an insightful video, take a look at this:

Effective Home Remedies for Molds

effective home remedies for molds

Molds are dusty little spots often found spreading over bread, cheese, books, and other things in the home. They are found both indoors and outdoors and can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Molds will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes. They as well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wallpapers, carpets, fabrics, drywall, upholstery and wood products. Molds come in different types and cause biodegradation of natural materials, which can be unwanted when it becomes food spoilage or damage to property. They release microscopic spores that cause allergic reactions, runny noses, and sneezing, as well as irritating and injurious odors.

Removing molds is an impossible task because you really cannot totally get rid of them. What homeowners should do is to opt for remediation. Remediation is the process of getting mold levels back to their naturally occurring levels and states. Here are some of the effective home remedies for molds.

Soap and Water

hand wash soap

Soapy water is a great solution to treat the mold in first hand. Scrub the affected area with a strong cleansing soap and water. Soap and water are effective home remedies for molds if the growth is not too deep or too severe.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an effective, all-natural home remedy for molds. It has antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, and antiseptic properties making it a powerful natural fungicide. It also prevents mold from recurring in that particular surface after using once. Pour 1 teaspoon of the tea tree oil and 2 cups of water in a container or spray bottle. Mix them well. Then spray or apply the solution to the affected areas and let it sit and dry out. With repeated use, this all-natural cleaner will kill the fungus and help to prevent future growth.

home remedies for molds

Chlorine Bleach

Using Chlorine bleach is an inexpensive home remedy for molds. Chlorine bleach contains hydrogen peroxide, which has strong oxidizing properties. It also contains strong bacterial properties, as well as sterilizing and disinfecting properties making it a perfect mold remedy. However, this remedy cannot be used on surfaces that may stain or react with the bleach, like metal, cloth, and wood. Simply spray chlorine bleach on the surface where the molds grow, then wipe the area with a scrubber or sponge to get rid of molds.

White Distilled Vinegar

Vinegar is naturally antimicrobial. Use white vinegar in its pure form is among the effective home remedies for molds. There will be no side effects if you treat a particular surface with vinegar because vinegar is that it does not stain the walls and the odor disappears after a few days. Simply pour the white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle then apply to areas with molds. Let it sit for a few minutes then wipe it off.

Distilled Ethanol

Ethanol kills mold and also controls mold regrowth in the mold-prone areas. Simply pour into a spray bottle. Let it sit for a few minutes then wipe off.

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Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is the simplest peroxide and is used as an oxidizer, bleaching agent and antiseptic. Take a cup of water and add a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide. This anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial solution is one of the effective remedies for molds. It is also a good alternative to chlorine bleach because it is safe to use and does not damage the environment, nor does it leave behind toxic residue or produce toxic fumes like chlorine bleach does.

Varnish

Applying varnish to a wooden surface affected with molds is another home remedy for molds. Try scraping out the mold and then apply varnish to the area. Varnish not only removes mold but also prevents its reoccurrence.

Grapefruit Extract

Grapefruit extract is one of the effective home remedies for molds. Grapefruit extract kills mold naturally as the citric acid from the grapefruit attacks mold. It is a bit expensive than other home remedies but only a small amount is enough to get rid of molds. It is also be used as a disinfectant and deodorizer.

These home remedies are proven to be effective. But the key to stopping most mold is to prevent its growth in the first place through controlling dampness and maintaining a clean and dry home. Plumbing leaks and leaky rooves also cause mold development, so fix all the leaking point to prevent mold infestation. Make sure to stop leaks, ensure good ventilation and keep crawlspaces dry.

The Most Common Types of Mold Found in Homes

Most Common Types of Mold Found in Homes

Mold is a common type of fungus that thrives in moist and warm areas. Apparently, it is one of the most common home problems. Mold in homes can occur in basements, showers, carpets, ventilation ducts, crawlspaces and areas around heating and cooling appliances.

Not only can molds cause damage to walls and floors and unpleasant odors, it can also cause health problems which include skin irritation, sneezing, headaches, itching skin, watery and itchy eyes. This is why preventing and getting rid of molds in homes has been a paramount concern. The best way to prevent mold in your house is to ensure there are no active leaks or areas where moisture is collecting regularly. Upon discovery of mold growing at home, you should take immediate steps to remove the mold. The first step to eliminating mold in homes is to know and understand the different types of mold growing in your house.

