Home & Family Facts and Notes

Mold is a living organism that has been around for centuries. It can form in different colors and is the product of fungus growth. Mold spores can cause the organism to spread and depending on certain conditions to develop. Mold needs dampness, a food source, mold spores and the right temperature to be able to grow.

Mold can be found in and out of the home. It likes to grow on places such as wood, ceilings, paint, drywalls, carpets and paint. Common areas that attract mold are the shower room and the downstairs basement. There are a few varieties of mold that can be considered toxic and may be dangerous to humans- one main reason to get rid of the infestation.

There are simple ways to get rid of mold. One of the more traditional approaches is to use vinegar. Vinegar can be used for many, many purposes around the home and is great at killing mold. Use a spray bottle to apply the vinegar to places like faucets, grout and shower curtains. As mold can be found throughout the home, make sure that you attend to all the places that mold could grow- all those kitchen cupboards where there are crumbs and moisture are a great breeding ground for it.

You can also use a portable air conditioner in the summer months when it is very hot and humid. Humidity is an important factor in mold being able to develop fully. As the air conditioner will control the humidity the chance of mold forming is less likely. Keep the humidity level somewhere between 30%-50%.

Similarly in the cold months you need a dehumidifier to help to control the mold growth. Again this needs to keep the humidity at 30%-50% to be effective. This way your home will still be at a comfortable temperature but will limit the chances of mold forming.

One of the favourite places for mold to breed is a carpet. Because most carpets soak up dirt and moisture, they are very attractive to mold organisms. You can either treat your carpet with baking soda or replace it with hardwood flooring.

Having mold forming in your house or apartment can become quite a serious problem. There are professional people that you can call on to deal with the situation for you. An assessor can attend at your property and analyze the mold and determine the best course of treatment. Items such as dry wipe materials, HEPA vacuums and wet vacuums are common equipment used in tackling mold. It is useful to remember that after the treatment is completed there is a slight risk that mold spores that have been left in the air can cause the mold to reform.

Having mold in your home is unpleasant and potentially damaging to you and your family’s health. As soon as you detect that mold could be forming in your home it is best to treat it as soon as possible-eradicate the problem before it becomes impossible to recover. Hopefully, this article has supplied you with some ideas on how to get rid of mold, before it takes over your home.

Tags: home remodeling, home