Faq

Molds are fungi found outside and inside of homes. It is uncertain how many species of fungi exist. Mold reproduces by making spores in dark, damp spaces. The most common types of mold include Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Stachybotrys Atra. Mold comes in all shapes, colors, and sizes, but the color of the mold can help identify the molds listed in this article. Aspergillus is yellow-green with gold or red-brown underneath. It is commonly found on foods and in air conditioning units in the home. Cladosporium is black or green and appears on the back of toilets, painted surfaces, and fiberglass air ducts. Stachybotrys Atra is referred to as and is typically found in drywall sheetrock, dropped ceiling tiles, and wood. It may require a test to determine between Stachybotrys atra and Cladosporium, but a person can identify Cladosporium by its “pepper like” appearance. Molds that are orange or red in color appear in nature on decaying plants or moist wood. These molds are characteristically slimy. White colored mold is in the early stages of growth and not yet a true mold.
Moisture is the key element in the creation of mold, but other conditions need to be present, also. These conditions are:
  • Mold spores
  • A food source for the mold (wood, drywall, toilet)
  • Oxygen
  • Warmth (impossible for mold to grow when it is below freezing)
  • Darkness
  • Time (mold can start to grow in just 24 hours)
Other circumstances may cause all of these conditions to happen at a faster rate. Humidity can cause mold. When it is extremely humid outside for days in a row, mold can start to grow in your home. Homes in areas, where humidity is commonplace, tend to experience more mold. Leaking pipes and leaking roofs are a common source of household mold, especially leaks that go undetected because they are out of view. Cold surfaces can cause condensation to form which creates perfect conditions for mold to grow when the cold surfaces reach room temperature. Poor ventilation in a house can create areas of stagnant moist air where mold can also thrive. The smell from wet clothes left in a washer indicates mold has already started to grow. Flooding creates the best conditions for mold to grow. Flooding causes a large area of the home to become wet, and it takes days or even weeks to completely dry. Remember mold only needs 24 hours to grow on surfaces.

How to remove mold?

Almost all homes get mold, but the important idea here is to remove the minor mold infestations before they turn to a major infestation. The first step is to make sure the infestation is mold and not just dirt. If there is a spot that could be dirt or mold, test it with bleach. If it turns white or lightens after a few minutes, it is probably mold. If it remains dark, it is probably dirt. If the infestation is small, treat it with bleach or other household cleaners. Bleach is the best mold killer but requires caution. When using bleach to remove the mold, follow these guidelines:
  • Do not mix household cleaners especially bleach and ammonia. This mixing can create dangerous, toxic fumes.
  • Provide fresh air by opening windows and doors
  • Eyewear and gloves should be worn
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instruction on the bleach bottle
The bleach should effectively remove any small infestations in the home. If the infestation is in a large area, a person should call a professional to help. Setting out dehumidifiers and fans to help dry the area will be beneficial to the professional coming to help. After the moldy items have been cleaned or removed, another good idea is to make sure bleach and an anti-mold paint are used to ensure the mold will not return.
The most important step is to control moisture. It is also imperative to remove mold as soon as it starts to grow, so it does not take over the house. Keeping humidity levels below 50% all day long will also help prevent mold from growing. The best way to achieve the low humidity level is by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier. A homeowner should also check the humidity levels in the home more than once a day. Another technique to prevent mold from growing is to be sure the house is well ventilated. Be sure to vent the clothes dryer to the outdoors and not inside the house. The kitchen and bathroom should also have exhaust fans vented to the outside to help remove moisture. A critical step in preventing and controlling mold is to fix any leaks in the house’s roof, walls, or plumbing as soon as possible. Fixing these leaks will ensure that any mold does not have the moisture to grow. If flooding does occur, make sure to clean and dry your home thoroughly within 24-48 hours. To guarantee the mold cleanup is done correctly, call a professional. In areas exposed to moisture, add mold inhibitors to any paints before painting walls. When cleaning bathrooms and other areas with moisture, make sure to use mold-killing products. Remove carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. The last suggestion is to consider not using carpet in rooms or areas (bathrooms, kitchens, etc.) exposed to moisture.
Mold does not affect everyone in the same way. Mold can cause a multitude of health issues or none at all depending on the individual. Some adults can be exposed to mold and have no ill side effects at all. Certain people only experience minor effects, but others are extremely sensitive. For these adults, the effects can be nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or skin irritation. Adults with a mold allergy or chronic lung illnesses may experience serious infections in their lungs when exposed to mold. Mold also affects different children in different ways. Similar to adults, some children may not experience any effects at all. Others will experience the same side effects as adults with sensitivity. It is important to note, however, children exposed to mold early in life may develop asthma, especially children who are genetically susceptible.