Molds are types of fungus organisms that can grow outdoors as well as indoors. When grown outside, molds are essential for the ecosystem and nature as it is an essential part. But they can create quite a problem when grown indoors.
You will likely find some mold growing in the darkest and most abandoned corner or dampest spaces of your house. More than causing some cosmetic problems, this mold can also cause damage to your home and positively contribute to significant health issues.
Let’s read about the types of mold you can likely find in your house, how it will contribute to significant health issues, and how to get rid of it.
Contents
What Causes Them?
While growing outside, the molds help in breaking down animal and plant matters. As part of the fungus family, mold releases small spores that can float through the air. These small spores can quickly enter your homes through:
- Windows
- Doors
- Air conditioner and heating vents
- Shoes or clothes
- Pets
Whereas while growing indoors, those small spores can’t grow unless in certain conditions. These spores can develop and grow in various places and materials, including carpet, paper, wood, and fabrics. Molds usually grow in spaces where little light appears, and a lot of moisture is available such as:
- In shower, bathtubs, and sinks
- Near pipe leaks
- Around windows and doors
- In attics, crawl spaces, and basements
Types of Molds
Many types of molds can grow in your house. Fortunately, you don’t need to be aware of every kind of mold to get rid of them. Some of the most common indoor molds are:
- Cladosporium: This mold is usually green, black, or brown. The Cladosporium mold grows in both cool and warm areas. They are usually found on carpets, fabrics, wood, and in cooling and heating ducts.
- Penicillium: This type of fuzzy mold is usually yellow, green, or blue. Penicillium is found in the basements, under the carpets, and sometimes insulation, especially when the system is experiencing water damage.
- Aspergillum: These molds are usually grey, white, or green, with a powdery look and dark spots. Aspergillum is a type of mold that doesn’t require much ventilation to grow. It can easily thrive on the walls, fabrics, basements, attics, and dry fruit and food items.
What are the Signs of Mold?
Mold initially starts as tiny spots but gradually starts expanding rather quickly. They are usually found in white, black, spotted, or may appear velvety, cottony, or powdery. If you notice any such spots around your house and you aren’t sure if it is just a stain or splotch of dirt, here are some tips that will help you in recognizing molds:
- It has an earth-like or musty smell.
- Check if that area has any source of moisture and less light.
- Notice any peeling, warping, or cracking of whatever area or material it is growing on.
- Add a few drops of bleach to notice any change in its color; if it fades or gets lighter, it is mold.
- Avoided or unchecked mold will continue to spread and grow with time.
How to Get Rid of Mold?
In numerous cases, you can take care of house mold by yourself. You can easily scrub it out by using:
- Few commercial products
- Warm water and soap
- Buy a bleach solution, and add 8 ounces of bleach per one gallon of water. Spray it all around the molds.
Before you begin, there are specific steps you must keep in mind before cleaning:
- Open all the windows and doors.
- Make sure to take all the necessary precautions. Like, wear protective eyewear, an N-95 respirator, a face mask, and nonporous gloves.
- Remember, never mix ammonia or any other cleaner with bleach. It can create toxic and hazardous fumes.
- Make sure to use a proper brush or scrubber to clear off all the mold-infected areas, and make sure you have cleaned and removed all of it. Make sure to discard all the porous materials like ceiling tiles, furniture, and carpets. Don’t layer the area with any caulk or paint until you have cleared the molds completely.
Seek a contractor with the proper experience to and safely remove the mold around your house:
- If your house has a large amount of mold or it’s difficult for you to clean.
- You are experiencing severe water leaks or damage.
- You are not willing to suffer any significant health symptoms related to mold spores.
How to Prevent Mold in your House
- Mold is present everywhere and is an essential part of the world. We can’t get rid of mold completely, but there are some methods to make your home free of mold. Listed below are few methods to adopt for mold-free homes:
Firstly, fix all the water leaks and damages immediately. Clean up all the excess water and make use of electric fans to dry up that area. - Replace or repair all the windows that have leaks on them because the moisture might get collected on the sill and the frame, attracting mold.
- Maintain low humidity with the help of a dehumidifier and air conditioner in your home. Change all the filters and maintenance of your furnaces and air conditioners as recommended by the brand.
- Don’t lay carpets in rooms like basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.
- Make sure to keep your house well ventilated. If possible, make the vent of your exhaust fan facing outside. Use open windows or exhaust fans while bathing or showering.
- Make use of cleaning products that can kill mold entirely. Wipe your bathroom tiles and dry the shower curtains.
- Don’t leave wet clothes or towels with a pile of fresh laundry clothes or washing machines.
- Make sure your water drains are built away from your house.
Conclusion
Mold doesn’t always cause health issues, but you should always remove it quickly. It can cause damage to your house and can also cause damage to your throat, nose, eyes, and lungs. If you are allergic to mold or are suffering from chronic lung conditions like asthma, you’re at high risk for making your symptoms and health conditions more complicated and severe.
