How to Get Rid of Mold to Protect Your Health
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How to Get Rid of Mold to Protect Your Health
Mold, which has been around longer than modern humans, is very important for the environment. After all, this fungus does play a crucial role in breaking down organic material such as dead leaves.
Still, regardless of how beneficial it is for the ecosystem, mold has no place inside your home. Mold growth on your walls and ceilings are unsightly. They also give off a musty smell. Worse of all, mold poses a health risk to you and your loved ones.
It’s not uncommon for people living in homes with mold infestations to suffer health issues such as sore throat, stuffy nose, burning eyes, skin rash, or coughing and wheezing. Severe reactions also happen to people with asthma or who are allergic to the fungus.
And if someone in your family is suffering from chronic lung disease or is immunocompromised in some way, better do something about your mold problem because it can cause lung infections.
If your home has a severe case of mold, it’s best to get the services of professionals for effective mold remediation. Smaller mold formations, however, are more manageable. Here are some tips on getting rid of mold to protect your health.
Gear Up For DIY Mold Removal
Before you start removing patches of mold from your walls, make sure you wear safety gear to prevent inhalation of mold spores that can make you sick. Your safety gear should include:
● Disposable rubber gloves
● Safety goggles
● Safety mask or a respirator
● Coveralls with attached hood and booties preferable, but long pants and a long-sleeved shirt will do
Mold Removal Materials
Prepare the following materials for DIY mold removal:
● Bleach
● Scrub brush
● Rags
● Bucket
● Non-ammonia soap or detergent
Removing The Mold
Start by soaking your rag in water and use it to wet the patches of mold to ensure mold spores won’t be disturbed. Then briskly scrub off all the mold in sight with non-ammonia soap or detergent.
After brushing, mix a gallon of water and 1½ cups of bleach in a bucket. Soak a rag with the solution, wet the affected wall with it, and leave it damp for 15 minutes before brushing it again. Rinse the area you’re working on with water afterward.
If there are still traces of mold, repeat the bleaching process until no visible mold is left. Get an electric fan to dry the area faster.
Mold Prevention
Mold removal is good, but mold prevention is always better. Some things you can do to prevent mold from forming in your home include:
Keeping Humidity Levels Down
Keep in mind that mold thrives in areas where there is plenty of moisture, so keep humidity levels at home in check. As much as possible, the humidity level in your home should be no higher than 50% on any given day. Get a humidity meter from your neighborhood home improvement store so you can monitor moisture levels inside your home.
If you live in an area with humid weather, having a dehumidifier can keep moisture levels down. An AC unit will also work for this purpose.
Ensuring Optimal Airflow
Good airflow inside your home prevents humid air from getting trapped. Keep your windows open in the summer, and install exhaust fans in particularly moist places like the kitchen and the bathroom to vent humid air out.
Finding and Fixing Leaks
Check your roof, pipes, windows for leaks that contribute to the moisture in your home and foster the growth of mold. Fix those leaks as soon as possible.
Immediate Flood Cleanup
In the event your home gets hit by a flood, make sure to clean up and dry everything out within 24-48 hours.
Adding Mold Inhibitors To Paint
If you’re repainting your house, it would be great to add mold inhibitors to it. Although they don’t kill existing mold, mold inhibitors prevent mold growth.
Since mold inhibitors are hazardous, make sure you have protection for your hands and eyes when handling them.
Keep in mind, however, that DIY mold removal is only suitable for small patches of mold. If your mold problem is bigger than ten square feet, your best option would be to call in mold remediation professionals. With their expertise, experience, and specialized tools and equipment, you can be sure your home will be mold-free by the time they’re done.
Guest Contributor: Rachel Anderson