Saturday, April 23, 2011

Mold!


If you're like me, you don't like the sound of the word mold and certainly don't like to see it in a home.  However, there are things that can be done to prevent it from starting in the first place, things you can do to get rid of  it when it does show it's ugly face, and professionals who can step in when it gets out of control.

Here are three of the most common questions asked about mold and the answers from professionals to those questions.

1. Is It Dangerous?Although it doesn't hurt most people immediately, the truth of the matter is that mold can cause long-term health problems. Respiratory problems could very well develop if the mold is not removed.

2. Will It Go Away?Not on it's own. The truth of the matter is that if you do not takes steps to get rid of it, mold will spread. Mold needs to be eliminated as soon as it is detected or what starts out as a small problem, becomes a serious issue.

3. When Should I Get Professional Help?You first need to determine how much of a mold problem you have.  If you notice only a small surface area, there is a good chance you can correct the problem yourself. However, if you suspect mold is on the insde of walls or areas you cannot reach, you should consult with a professional.

Best Prevention Tips

Be clean.  Housekeeping is a must in the prevention of mold.  Dirt and grime can aid in the growth of mold which is often the case around bathtubs and showers.  Regular cleaning can stop mold from getting out of hand. This is critial in the bathroom, laundry and basement areas where moisture is present.

Be dry.  Mold loves moisture.  If possible use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity level in damp areas of your home. Other things to help in reducing humidity levels include exhaust fans, good ventilation in crawl spaces and basements and ensure dryer vents move the moist air outdoors. 

Be uncluttered. Avoid storing boxes up against concrete walls or in direct contact with concrete floors. The moisture in a basement or any moist area will be attracted to enclosed boxes.  In the same way your attic needs air movement, your basement, laundry room or any area of the home and everything in it needs to have air circualation around it.

Be proactive.  If there is a moisture problem, you need to deal with it.

Do It Yourself Ideas

For small mould issues there are products on the market to help in a clean-up or here are two household products that work well.

VinegarVinegar is the safest and one of the most effective ways to clear mold on just about any surface and with no fumes it's a safe choice for your health.  It is recommended that for bathroom moulds to mix 3 parts of white vinegar with 3 parts water. Use a sponge to soak the moldy area and let it set for a few minutes. Wipe down the area with a dry cloth after.

Chlorine BleachThis works best for nonporous surfaces like counter tops and tiles. Check manufactures recommendations for recommended mixures and ensure you have good ventilation before using the mixture.  Place the solution inside a spray bottle and spray on mouldy surfaces. Let it soak for a few minutes and then wipe off until mold in completely gone. Although bleach is a good mould cleanup solution, it can be very dangerous when
inhaled and because of the strength of the liquid you should first test a small, inconspicuous area to see how the surface reacts to the bleach.

 Check  http://www.doityourself.com/scat/moldmildewc for more information on mold and how how to deal with it.

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