|
||
Eliminating mold in the house, on walls and on ceilings can be hard. Using the right sprays, chemical solutions and other items can make things a lot easier if done properly. Keep in mind that all molds need moisture to grow, in addition to oxygen. If you can stop mold from having access to both those things, your chances of preventing or eliminating it will be much greater.
Why Mold Shows Up:
Mold can get into a house or structure via the air or carried in by people, animals or other things. Mold creates very small spores, which are a basic part of the mold. These spores float on the air, for example, and are carried to other locations. The aim of preventing the mold from growing further, should be the main focus in eliminating molds of all types.
Getting Ready to Eliminate Mold:
There are several steps to take before actually going after the mold. First, ensure the moldy area is prepared for cleaning. Always use gloves, goggles, and maybe an N-95 respirator, in order to prevent breathing in any fumes and the like. All of this protective gear is readily on hand at most do-it-yourself home stores.
Prepping the Mold:
Any area larger than 10 square feet should be handled by a professional. If it's under that, take a soap-and-water mixture and wash the surface down completely. You can also use a chlorine-and-water solution (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water) if you'd like. Make sure the pretreated area is thoroughly dry before continuing. Also ensure there's enough of any mix to do the moldy area at least one more time.
Killing Mold:
There are a lot of good mold-killing sprays in stores today. Most will handle molds with little or no problem. Some of the better ones also kill what's known as the root of the mold. It'll kill the mold, and also any spores left over after cleaning's done. After pretreating the molded surface with chlorine and water or other solutions, make sure its completely dried and ready for chemical treatment. Use the mold-killing spray product only as directed. Wipe up and dry the area again. Do it as often as as needed until all mold is gone.
Making Sure it Stays Gone:
Killing mold is only half the battle – you need to also make sure it doesn't come back. Once the mold's been eliminated, do a scan to make sure all of it's gone and that none is hiding in any nooks or crannies. Additionally, look around for any dust or dirt left behind, and sweep or clean it up. Mold spores travel in these things, so checking up once in a while will help to prevent any future reappearance.
Stop Moisture and Humidity:
The two main culprits in helping mold to grow are moisture and humidity. Molds need it to survive, so striving to get rid of those two things helps greatly. If necessary, purchase a good dehumidifier. And check your home or building for any hidden water buildups or leaks.
Molds usually enter a home through spores that pass through open doorways, ventilation, windows, heating and air conditioning systems that have outdoor air intakes. The mold spores also attach themselves to humans, animals, shoes, clothing, bags and other objects that are capable of carrying spores.
When spores reach a place of moisture, especially those places where there is excessive moisture, they will attach and grow themselves. This will serve as their breeding ground. Molds usually grow in moisture rich places and those that are quite cold. The most common places where molds grow are in roofs, pipes, walls and plant pipes.
* How does mold grow?
Molds grow in different ways. Molds have tiny spores and these tiny spores have the capabilities of reproducing themselves through sexual and asexual reproduction. In sexual reproduction of mold, spores need another spore for them to reproduce. In asexual reproduction of mold, a single spore can reproduce by itself without requiring another spore.
Mold spores can reproduce themselves anywhere. They can grow and reproduce in soil, roof, and pots and even in air. Molds grow rapidly in places that have excessive moisture and have quite dim lightings.
* What kinds of health problems could there be if there is mold in my house?
Mold exposure may cause cold-like symptoms like watery eyes, sore throat, wheezing and dizziness. Allergic reaction to mold is common. It triggers asthma attacks. In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs.
Molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, potentially toxic substances that are dangerous to the human body.
* On what kinds of surfaces can mold grow?
Molds never choose the surface where to grow and breed; rather, they survive as long as a surface has excessive moisture. Moisture seeps through concrete walls and floors, wood and plastics and other materials that will cause dampness resulting in molds on walls, floors, carpeting and others.
The bathroom is the most susceptible place for mold growth because it is always damp. Soap scum, shower walls, ceramic tile and fiberglass are all possible surfaces for mold growth.
Basement and laundry rooms are also common for mold growth. The kitchen is also a possible site for mold.
There is no required surface for mold. Any surfaces are susceptible to mold growth if moisture is present.
* How can I reduce the humidity in my home?
Reducing the humidity at home can be done in many ways. There are simple ways that are effective in reducing the dampness at home which is the main reason of mold growth.
The following are three effective simple ways of reducing humidity at home.
• Remove standing water.
• Dry out your home.
• Remove wet materials.
And also insulate your home properly.