Mold growth is a common problem in homes that can have serious health consequences if left unchecked. Mold spores are always present in indoor and outdoor air. When excess moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, especially if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. There are some steps you can take to get rid of mold and prevent it from coming back.
What causes mold?
Mold needs moisture to grow. Some common ways moisture gets into homes and causes mold growth include:
– Flooding or water leaks from roofs, windows, pipes or appliances
– High indoor humidity from everyday activities like showering or cooking without proper ventilation
– Condensation collecting on windows, walls, ceilings, floors due to temperature differences or poor air circulation
– Lawn sprinklers hitting the exterior of the home
– Heavy rain penetrating the exterior of the home
If the source of moisture is not eliminated, mold can keep coming back even after cleaning.
Health effects of mold
Some people are more sensitive to mold than others. Possible health effects include:
– Allergic reactions like runny nose, eye irritation, coughing, wheezing
– Asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold
– Respiratory problems like infections in people with weakened immune systems
– Irritation and inflammation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat in mold-sensitive individuals
Molds produce allergens, irritants and potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold spores or moldy surfaces can trigger allergic reactions. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.
How to identify mold
You may suspect mold growth if you see fuzzy or slimy stains on surfaces or detect a musty odor. Mold often appears green, black, brown or gray. It may appear stained or discolored. Other signs of mold include:
– Visible mold growth, such as downy or powdery mildew on surfaces
– Musty, earthy odor coming from an area
– Dark stains on walls, ceilings, wood, drywall, wallpaper, carpet, fabric, paper or insulation
– Bubbling or discoloration of paints, wallpapers or surfaces
You may need to look behind walls, under carpets, inside ventilation ducts, in attics or crawlspaces for hidden mold. Consider hiring a professional mold inspector if you have a moisture issue, moldy odor or visible mold growth.
Testing for mold
A professional mold tester can take samples of the air and/or swabs of surfaces to be sent to a lab for analysis. This can identify what types of mold are present and if they are toxic varieties.
Some do-it-yourself mold test kits are also available at hardware stores. These include petri dishes, swabs and air sampling cassettes. For accurate results, carefully follow the product instructions.
Professional testing is recommended in cases of a serious mold problem, unexplained illnesses, mold in ductwork or hidden areas, and if you plan to sue a landlord over mold issues. Visible mold obviously still needs to be cleaned, even without testing.
How to get rid of mold
Mold cleanup involves removing moldy materials, cleaning contaminated surfaces, and drying any remaining moisture. Here are the basics:
1. Protect yourself by wearing gloves, goggles, and an N-95 respirator mask. Also isolate the work area from the rest of the home.
2. Remove all moldy materials that can be taken away, like drywall, carpets, furniture and insulation. Seal them in plastic and discard.
3. Clean all contaminated surfaces using detergent or soap and water. Scrub thoroughly then rinse with clean water. A 10:1 bleach solution may be needed on non-porous items.
4. Completely dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings. Use fans, dehumidifiers or heaters. Materials may need to be removed and dried out elsewhere.
5. Carefully clean HVAC systems to remove mold from ductwork. Replace any insulation inside ducts.
6. Consider hiring a mold remediation contractor for large infestations, HVAC cleaning, hidden mold or if you have health concerns.
7. Prevent mold from recurring by fixing all moisture problems at the source. Increase ventilation and air circulation. Keep indoor humidity below 50%.
8. After cleanup, you may want to hire a professional to re-test for mold to ensure levels are back to normal. Maintain vigilance for any recurrence of moisture or mold growth.
Professional mold remediation
For severe mold problems, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends hiring a professional mold remediation contractor. Look for a company with specific mold training and certification. They will have the right equipment and expertise.
Remediation may involve:
– Mold removal and prohibiting access to contaminated areas
– Extensive drying techniques using industrial fans and dehumidifiers
– Cleaning ductwork, HVAC systems, carpets, furnishings and more
– Applying commercial-strength antimicrobials and mold inhibitors
– Structural repairs to permanently correct moisture issues
– Post-remediation mold testing
| Type of Contractor | Services Provided |
| Water damage restoration | Dry out flooded or water-damaged areas and structure |
| Mold remediation | Test for mold, remove moldy materials, clean and disinfect surfaces |
| HVAC contractor | Clean mold contamination from HVAC system and ductwork |
| Roofing contractor | Repair roof leaks |
| Plumber | Fix leaky pipes, faucets, toilets, appliances |
| Pest control | Treat organic growth inside ductwork |
| Concrete contractor | Fix foundation cracks allowing water intrusion |
| Carpenter | Replace moldy framing, drywall, insulation, wood |
DIY mold removal
For small areas of mold growth less than 10 square feet, you may be able to clean and remove the mold yourself. Follow these guidelines:
– Protect yourself by using goggles, gloves, and an N-95 respirator mask. Isolate the area.
– Mix a detergent solution. Use laundry detergent, dish soap or commercial mold cleaners. Avoid bleach on porous surfaces like wood.
– Clean surface mold. Scrub away and soak mold to fully remove it. Rinse cleaned area with water.
– Allow all surfaces to completely dry to prevent mold from recurring. Use fans, heaters or dehumidifiers.
– Bag up removed porous materials like drywall, insulation, carpet or ceiling tiles and discard. HEPA vacuum carpets.
– Disinfect non-porous surfaces like plastic, glass, metal and solid wood using a 10:1 bleach solution. Rinse surface afterwards.
– Increase air circulation and ventilation. Use exhaust fans, open windows and run a dehumidifier.
– Spot clean small areas of mold on walls. Repaint cleaned walls with mold-resistant paint.
– Address the moisture source. Fix leaky roofs, pipes, windows. Improve drainage. Dehumidify.
Consult a mold remediation contractor if you have health concerns, a large area affected, hidden mold, or mold returns after cleaning. Trying to repair a big job yourself could make you sick and spread spores in the home.
Mold prevention tips
The key to preventing mold growth is to control excess moisture and dampness in the home. Try these proactive measures:
– Maintain indoor humidity below 50%. Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers.
– Increase ventilation and air circulation. Use fans, open windows and run HVAC systems.
– Quickly fix any water leaks, flooding or moisture intrusions.
– Insulate cold surfaces like pipes and exterior walls to reduce condensation.
– Vent appliances and areas where moisture is generated like kitchens, baths and laundry rooms.
– Clean and repair gutters and downspouts so rainwater drains away from the home’s foundation.
– Slope the ground away from the home’s foundation to improve drainage.
– Clean up spills, leaks and flooding immediately using fans for drying if needed.
– Avoid carpeting rooms like basements, baths or laundry that may get damp.
– Open closet and cabinet doors to allow air circulation and prevent musty odors.
Being vigilant to control moisture allows you to nip mold problems in the bud before major growth occurs. If you do see some mold, cleaning it up right away also prevents bigger issues. Consistent moisture control and good household cleaning habits help make your home a mold-free environment.
Conclusion
Mold can be a threatening problem but there are solutions. Identifying and fixing all moisture issues is key to both mold removal and prevention. For small amounts of mold, DIY cleaning using protective gear, detergent and bleach can work. Severe mold requires hiring professional mold remediation contractors to fully rid the home of mold and prevent recurrence. With vigilance to control indoor dampness and quick action when mold is detected, you can successfully keep a mold-free home.