 Mold inside of your home may seem like a minor nuisance, but it can lead to major complications it's allowed to grow further. Mold can lead to allergy-like symptoms, chronic illness, degradation of drywall and other structural damages — meaning it's not something to leave on your "I'll deal with it eventually" to-do list.
Since mold is able to grow wherever moisture is present — both inside and outside — you should both check for it and take steps to prevent it. The following can reduce the risk of mold development:
- Wipe up spills promptly.
- Use the dehumidifier while showering to help remove moisture from the air in the bathroom.
- Turn on the exhaust fan above the stove while cooking.
- Wipe the inside of the washing machine after use, especially in models with rubber gaskets around the door.
- Have any leaks fixed immediately and take action to dry the surrounding areas.
But even with your best efforts, mold can still grow inside of your home. Luckily, it can often be cleaned up with relative ease if it's caught early enough. If you smell a musty odor or see a watermark anywhere, it's time to check the area for mold. For large patches of mold, your best bet is to call in professional cleaners who can properly remove the hazard.
If you find a small patch of mold that hasn't caused structural damage, there are several methods you can use to clean it up. After the cleaning process, you'll have to find and remove the source of moisture to prevent regrowth. Try one of these methods of mold removal:
- Bleach: Using a bleach solution to kill mold is effective on hard surfaces — such as tile and countertops — but less effective on porous surfaces — such as drywall and wood. Ensure that the area is well-ventilated and use gloves for protection. Mix one part bleach to 10 parts water, then scrub affected areas with the solution.
- Borax: Using a borax solution provides an effective, fume-free alternative. Mix one cup of borax into a gallon of water, then scrub the affected areas with the solution. Wipe up any remaining mold particles after the area has dried to prevent them from spreading into the air.
- Vinegar: Using vinegar isn't quite as effective with every type of mold, but it is a natural, safe alternative. Pour vinegar into a spray bottle (no water needed) and spray directly onto the affected surface; let it sit for an hour, then wipe clean with water.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Using hydrogen peroxide is another non-toxic alternative. Pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle (no water needed) and spray directly onto the affected surface; let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub the area to remove the mold and wipe with a clean rag.
Getting rid of mold as soon as possible helps keep your family safe and protects the structural integrity of your home.
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Which tactics do you find most effective for mold removal? Let us know in the comments below.
Posted Thursday, November 19 2015 10:00 AM
Tags : home insurance, mold, mold removal, safety, health, Dallas, Texas, insurance, Dallas TX insurance, All About Insurance, tips
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