What Happens When Mold Hits Tips?
Greensboro Mold Company spores can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks and other respiratory problems. In people with weakened immune systems, high levels of mycotoxins produced by some strains of mold can lead to serious illness and even death.
Wear gloves, a mask and goggles when working with a mold-infested area. Pre-scrub the area with soapy water (use a liquid cleaner that will kill mold). Scrub porous materials.
Prevent Moisture from Collecting
Moisture is the limiting factor for mold growth, so it’s important to prevent moisture from collecting in the area. Wet materials and areas should be dried within 24-48 hours in order to prevent mold from growing. This includes seepage from heavy rains, accumulation from a leaking water pipe and even a spill from the sink. In addition, it’s a good idea to keep roof gutters clean and properly repaired so that water is not causing leaks.
Another way to prevent moisture problems is by making sure that air circulation is adequate in all rooms. This can be done by opening doors between rooms and moving furniture away from walls. Also, it’s a good idea to regularly wash clothes that have been exposed to mold and dry them in the sun or in the dryer for 20 minutes to kill any mold spores.
Mold spores are microscopic and can become airborne when they come in contact with wet surfaces, so it’s vital to take precautions to prevent these spores from spreading throughout the house. These spores can irritate the lungs and skin and cause allergies and respiratory problems. You may find these spores in dark, damp rooms such as basements and kitchens or behind old wallpaper.
Clean Up the Area
It’s important to take care of any mold issues promptly. This helps prevent mold from growing out of control and causing serious problems like structural damage.
Cleanable surfaces can usually be wiped down with soapy water and a sponge or brush. Porous materials such as drywall and insulation may need to be replaced.
Before starting any cleanup, make sure to wear personal protective equipment (a respirator, goggles and gloves). It’s also best to work outside. This will help avoid blowing mold spores around the house while you’re cleaning.
If you’re unsure of how to proceed, call in professionals. They’ll be able to inspect the damage and provide you with the information you need to make the right decision. They can also set up dehumidifiers and new fans to dry the areas that have been cleaned. If the mold is on your walls, they can repaint them with a special mildewcide to keep it from coming back.
Remove the Stains
Many mold spores can cause allergies, especially if a person is sensitive to them. They can also produce mycotoxins, which can be dangerous to a person’s health, especially if they inhale them. Some of the symptoms associated with mold exposure can include achy joints, dysregulated hormones, cognitive issues and sapping fatigue.
Using laundry detergent can be one of the easiest ways to get rid of stains that may have been caused by mold growth. Just run the affected item through a hot wash cycle with liquid laundry detergent. If the stains persist, there are more advanced cleaning solutions that can be used. For example, Borax is a powerful mold cleaner that can be mixed with water in a spray bottle and applied to the affected area. Let the solution sit for a minute or two and then scrub the surface with a nylon brush. Then, rinse and let dry as usual. Tea tree oil is another mold-fighting solution that can be used to clean porous surfaces and leather.
Keep the Area Dry
If you see mold spores on fabric, rinse and dry them as soon as possible. Mold and mildew can grow back if the fabrics stay wet.
Mold thrives in humid environments, so be proactive about reducing humidity around your home. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows. Be especially vigilant during the hot, humid months. Check for and fix leaks in your walls, ceilings, and plumbing.
Make a habit of keeping your laundry room, bathroom, kitchen, and any other high moisture areas clean and dry. Keep a sponge or scrub brush on hand to wipe surfaces as soon as they get wet. Make sure that all family members understand the importance of regular cleaning and have a specific room they are responsible for. Avoid mixing cleaners; if you are using a mold killer, follow instructions closely.