Posted by Diana Freedman on Thu, Feb 10, 2011 @ 04:14 PM
Mold growth is a serious issue. It can cause damage to your home, musty odors, and health problems. If your home has already suffered from mold growth, it's time to hire a mold removal company to take care of the problem for you. But you can take these steps to prevent the problem in the future, whether your home has already suffered from mold or not.
Here are the 9 simple steps you can take to prevent mold growth in your home:
1. Dry wet surfaces quickly, such as counter-tops, floors, and even walls after condensation builds up.
2. Clean and disinfect mold hot-spots often, including your kitchen and bathrooms.
3. Reduce the humidity levels in your home. It's ideal to keep the humidity levels below 50% to prevent mold growth. Keep a dehumidifier running at all times in rooms that tend to be damp (such as unfinished basements).
4. Make sure your home is properly ventilated, particularly basements and attics.
5. Store clothing in a clean and dry place.
6. Prevent condensation from building on your walls and floors. Also, keep outdoor water away from your home by having proper drainage systems in place, and moving things like damp wood or compost piles away from your house.
7. Opt for tiles over carpet in mold-prone rooms, including your kitchen and bathroom.
8. Fix plumbing leaks as soon as the problem arises.
9. Install exhaust fans where steam builds up, most particularly the bathroom and above your kitchen stove.
What's would you add as the #10 tip to prevent mold growth? Share your tips in the comments below!
Photo source: Flickr
 |
Get the FREE Guide:
Top 10 Tips for Removing Mold from Your Home
|
Posted by Diana Freedman on Thu, Feb 10, 2011 @ 04:08 PM
The best way to rid your home of a moldy smell is to hire an expert to professionally remediate the mold problem. But while you're waiting for your mold removal appointment, or to freshen up your home afterwards, here are some helpful tips for getting rid of that moldy smell.
1. Create your own lemon cleaning solution
If the mold growth is limited to surface growth over a couple square feet, you could wipe it down with a damp cloth. Citrus scents do a great job at masking the smell of mold or mildew. You can create your own citrus cleaning solution by mixing some lemon juice and water. Apply this solution onto the areas where the musty odor is coming from, then rinse with soap and water. Then be sure to dry that surface thoroughly.
2. Air out the living space
If the mold is in your basement or limited to a particular room, make sure to keep the door closed between that area and your main living space. Also open the windows in the offending rooms to get some fresh air into the space.
3. Spray some air freshener
Air freshener is a great temporary solution to that annoying musty odor. Try to purchase an air freshener with a citrus scent, as again, citrus masks odors very well.
4. Get a dehumidifyer
In addition to slowing the growth of mode, a dehumidifyer can cut the scent mold can cause. The dehumidifyer will absorb the musty air and release fresh, odorless air. An air conditioner can do the same trick.
5. Don't fall for common myths
Contrary to popular belief, bleach or baking soda will not get rid of that moldy smell. Commercial bleach is too diluted to kill and rid your home of that moldy smell. The best solution is to bring in an expert to professionally rid your home of mold.
What are your best musty odor-reducing tricks? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
|
Get the FREE Guide:
Top 10 Tips for Removing Mold from Your Home
|
Posted by Diana Freedman on Thu, Feb 10, 2011 @ 03:50 PM
Mold growth can have minor to serious health effects. You should be familiar with the effects so that you can detect mold growth if anyone in your family starts experiencing these symptoms.
Can mold make you sick?
The answer is YES, mold can make you sick. This is why it's so important to contact a mold removal specialist immediately after you see the first signs of mold. Research has revealed that mold does have adverse effects on humans. But it's important to know that mold has different effects on different individuals. If only one person in your family shows symptoms of mold allergies, your home could still be contaminated with mold.
What are the most common symptoms of mold exposure?
The most common symptoms an idividual can suffer from after mold exposure include:
- Eye irritation
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Sinus pressure
- Headache
- Throat irritation
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue
What are the more serious symptoms of mold exposure?
Although these symptoms are not as common, here are the more serious symptoms individuals may suffer from following mold exposure:
- Asthma
- Vomiting
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
How can you be exposed to mold?
The growth of any indoor mold can pose a threat to humans. There are several different ways an individual can be exposed to mold:
- Through ingesting mold
- By inhaling mold
- By touching mold
If you suspect that your home is contaminated by mold, hesitating simply isn't worth the risk it could pose on yourself and your family.
Have you ever suffered from symptoms of mold exposure? Share your experiences in the comments below.
|
Get the FREE Guide:
Top 10 Tips for Removing Mold from Your Home
|
Posted by Diana Freedman on Thu, Feb 10, 2011 @ 03:19 PM
There are many different factors that cause mold. But some causes are much more common than others. Here are the four most common reasons for mold:
1. Moisture causes mold
Moisture is the #1 cause of mold. Whether the moisture exists in your home after property damage due to flooding or storms, or if you live in a humid environment, if moisture is allowed to live in your home it can cause mold within 48 hours. So imagine all the damage that can happen in damp basements! Mold tends to form in the places you can't easily reach, like under the floorboards or carpet, or in cracks in the walls or insulation. So if you are able to detect signs of mold due to moisture, contact a mold removal expert to inspect your home right away.
2. Poor ventilation causes mold
Mold is commonly found in attics due to poor ventilation. If there is inadequate insulation above a bathroom ceiling fan in the floor below, it can compound the issue. Make sure that your home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans. If you notice visible mold or that tell-tale musty sign, start ventilating to prevent more growth.
3. Indoor humidity causes mold
Humidy can cause mold growth, and damp basements are prone to be more humid than the rest of the house. This humidity condensates on wood walls and carpetted floors, causing mold growth. Mold growth can be slowed by keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%, and a dehumidifier or even an air conditioner can help.
4. Poor cleanup after water damage causes mold
When a home has been victim to a flood or storm, a pipe burst, a water tank break, or a washing machine hose pop, many people try to take the water cleanup into their own hands. But unless you're an expert in water removal, you won't be able to find the moisture hidden behind walls and under flooring. You should hire an expert that would use professional equipment to dry the area properly and thoroughly.
What do you think are some other top causes of mold growth? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
|
Get the FREE Guide:
Top 10 Tips for Removing Mold from Your Home
|
Posted by Diana Freedman on Thu, Feb 10, 2011 @ 01:47 PM
Nobody wants to live in a home with a funky or musty smell! And nobody wants to inhale allergens that make them cough or weeze, either. Improving indoor air quality can make your home a more comfortable environment.
Here are 10 ways to improve the indoor air quality of your home.
1. Keep your floors clean by mopping regularly, and make sure to keep your floors dry.
2. Vacuum carpets regularly and keep them dry.
3. Reduce the indoor humidity; they should be between 30% and 50%.
4. Never smoke indoors. Smoke will make your walls, carpets, and clothes smell like cigarette smoke.
5. Replace air filters in your home every 4-6 months.
6. Use a no-VOC brand paint when painting the walls of your home.
7. Use natural cleaning products in your home. Products with citrus smells are an excellent way to eliminate musty odors.
8. Clean your kitchen and bathroom on a regular basis, ideally every single week.
9. Keep your home well ventilated, especially the attic and unfinished basements.
10. Take steps to keep your home mold-free! Get a free home evaluation from us so we can make sure that your home is free of mold.
What would be your #11 tip for improving indoor air quality? Add your tips in the comments below.
|
Get the FREE Guide:
Top 10 Tips for Removing Mold from Your Home
|