Mold. Is it good or bad? If you think that all mold is bad, think again. You may be surprised to know that mold serves an essential part of our ecosystem. Mold breaks down dead substances and deposits them back into the ecosystem. Mold also helps us create antibiotics such as penicillin. Though it has its good side, there are molds that are extremely harmful and should be taken very seriously especially when it starts to grow inside your home.
Mold spores can quickly spread and in some cases, there can be high levels of toxic spores in the air even when no visible signs or odors are present. There are molds that can produce toxins which can contribute to health risk. It is capable of growing anywhere, it can be hidden behind walls, or above ceiling tiles. You can also have elevated mold counts without actually being able to see visible mold growth with the naked eye.
If not prevented, mold problem can be difficult and expensive to fix. Not only that, it may cause runny nose, coughing, wheezing, itchy or irritated eyes, rashes or hives, headache, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath.
How can you keep mold away from your home? The key is controlling moisture and humidity in your house. Here are some tips on how to restrain moisture and stop the mold from developing.
1. Analyzing problems in your home and amending them should be the first step. Examine if your home has water leaks may it be from flood or from the pipes. You can also dispose of damp carpet and check the attic for roof leaks, and repair any that are found. It can be a major reconstruction and may cost a lot of money but if you address the problem as early as now, you can avoid a more expensive job due to an elevated amount of mold.
2. Wet materials need to be dried quickly. Mold will grow within 2 days given the right conditions. So leaving your wet towel or other item lying around inside or outside the house gives mold a chance. Hang wet clothes outside to dry. This will avoid any water to evaporates in your home, and this can lead to mold growth on walls, floors, and other surfaces. You must always keep the floor and walls dry after taking a shower.
3. Using exhaust fan and vent can also prevent moisture. Proper ventilation is important in many rooms in your house. Turn on the exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathroom whenever you cook or bathe. In the laundry room, make sure the drier is being vented to the outside.
4. Monitor humidity levels. Mold grows where there is moisture. Installing a hygrometer in your home will help you measure the humidity in your house. You should dry the surface immediately once you notice condensation on windows, pipes, and walls.
5. Make sure that the ground around your home is adequately sloped away from the foundation. This will prevent stagnant water from sustaining mold’s growth.
6. You may not realize it yet but those beautiful plants you have in your home could be entertaining unwanted guests. Plants are of great help in keeping the air in the home clean but can also be an ideal source of mold. Molds love to grow in the moist soil of our house plants and sometimes on the leaves but do not throw your plants. One simple treatment can help keep your houseplants mold free. Taheboo tea can help to retard mold growth in your plants’ soil. Just add this tea to your house plant water in a mild solution is enough to do the trick.
Seeking professional help is still recommended. There are lots of Mold Inspection in St Petersburg that conducts more accurate tests with experts that have been trained to conduct and interpret tests correctly. Having a healthy home means having a healthy family. Yes, mold can be a tough enemy but these steps will spare you from having a headache caused by mold.
