What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms found almost everywhere. The colors may vary from black, white, orange, green, or purple. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature, breaking down dead leaves, plants, and trees. Mold thrives on moisture and reproduce by means of tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air.
In small amounts, mold spores are usually harmless, but when they land on a damp spot in your home, they can start to grow. When mold is growing on a surface, spores can be released into the air where they can be easily inhaled. If you’re sensitive to mold and inhale a large number of spores, you could experience health problems.
Where Does Mold Grow –
Mold grows on your walls, floors, appliances, carpet, or furniture. Each of these provides the organic material that allows molds to grow. But most importantly molds need moisture, so you’re most likely to see mold in damp places such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and crawl spaces.
Tips for Controlling Mold –
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores in your home, but because mold spores can’t grow without moisture, reducing moisture in your home is the best way to prevent or eliminate mold growth. It is important that if mold is growing in your home that the source of the moisture be found and fixed immediately. If you clean the mold but do not fix the source of the moisture, the mold will continue to return most likely. Here is a list of actions you can take to prevent or eliminate mold growth in your home or business.
Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air.
Keep indoor humidity below 60% if possible. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity levels.
Keep A/C drip pans clean. Make sure drain lines are free of obstructions and flow properly.
Keep the house or business warm in cool weather. As the temperature goes down, the air is less able to hold moisture and it condensates on cold surfaces, which can encourage mold to grow.
Add insulation to cold surfaces, such as exterior walls, floors, and windows to reduce condensation.
Dry wet areas within 24 - 48hrs to prevent mold growth.
Use exhaust fans to move moisture outside whenever you are cooking, or showering.
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