Mold and moisture is everywhere. Mold spores exist in the air we breathe and enter the home every time we open the door to the outside. Nature relies on mold to decompose dead organic material like leaves. However, we never want to have mold growing in our homes. Mold growth slowly damages everything it touches.

The truth about mold

Mold grows wherever there is moisture. Wet places like bathrooms and basements provide a welcoming environment for mold growth. Plumbing problems, like leaks, can also promote the growth of mold. The key is to control the moisture.

In the case of a bathroom, make sure there is adequate ventilation. Regularly clean the shower and tub. Ventilating the room will go a long way toward minimizing or preventing mold growth.

Basements often need to be waterproofed and sealed to eliminate the water problem. If a basement becomes wet, it should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. The water problem in the basement also needs to be addressed, or the potential for mold growth will remain.

When it comes to mold cleanup, it is important to both kill and remove the mold as soon as possible. Mold cleanup can involve cleaning the HVAC air ducts, removing moldy carpet or floor tiles, or sanitizing and disinfecting after sewage water removal.

It is often better to hire a mold removal specialist to take care of the mold because of the many health risks. Mold can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, skin and eye irritations and more. If the water is from a contaminated source, like flood or sewage, then cleanup also requires special safety precautions.

Minimize mold growth

Some good tips for minimizing the potential for mold growth throughout the house include the following:

• Stop water leaks as soon as possible. If you are unable to stop the leak, call a plumber to help. Replace any compromised pipes. Small water leaks can cause big problems.
• Keep humidity low indoors. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Water vapor pool on surfaces and provide a breeding ground for mold growth.
• Ensure good ventilation. Ventilation improves the air quality in your home, helps to keep surfaces dry, and aids in lowering the humidity.