Mold Removal and Prevention: What Can I Do to Get Rid of Mold?
Mold will grow in moist conditions. Usually you will find mold in basements, bathrooms or in other high moisture/humid areas. Mold is not safe to be around and is the root cause of many allergies. So what can you do to get rid of this pesky substance? Speed is the key in succesful mold removal.
Getting rid of mold:
Well first we need to kill it, (that is what I mean by mold removal) and then we need to find the source. Now, to clarify I am talking about small jobs here. If you have a mold problem that is taking over more than 10 sq feet or is in the duct work of your house, you should call a professional in your area to eradicate it for you. Mold removal can be hazardous for your health so the last thing you want to do is tackle a job that is too big for you to handle alone.
So, the best way that I have found to kill mold is to use a mixture of bleach and water in a spray bottle. You can buy fancy mold removal concoctions from the hardware store but I have found that this mixture works best: 1 part water mixed with 1 part bleach. When you spray it directly on the mold, you will see it change color. This is how you know it is working. You may need to spray it several times, depending on the severity of your mold situation. Clean up the residue with a piece of paper toweling and take it directly out to the trash.
Remember, mold removal is a messy job, so to be on the safe side, protect yourself! Always wear rubber gloves, a mask and eye protection when doing this. Do not forget to ventilate the area, bleach is a strong biocide.
Preventing mold:
While mold removal will take care of the problem initially, there are a few great ways to prevent mold from forming in the first place. If you do not figure out how to prevent mold from forming you will be using the bleach/water mixture for a long time.
Try a de-humidifier. These work great in basements. Mold generally will not grow below 45% humidity so if you keep your humidifier on a low setting (between 30% and 50%) it should take quite a bit of moisture out of the air. It would be great if you can hook it up to a drain so that you don’t have to worry about emptying the drainage bucket every other day or so. Worried about energy costs? Well, manufacturers have really come a long way in making de-humidifiers energy efficient. Consult a professional at your local hardware store about the best model. Don’t be afraid to spring a few bucks as it will save you money in the future on your electric bill. Keeping your air from getting too humid will help prevent mold from forming in the first place.
How is your exhaust fan working? Exhaust systems are essential for removing moisture from the air. Is your bathroom thick with moisture when you are getting out of the shower? Water dripping down the walls? Your exhaust fan should be strong enough, and should vent outside to really effectively remove the moisture from your shower. Think about installing a new exhaust fan to prevent mold from growing in your bathroom. When shopping look for labels that explain how many square feet the fan can handle.
No exhaust fan? Try opening the window. Even if in the winter, it can help suck out extra moisture. This is especially true in the kitchen if you do not have an exhaust fan over your stove. If you are consistently cooking and creating steam, you will likely see mold grow or even paint peeling from the excessive moisture. Try opening a window while you are performing the activity that is creating too much moisture. The same goes for your bathroom if you do not have an exhaust van. Find a way to ventilate.
Is the air circulation in your home up to par? Many times when you find mold around the home it is due to poor air circulation and improper venting. If you suspect this might be a problem, consult a professional. It may cost big bucks but the last thing you want is water in the attic, thus saturating the inside of your walls.
To prevent mold, you need to find and eliminate the source of water and moisture. Once you do that, you should not have any further problems with mold growing. And when considering mold removal, consult a professional if the problem is too serious for you to handle on your own. Mold is not something to mess around with!
