While there are some mold removal ways, prevention is always better. Mold is one of these enemies that will haunt you for life. It may cause complete structural destruction, health problems, great concerns. It may happen for many reasons and so, even well-built structures may face such a terrible problem. Here we are going to explore the reasons, the most likely solutions, and the ways to prevent mold damage.
Things to know about mold
Mold is found all around, in the natural environment. But having mold in the home is a bad thing. The question everyone asks is this: how mold is formed, especially if the home is kept clean?
Mold is formed when there’s moisture and the environment is warm, with no fresh air circulated as much as needed.
One thing to know is this: mold is fungus and consists of many, many microorganisms. The mold spores feed on rotten, organic matter and quickly reproduce and spread – when the environment allows it.
Mold damage: the reasons
Mold grows mostly in shower rooms and bathrooms, where there’s hardly good ventilation and high levels of moisture. It grows in basements, where there’s often humidity and lack of fresh air. It grows on carpets, floors, wood, furniture, walls, especially if they are damp.
And so, water damage most likely causes mold contamination. The water damage may be a result of leaks, hurricanes, floods, firewater, etc.
Mold usually needs around 48 hours to grow. And so, it’s vital that any required water damage restoration is done within this time – as early as possible.
Mold removal: is it possible?
Finding the source of mold contamination is always the first step of mold remediation. Sometimes, it is not seen. It may grow under carpets which have been soaked in the recent past. What will help you inspect mold? Your nose. You will feel the heavy odor of moisture, especially in high-moisture places, like the basement, under the kitchen sink, in the basement.
The likelihood of complete mold removal depends on the extent of the problem (and the type of mold). If mold has spread extensively, you may need to replace carpets, drywall, etc.
Quick water extraction after fire damage is necessary. Immediate drying after that or after water damage remediation is also of the essence. The faster a wet area is dried the less the possibility of mold contamination.
If mold is superficial and not spread just yet, some simple remedies involve soap and water, vinegar, and bleach.
If some items, furniture, upholstery – anything, is contaminated, throw it away. If not, the adjacent items will be affected too.
Mold contamination: prevention
Throwing away items already contaminated to avoid mold spread is a wise thing to do. But it’s even better if mold contamination was avoided altogether. The best things you can do?
• Make sure your bathroom and all high-moisture spaces in the home are well-ventilated and the moisture levels are as low as possible at all times. This would include not leaving wet towels around, having a strong vent system, and keeping the window open.
• Make sure the ductwork, the AC, the basement and all areas where there’s moisture are often checked and if musty odors are detected, a professional is called.
• Leaks should be fixed at once, even if the problem is not major just yet. Water travels in places you cannot see and it might create spots of contamination you will also not be able to see until it’s too late.
• Don’t let debris build up, especially in humid, dark areas.
• If the carpet is soaked for any reason at all, prefer to replace it and also make sure the floor under the carpet is perfectly dry and not affected by mold.
• If there’s a fire, make sure the firewater is quickly removed and the area is dried and dehumidified.
• Any water damage restoration service should also include mold inspection. And if needed, mold removal. That will ensure that the affected areas are not spread and mold is controlled.
