Mold causes staining, property damage, and health-related symptoms. The presence of mold often indicates other moisture problems that need to be addressed. If you’ve noticed musty odors, patches, or discoloration in your home, here are steps to stop mold growth.
Know the Signs of Mold in Your Home
There are many indicators of a mold problem beyond spotting apparent growth on the ceiling or bathroom tiles. When you’re cleaning around the house, look for signs of mold, including:
- A persistent musty or damp smell in different parts of the home
- Visible mold growth
- Carpets with spotting that smells damp or like mildew
- Unexplained asthma or allergy symptoms
- Paint or wallpaper that is bubbling
- Consistent cold-like symptoms for weeks or months without improvement
- Past water damage that was not professionally taken care of
A professional mold inspection can locate pinpoint signs like these and equip you with information about how to get rid of mold through remediation and future prevention.
Stop Mold Growth in the Bathroom
Mold thrives in damp and warm spaces, which is why the bathroom and kitchen are often hotspots. When you shower or bath, condensation is produced, creating an environment conducive to mold growth. To stop problems before they start, use a shower cleaner at the end of each shower. Run the ventilation until the bathroom is completely dry. Do a deep clean of the shower stall with a bleach-based cleaner every week.
Use Bleach to Stop Mold Growth
Bleach is a hazardous chemical; use it carefully to eliminate mold in your home. Some surfaces will be permanently damaged by using bleach, so test a small area before applying it. Never mix bleach with other household cleaners or ammonia; always open the doors and windows to circulate fresh air into the room you are cleaning. Bleach can be used to remove mold on textiles, ceramic surfaces, and some types of flooring.
Prevention is Key
Even if you do an excellent job cleaning mold in your home, prevention is an ongoing process that requires everyone in the house to do their part. Stop mold growth by controlling humidity and moisture levels in the home. To prevent mold from forming, here are a few tips.
- Run the kitchen exhaust fan when cooking and the bathroom exhaust fan when bathing.
- Use a dehumidifier during the summer months to maintain indoor humidity levels below 50%.
- Clean your home at least weekly.
- Close the shower curtain or liner after use so its surface can dry completely.
Good daily habits help to stop mold growth and make your home a healthier place to live.
Libra Inspections provides home inspections to buyers and sellers in Central Illinois. Contact us to request our services.