How to Remove and Prevent Mold

Mold growing in your home can have a variety of health effects on you and your family. You may suffer from a lingering stuffy nose or sore throat, persistent coughing, and skin and eye irritation. Anyone in your home with asthma or immune-compromised conditions can experience more severe effects.

Mold grows anywhere there is moisture. It often enters a home through leaky roofs and windows, heating and air conditioning systems, air vents, and plumbing pipes. It grows on many interior surfaces including wood, tile, drywall, ceiling tile, wallpaper, paint, carpets, and fabrics. In fact, it's estimated 70% of homes have mold, so there's a chance it may be in yours.

While mold is visible in some areas, it often goes undetected in hidden, inaccessible areas. If you notice mold in your home, it's important to remove it quickly and prevent further growth to protect your family's health and your home.

Mold Removal

There are 3 types of mold commonly found in homes — green mold, white mold, and black mold. Green mold is moist and slimy, white mold resembles paint, and black mold looks like charcoal. All three molds grow easily on wood, so they can infiltrate floors, walls, attics, basements, and structural supports in your home. While green and white molds can cause respiratory illnesses and allergies, black mold can be toxic causing long-term or life-threatening health problems.

Green and white molds can be removed with certain over-the-counter products, but you should wear a mask and gloves if you're removing them yourself.

• Soap and Water — Dishwashing soap and water will safely remove mold from wood surfaces. Spray the wood with a soap and water mixture and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Once dry, wipe the wood down with water and let it dry.
• Vinegar — Spray full-strength vinegar directly onto the mold and let it sit for about 1 hour. Clean the area with soap and water, then let it dry completely.
• Baking Soda or Borax — Mix 1 cup of baking soda or borax with 1 gallon of water. Spray the mixture directly on the mold, then scrub gently with a scrub brush to remove the mold.
• Mold Cleaner — You can find chemical mold removers at most home improvement stores, but there are fewer organic options. It's best to avoid mold cleaners with ammonia or bleach, because they may cause breathing problems or allergic reactions.

If you think you may have mold growing in hidden areas that you can't access, you can call a mold remediation company to schedule an inspection. These companies have special equipment and cameras to look behind walls, under floors, in attics and crawl spaces, and roof rafters.

Mold Prevention

You can prevent mold growth in your home by taking certain precautions. Moisture is the main cause of mold, so you should waterproof your home by eliminating leaks and condensation buildup. Check your ceilings and walls for water stains, your kitchen and bathrooms for leaky pipes, and your doors and windows for signs of excess moisture, especially after heavy rains. Follow these helpful tips:

• Dry wet areas right away and get rid of standing water.
• Make sure you have adequate ventilation.
• Measure indoor humidity with a moisture reader.
• Clean and repair roof gutters.
• Improve your home's interior airflow.
• Keep water away from basements and crawl spaces.
• Don't overwater your indoor plants.

Mold is not uncommon in homes, even homes that get daily cleaning and regular repairs. The best way to prevent mold growth in your home is by keeping areas warm and dry because mold thrives in moist, damp areas that don't get light or sunshine. If you're not sure if you can handle a mold issue yourself, leave it to the professionals to give you peace of mind.

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