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Mold, Moisture and Your Home: What You Should Know

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Mold is a type of fungus that can grow both indoors and outdoors. It’s important to be able to identify mold because there are different types of mold, and while most of them aren’t too dangerous for your health but can cause slight irritation, some molds can be very harmful.

Mold, Moisture and Your Home

By taking the time to learn more about mold and the environment it thrives in, you can enable yourself to take the appropriate steps to not only get rid of it but also ensure that it doesn’t become a recurring problem in your home. In that vein, here are the 4 key things you should know.

1. How Mold Affects Your Health

Mold spores are everywhere, and most of the time they don’t cause any problems. However, when mold starts to grow in your home, according to the experienced team from www.bustmold.com,  it can cause a number of health issues. For starters, you can expect your eyes, nose, and throat to become irritated. Coughing and sneezing are also common symptoms. If you’re already dealing with allergies or asthma, mold can aggravate those conditions. And in some cases, mold can even lead to more serious health problems like pneumonia. While you really don’t want any kind of mold in your home, black mold is especially dangerous and should be removed as soon as possible. The effects of black mold include respiratory problems, memory problems, and even death in extreme cases. It’s also important to keep in mind that the younger and older members of your household are more susceptible to the harmful effects of mold, so if you have any young children or elderly relatives living with you, it’s especially important to make sure your home is mold-free.

2. What Makes Mold Grow

Mold is the visible sign of excess water or humidity in your home. And while it can be found nearly anywhere, mold thrives best in warm, moist environments like bathrooms and kitchens that have leaks or improper ventilation. However, that doesn’t mean that mold cannot be found in other areas of your home as well. Sometimes it likes to grow behind tall wardrobes as they typically trap moisture, or in attics that are not properly insulated. It’s more likely to grow in dark, hidden places, so it’s important to do a thorough inspection of your home every now and then to ensure that you’re not allowing mold to take hold. Another option is to do an air quality check from time to time. Just because you don’t see mold, doesn’t mean it’s not there. If you notice a musty earthy scent in your home, or if your allergies are acting up more than usual, then it’s time to do a little investigating.

Mold, Moisture and Your Home - moisture

3. How to Get Rid Of Mold

The proper way to get rid of mold will largely depend on what kind of mold you have, and how much it has spread. In most cases, it’s best to call in a professional. If the mold looks dark, you should never try to get rid of it on your own, since it could be black mold. However, there are a few things you can do on your own to at least get the mold under control until you can get help. You will need some equipment in order to deal with it safely – most notably, a face mask capable of filtering out mold spores, goggles, and gloves. A wide spatula or scraper can be used to remove the bulk of the mold, and a bucket filled with hot water and detergent can be used to clean surfaces. It’s also important to make sure the area is well-ventilated after cleaning, as the spores can remain in the air for some time. However, it cannot be stressed enough that dealing with mold is not a do-it-yourself job. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

4. Preventative Measures

Once your home is mold-free, it’s important to look at what steps you can take to ensure that it doesn’t come back. The first and most important step is to make sure that there is no excess moisture in your home. This means fixing any leaks immediately, ensuring good ventilation, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas. When you’re ready to start your next home project, you should look into installing proper insulation in your attic and using moisture-resistant materials in bathrooms and kitchens. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your home during periods of high humidity, like during the winter or summer. If you do notice any excess moisture, take steps to deal with it right away. By following these simple prevention tips, you can help stop mold before it has a chance to take hold in your home.

Mold is a serious issue, and it’s important to be aware of the different types of mold, how they grow, and how to get rid of them. But even more importantly, it’s crucial to take preventative measures in order to stop mold from growing in the first place. By fixing any leaks immediately, ensuring good ventilation, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas, you can help keep your home mold-free. And if you do notice any excess moisture, take steps to deal with it right away.

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