Have you ever noticed green, black, velvety-looking stains on the walls of your bathroom, kitchen sink, or even a room with old furniture? You may also notice a strange, musty smell. Most of the time, this is mold. Although we may think of it as just dirt and forget about it, it can be very harmful to our health and our homes. So today, let's talk about what mold is, why it's dangerous, and how to get rid of it safely .
What exactly is mold?
Simply put, mold is a type of fungus . Think of mold as a small plant. Its seeds, or spores , are floating in the air everywhere, but we can't see them. As soon as these spores find a place with some water, or moisture, they start to grow, just like a plant needs soil and water to grow.
Usually, mold can start to grow on a damp surface within a day or two. Once it starts to grow, it starts to digest, or 'eat', the material (wall, board, fabric). That's what causes damage to those things over time.
Where can mold grow?
Mold can grow anywhere in a home where moisture accumulates.
- Near the leaking water pipe
- Between the tiles in the bathrooms
- Where water leaks from the roof
- Under the kitchen sink
- In basement or ground-level rooms
- Under the carpet
- Inside the closet, especially if there is poor ventilation
If you see mold somewhere in your home, it's very important to check to see if it's hiding in other places as well.
Why is mold removal so important?
There are two main reasons for this. One is the impact on our health, and the other is the damage to the home.
Health effects
Mold is very harmful to some people, especially those with allergies, asthma, and weakened immune systems. Inhaling mold spores can cause a variety of illnesses.
| Symptoms that may be caused by mold |
|---|
| 🤧 Nasal congestion and runny nose |
| 😷 Cough and difficulty breathing |
| 😮💨 If you already have asthma, worsening of your asthma |
| 👁️ Redness, itching, and tearing of the eyes |
| 🤚 Itching and skin irritation |
| 🤒 Frequent respiratory infections |
| 🫁 People with weakened immune systems are at risk of developing lung infections, for example, fungal pneumonia . |
If you have these symptoms and suspect that you have mold in your home, be sure to see your doctor for advice.
How do you get rid of mold at home?
Mold removal is called mold remediation. Simply put, if the mold is smaller than 3x3 feet , you can try to do it yourself. However, if it has spread to a larger area, especially if it has penetrated the roof or walls, it is safest and best to seek professional help .
These safety measures are essential when removing mold!
This is the most important thing. When removing mold, you need to protect yourself from inhaling and getting the spores on your skin.
- Wear an N95 mask: A regular surgical mask won't stop these tiny spores. An N95 mask will filter them out completely.
- Wear gloves: Use rubber gloves that are at least elbow-length.
- Wear safety goggles: This is essential to protect your eyes. Use goggles that fit snugly and have no holes.
- Disposable clothing: If possible, wear a disposable coverall. Otherwise, wash all clothing separately in hot water when you are finished working, without mixing it with other clothes.
Step-by-step instructions for removing mold
1. Eliminate the cause of the moisture: The first thing to do is eliminate the moisture that is causing the mold. Is there a burst water pipe? Is there a water leak from the roof? Fix that problem first.
2. Dry wet areas thoroughly: Before removing mold, all wet areas must be thoroughly dried.
3. Clean smooth surfaces: Clean non-porous surfaces like tile, glass, and metal with soap and water and scrub thoroughly with a brush.
4. Porous surfaces: Use a fungicide to clean porous surfaces like wood and walls. Bleach is not recommended. Bleach can only kill mold on the surface, it cannot penetrate the pores and kill the roots. Therefore, mold can come back.
5. Things to remove: Some things, such as carpets, mattresses, fabrics, and old books, cannot be completely removed from mold. It is best to remove such things and replace them. Otherwise, the mold will come back.
6. Dry completely: After cleaning, leave the surfaces to dry completely for at least 48 hours . You can speed this up by opening windows and turning on fans.
7. Painting: Paint or caulk only after it has completely dried. If you paint on a wet surface, mold will grow back inside the paint.
Remember, if you don't remove the mold and address the moisture problem, the mold will inevitably grow back. The key is to control the moisture.
How do I know if my cleaning was successful?
You can only consider your work complete when these things are completed:
- The problem that caused the moisture (like the leak) has been completely fixed.
- I can't see or smell mold.
- After a few days, no new mold or water stains are visible.
- A professional will also use a moisture meter to check if the moisture content of the wall is less than 15%.
If all of this is correct, your battle is successful! However, it's always a good idea to keep an eye out for mold regrowth.
Take-Home Message
- Mold is a fungus that grows in damp places and can be harmful to our health and our homes.
- The best way to prevent mold is to control the humidity in your home. Fix any water leaks quickly and ensure good ventilation.
- Be sure to be safe when removing mold. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and safety glasses.
- Do not use bleach to remove mold. Instead, use soapy water or a suitable fungicide.
- If the mold problem is large (more than 3x3 feet) or if you have health problems like asthma or allergies, seek professional help . Also, see your doctor if you have symptoms that you think are caused by mold.
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