The hazards of breathing mold spores have been well publicized, but the fact is, not all molds are the same, and not all individuals respond to mold with severe allergic reactions. So, while it’s good to be vigilant, don’t panic when you find mold in your home. These tips will help you get rid of mold safely and methodically.
Sources of Mold
Your first step in getting rid of mold is to limit the moist conditions that help mold take hold and grow. Mold produces spores, which can come in through open doors or windows, or even on our clothes or pets. Mold can result in a bad household odor, discolored and ruined household furnishings, carpets, textiles and walls, and polluted air.
If your home has flooded or you have roof or plumbing leaks, repairs should take place promptly.
Mold is also commonly found in the kitchen and bathroom, when excess moisture is not properly ventilated.
Getting Rid of Mold
How you get rid of mold will be determined by where it is. Wear latex gloves and a mask or respirator to treat mold.
- Wash shower curtains with 1/4 cup baking soda in the washing machine.
- Clean drywall with water and detergent; allow it to dry, then go over it with bleach and water.
- Scrub tiles and grout with a solution of bleach and water
- For carpets, remove and dry the carpet outside if possible. Also dry the lining. Brush out the mold debris, front and back, and apply anti-mold spray, allowing it to dry. Then scrub the carpet.
If your house seems to be excessively damp, and mold is an ongoing problem, look into installing exhaust ventilation in the bathroom and kitchen. Also, make sure you change your air filter regularly: a good quality filter can help catch mold spores.
Another option is to install a whole-house dehumidifier in your HVAC system. These systems are often helpful when an air conditioner alone cannot handle the job of properly dehumidifying a home.
To learn more about how to get rid of mold, contact Ace Hardware Home Services of Dayton.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “ClkerFreeVectorImages/Pixabay”
