Mold is a strange and complicated thing. It’s a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist conditions, but it can crop up anywhere. Some strains of mold are beneficial or benign. Mold is used to create medications and is even used in fermented foods. But the wrong type of mold in the wrong place can be unsightly and even dangerous.
If you’ve got mold growing where it shouldn’t like in cabinets, cupboards, on walls, or anywhere else in your home, you should deal with it, and quickly.
Where Mold Often Grows
In pretty much every situation, it’s important to know your enemy. In this case, you need to know where you’re most likely to find mold and what the risk factors for mold growth are.
Typically, mold thrives in warm and damp conditions. So it’s fairly common to find it in bathrooms, especially on the ceilings and between tiles. This is because steam rises and can collect in these areas, creating an environment suitable for mold growth.
Sink cabinets can also be prone to mold, especially if there’s a small leak that you didn’t know about. As moisture collects, it brings mold along with it. Other cupboards might develop mold as well, especially if you have damp in your home anyway. This is because mold can hide away, so you don’t realize it’s there until it’s more established.
Preventing Mold
One of the best ways to prevent mold is to make your home less hospitable to it. So, if mold likes humid areas, then use a dehumidifier to remove some of the excess moisture in your house. While dehumidifiers don’t get rid of existing mold spores, they do make it less likely to spread and establish itself.
After you’ve had a shower, open the window to release the steam from your bathroom. This will dry the room out and, if you close the door, prevent the moisture from spreading through your home.
Clean your carpets and floors regularly. This gets rid of any spores that might try to make themselves at home.
Getting Rid of Mold
Mold isn’t just unsightly; it can be dangerous. Some strains of mold can cause breathing difficulties and exacerbate conditions like asthma.
If possible, wear a mask, goggles, and gloves when dealing with mold at home. You can buy dedicated mold removers to get rid of stubborn spores, but you can also clean it with warm water and detergent. Always dry the area once you’ve cleaned it and keep on top of it.
If you have a more severe or especially stubborn mold problem, consider contacting professionals for mold removal. This might be necessary if the house has stood empty for a while or if the mold has grown unnoticed for a while.
Professionals can get rid of established mold colonies and help you keep the mold away on a long-term basis. This way, you can keep your family safe and your house looking nice.