Stachybotrys Chartarum

Here are the most common types of mold found in homes:

Stachybotrys Chartarum

This type of mold often referred to as “black mold” or “toxic mold” is commonly found in homes. It is called “black mold” because of its slimy black appearance. It produces toxic compounds called mycotoxins. These toxic compounds can cause health problems when people come in contact with them such as chronic sinus infections, nosebleeds, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, breathing problems, cough, fever, and headache. The Stachybotrys mold requires very wet or high humid conditions for days or weeks in order to grow. This type of mold is often found in wood, wicker, hay, paper, and cardboard

Alternaria

This type of mold is often found outdoors, but it also grows in damp places indoors. It can easily spread from one area to another. It can be found in showers or under sinks with leaky pipes. Alternaria can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

Chaetomium

Chaetomium often grows on wet drywall, carpets and window frames, wallpapers, plywood and baseboards that have sustained water damage. It is a major cause of biodeterioration of paper and other cellulose containing materials. It is also a known agent of skin and nail infections in humans and is more rarely a cause of cerebral and systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals. This type of mold produces a characteristic musty odor.

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is one of the most common types of mold found in homes Aspergillus are associated with numerous respiratory disorders as well as infections of the ear and eye. Contact with this type of mold can lead to Aspergillus sinusitis. It can also cause allergic reactions and respiratory infections. Lastly, it can cause a condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which causes inflammation of the lungs.

Cladosporium

Cladosporium is one of the most common types of mold found in homes.It often grows on fabrics, like carpets, and on wood surfaces, like cabinets and floorboards. It is also found in wallpapers, windows, damp shower, or any area in the house with excessive moisture. Cladosporium can grow in cool areas and may appear black, brown or green in color. There are over 30 species of Cladosporium. Cladosporium species have the ability to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms of allergic reactions may include sneezing, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, sinus congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and headache.

Fusarium

Fusarium is common soil fungus but it is also found in homes. Fusarium can grow and spread at lower temperatures. It’s often found growing on carpets and other fabrics which has been damaged by water. This type of mold can produce trichothecene toxins which are known to affect the circulatory and nervous system. It causes allergic reactions, asthma, and respiratory infections. People with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to infections due to fusarium exposure.

Penicillium

Penicillium is often found growing on materials that have been damaged by water, including carpets, wallpaper, and furnishings like mattresses. Penicillium causes food spoilage, colonizes leather objects and is an indicator organism for dampness indoors. It usually appears as a blue mold and/or a green mold. It’s one of the mold types that spread quickly and easily from one part of the home to another. It is actually the mold that saved millions of lives by producing the first ever known modern antibiotic, the penicillin.

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What Is Black Mold

Texas Mold Remediation 2 Black Mold

Stachybotrys chartarum is often referred to as black mold. There are many news stories and reports about how dangerous and bad for you black mold can be. The truth is that any mold in your home could be taken seriously and treated professionally. Import points are to avoid the areas of your house or business that are affected and do not touch the mold. Disturbing the mild can cause spores to enter the air around you which can be detrimental to your health.

How do I know if it is Black Mold?

All types of mold can be bad for your healthy, crate allergic reactions and can irritate you and your family or business team. That is why it is important to get a professionally trained mold removal and mold remediation person to deal with the mold regardless of what type of mold it is.

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7 Interesting Facts About Mold

Texas Mold Remediation 1

Mold occurs when water is present or intrudes into your home or business. The growth Mold can begin in as little as forty eight hours depending on a number of factors.

Some interesting and helpful facts about mold:

  • Mold occurs almost everywhere including inside and outside.
  • Mold’s spies are microscopic, float in the air and can enter a premises through windows, doors, air conditioning or heating systems and can even be introduced to a home through clothing or your favorite dog or pet.
  • Mold loves moisture. Mold colonies form when they are introduced to moister or a moist environment.
  • Mold colonies can produce irritants, cause allergic reactions and can be detrimental to your health.
  • Before one can start dealing with mold issues the moisture, damp or water issues need to be dealt with first.
  • Mold is often accompanied by a strong, musty odor.
  • Inside humidity can cause mold, so your home or businesses humidity levels should be kept below 45%.