Keep Your Home Safe and Healthy By Mitigating Microbial Growth
Mold is a common problem in most homes, especially during the rainy and humid seasons. It's not only unsightly, but it also poses a health risk to the people living in that space. Mold spores can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma attacks. Here are some tips on preventing mold from growing in your home to keep your home healthy and safe.
Preventive Measures to Prevent Future Mold Outbreaks
Control Moisture Levels
Mold needs moisture to grow, so controlling indoor humidity is the first step in preventing spread and decay. Keep indoor humidity levels between 30%-60%. You can use a dehumidifier to help regulate the humidity levels and to avoid mold growth. Ensure your home is properly ventilated, especially in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Open windows or use exhaust fans to get rid of excess moisture. Whatever your methods may be, minimizing moisture is critical to mitigating the growth and spread of mold spores.
Dry Wet Areas Quickly
Mold can grow in less than 48 hours in damp areas, so it's essential to dry any wet areas quickly. If you suffer water damage from flooding or plumbing leaks, dry the area within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. At ServiceMaster by Singer, we highly recommend using fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. Also, avoid keeping wet clothes or towels lying around the house, as they can promote mold growth.
Clean Regularly
Regular cleaning can help prevent mold growth by removing dirt, dust, and other particles to which mold spores can attach. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to suck up mold spores and prevent them from spreading. Apply a cleaning solution with vinegar to clean surfaces prone to mold, like bathrooms and kitchens, and avoid using bleach, as it can release harmful fumes.
Properly Ventilate Bathrooms and Kitchens
High-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens are breeding grounds for mold growth. One wise option to reduce bathroom or kitchen humidity is to install an exhaust fan to eliminate excess moisture and prevent mold growth. Run the fan for at least 30 minutes after showering or cooking to remove excess moisture. If you don't have a fan in these areas, leave the windows open to allow fresh air in.
Keep an Eye Out for Leaks and Condensation
Condensation and water leaks can lead to mold growth. Keep a keen eye on any signs of water damage like warping or peeling paint, bubbling wallpaper, and musty smells. Immediately repair any leaks to prevent water from pooling and causing mold growth. If you notice condensation on your windows, dry it immediately and improve the room's ventilation.
Why Professional Mold Removal Is a Must
Mold outbreaks can happen to anyone, whether it's due to water damage, high humidity levels, or poor ventilation. While some minor cases of mold can be tackled with a little elbow grease and bleach, more serious outbreaks require professional remediation. Let us delve into why trying to take on mold outbreaks by yourself often leads to bigger problems. We'll also give you some tips on spotting when you need to call in the experts.
DIY Mold Removal Can Make the Problem Worse
If you notice mold growing in your home, it's natural to want to get rid of it as quickly as possible. However, using the wrong cleaning products or methods can worsen the problem. For example, bleach can kill the surface mold but does nothing to eradicate mold growth beneath the surface. Using fans to dry out an area is a wise proactive measure, but it can exacerbate the situation when mold is already present by spreading spores around your home. Instead of treating mold yourself when it begins to appear, it is wise to have a professional inspection because you may not know how far the mold has spread or the underlying cause of the outbreak.
Health Risks Associated with Mold Outbreaks
Mold outbreaks can cause serious health issues for you and your family. Certain molds produce toxic mycotoxins in humans and cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, skin rashes, and even fatigue. Unseen mold growth can release these toxins into the air, making inhaling them easier. As a result, you want to be on the lookout for telltale signs of mold, including musty smells and excess indoor moisture. Children, seniors, and people with compromised immune systems are especially susceptible. It's simply not worth the risk to your health to attempt to remove mold yourself.
Restoration Professionals Have Specialized Training and Equipment
Mold remediation professionals are highly trained and have the latest equipment to tackle even the toughest outbreaks. They will assess the contamination level and determine the mold growth's root cause. They use high-tech mold sensing equipment to determine the extent of the problem and know the safe removal techniques. Finally, they have the proper equipment to dry the affected areas thoroughly. Without advanced training and equipment, DIYers are not equipped to have the same success and long-lasting results.
Proper Mold Remediation Can Save You Money in the Long Run
It's better to prevent mold growth in the first place than to deal with it after it has grown. By following these simple tips, you can minimize the risk of mold growth in your home and keep your family safe and healthy. Keeping your home mold-free is never easy, but you can boost your chances by incorporating these preventive measures into your cleaning routine.
Sometimes, even the most consistent preventive measures fall short of mitigating mold. While it may be tempting to try to save money by tackling mold remediation yourself, the potential costs of botched DIY efforts can easily outweigh the costs of professional remediation. For example, inadequate drying of affected areas can lead to future structural damage and mold growth. Unfortunately, improperly cleaned materials may foster mold growth, causing new problems.
By hiring a professional remediation expert, you can be sure the job is done right, saving you time and money in the long run. Luckily for you, ServiceMaster by Singer is eager to assist! Our restoration experts utilize cutting-edge tools, proven techniques, and years of experience to remove mold efficiently and thoroughly. We will get to the source of the issue and comprehensively eliminate it quickly.
If you’re dealing with a mold outbreak, don’t hesitate to contact ServiceMaster by Singer immediately! Call (410) 346-9336 to schedule an in-person consultation today!
