Mold occurs naturally and assists in the decomposition of natural materials. Indoors, mold can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions like asthma. Also, mold in the home is often a red flag that there are moisture or structural issues with the house. If you notice signs of mold, here are tips for eliminating it from your home.
Know Your Limits
Before removing mold, decide if it’s a project you can handle on your own. Extensive mold growth or black mold should always be tested and examined by a professional before you attempt to clean it. Breathing in mold spores is hazardous to your health; wear gloves to protect your hands, eye protection, and a high-quality mask. As a rule of thumb, mold that covers an area bigger than 2 square feet should be handled by a pro.
Check the Shower Curtain When Eliminating Mold
Check the shower curtains if you keep your bathtub and shower clean but still have a lingering musty odor. Shower curtains and liners are easy to clean; most can be washed in the washing machine. If you have a cloth shower curtain, use a waterproof liner and wash the curtain regularly on a hot water cycle.
Eliminating Mold on Textiles
If you forget to move a load of laundry from the washing machine into the dryer, mold can begin to grow. When mold grows on fabrics, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent it from spreading further. Read the care instructions for each textile and wash them in the warmest possible water. The hot water will kill mold spores and clean the fabric. If possible, use bleach during the wash cycle.
Replace Drywall and Carpeting
Unfortunately, removing mold on some surfaces is almost impossible without destroying their integrity. Carpet, ceiling tiles, and drywall can be damaged beyond repair due to mold growth. A professional mold inspector can survey the damage and advise you on whether or not you need to replace flooring, ceilings, and walls. If mold growth results from water damage or flooding that was not professionally remediated, prepare to replace all impacted materials.
Red Roof Home Inspections provides inspection services in the North Carolina Triad area. Contact us to request an appointment.