Mold is more than just a disgusting green fuzz that grows on food. It's a menacing fungus that can actually make you sick if it's allowed to get out of control. Moisture can cause mold spores to multiply quickly. Once they're out of control, it can be difficult to get rid of the problem. If you live in an area that's been affected by the recent hurricanes, your home may be at risk for mold growth, even if you didn't sustain significant damage from the storms. Here are three things you need to know about mold elimination:
Know Where Mold Grows
Many people believe that mold only grows where you can see it. Unfortunately, that's not entirely accurate. Mold does grow where you can see it. However, in most cases, it begins growing in out of the way places that you can't see. Once the mold is visible, it's probably deeply embedded in your walls, carpeting, and other areas of your home. To get control of the problem, it's important that you know where to look for it, and how to identify areas where mold might be quietly growing behind the scenes. Mold can grow in your carpeting, behind the walls, and even under your bathroom tile. If you can't see mold growth yet, walk through your home and take the smell test. Take a deep breath in each room and smell for the musty odor of mold. You should also open your cabinets, and get your nose down into the carpet fibers.
Know Who's At Risk for Mold Sickness
You might not realize this, but mold can make you seriously ill, especially if you're susceptible to the spores. Even if you're not susceptible to the spores, someone in your family could be. If they are, it's important that you eradicate the problem immediately. It's also important that any family members who are susceptible to mold sickness be kept out of the house until the mold can be cleaned up. People who are at risk for mold sickness include babies, elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems, or who suffer from breathing related illnesses.
Know How to Get Rid of It
If you have found mold growing in your home, you'll need to take steps to get rid of it, and prevent it from returning. If part of your mold problem is related to plumbing problems, you'll need to have those issues taken care of by a plumber. You'll also need to have your home professionally cleaned to kill the mold spores. Finally, if humidity is a concern, you should have a dehumidifier installed in your home, to prevent the mold from returning.
