Molds can grow in almost any part of the house. It is a fungus that thrives in warm, dark, humid environments, and spreads via spores that grow on wet or moist surfaces, such as wood, wallboard, or bathroom tile. However, areas like the bathrooms are where they can be most often found. If the source of the mold is the leaks in the roof, they need to be fixed because the mold problem will reoccur when you clean up the mold.
Mold poses significant health risks and can affect the value of your home. Mold is difficult and costly to remove. Prevention is the best way to deal with mold. Proper ventilation and removal of moisture from your bathroom and kitchen are great ways to prevent mold growth in your home. If you observe excessive mold or mildew build up around your windows and vents, you may want to check your home ventilation system.
Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dish washing, and cleaning.
The immediate problems that are often associated with exposure to high levels of mold include the following:
• Mild or severe headaches
• Itching eyes and breathing difficulties.
• Difficulty in concentration.
Removing black mold stains requires scrubbing away the appearance of mold, spraying the area with bleach water and using vinegar or alcohol if necessary.
Not all mold removers are created the same so be careful which ones you choose. Bleach only removes the surface mold and does not kill the root of the black mold which is in mold spores. A less hazardous method would be to use peroxide based cleaner, such as Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate. Wet the area, spray Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate on the mildew, wait a few minutes then scrub with an old toothbrush. If the stains are particularly stubborn, you may want to use a stronger dilution of Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate.
To avoid mold keep windows closed and the air conditioning on. Use antifungal sprays as an added protection, along with cleaning solutions that are known to kill mold. Keep carpets and rugs out of bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Since these areas tend to be more humid, it is best to stick with bare floors in order to keep mold growth down.
Living a life without limits may mean making some compromises in some areas, so that you can keep breathing well and staying active. But, any steps you can take now to avoid mold contact will be well worth it in the long run.
Euro Maids, Inc. a major cleaning company located in Chicago area. Visit our website for more information about
house cleaning & cleaning service.
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