Mold is four letters and one syllable. It can cause anxiety and stress. Mold is a simple word that can cause many problems. What is the best way to deal with mold?
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Five facts about mold
Mark England, AdvantaClean’s Raleigh-Durham owner, says there are five things you need to know about mold.
Mold can grow quickly in warm, humid conditions. It takes between 24 and 48 hours to spread.
Mold is difficult to detect: Mold can thrive in areas with excessive moisture, such as behind walls or under floors or in closets or cabinets. This mold is invisible and can cause serious health problems for you and your family.
Mold problems can be costly: Mold damage can easily cost up to $10,000. Most insurance companies will not pay for the removal costs.
You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of mold exposure. These include severe joint pain, severe body aches, nausea, and sometimes, very serious respiratory problems. These symptoms may develop quickly or slowly over time.
Know who is at greatest risk. Mold can be deadly to the elderly, young and those with compromised immune systems. These people can be even more dangerous than mold.
How can you tell if your home is contaminated by mold? England says that mold can be seen or smelled in many homes. Mold usually has a greenish or black color, and the smell is musty or earthy. It’s similar to the forest floor deep within the woods.
England recommends using an antimicrobial, such as hydrogen peroxide, vinegar or baking soda mixed in water, to kill or slow down mold growth. Spray one of these on the mold and then remove it with a scrubber or disposable rag. Make sure to wear protective covers such as gloves, masks, and shoe covers.
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Protective clothing is essential for mold treatment.
Preparation and protection are crucial to ensure that mold is not spread.
Robert Weitz, a certified microbiologist and the founder of RTK Environmental is a top environmental testing company. He recommends that you have a professional mold test done if you discover mold. He has a list that you will need if you are able to.
Use a respirator or mask to filter out any mold spores that you are worried about
- Eye protection
- Rubber gloves
- A scrub brush and rags
- Non-ammonia soap or detergent
- A large pail
- Bleach
- A fan and/or dehumidifier
- You will need to wear work clothes that are either white or old, as you will be bleaching them.
- A plastic garbage bag
- White vinegar
How to remove mold from a cement wall
Weitz suggests that you dampen any moldy areas with plain water and a rag before trying to remove it from a cement wall. This will prevent mold spores dispersing through the air.” Weitz suggests that you scrub the area with non-ammonia soap and detergent.
Weitz believes bleach has the power to kill mold. He advises that readers add 1/2 cup bleach to 1 gallon water in a quart. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes on the surface before you apply it to it. Use the scrub brush to scrub the surface. Rinse with clean, fresh water.
Repeat the bleach steps until you are rid of all visible mold. Weitz suggests drying the wall with a fan or dehumidifier. If moisture remains, it could lead to mold growth.
It is important to wash your clothes clean of mold.
After you are done, take off your work clothes and place them in a bag. Then, transport them to the washer. He says that your clothes will be covered in mold spores, and this will prevent you from tracking them around the house. To kill mold, add 3/4 cup of white vinegar to the wash water.
Remember that you must address the root cause of the problem, not the symptoms. Evan Roberts, a Baltimore real estate agent, says that mold can be found in homes. “You have a moisture problem first, and a mold problem second.” According to Roberts, a mold removal solution will not work if the moisture problem is not addressed.
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Professionals have the tools you don’t.
Jeff Miller, a Maryland real estate agent, says that mold can be caused by a small leak in the plumbing or a roof leak. If mold is found under a kitchen sink or bathroom, it’s worth calling a plumber to inspect.
Miller suggests that the mold be removed by professionals. They have the right chemicals to remove mold residues after treatment. They can also test your home to make sure that mold isn’t spreading.”
Kyle Rowley, a mold remediation specialist at Restoration 1 in Waco (TX), agrees. Mold can be dangerous and tricky, he says. Mold can even be caused by water damage.
He warns homeowners that mold can cause many health problems. Rowley states that mold can cause allergies, asthma, mycotoxins and breathing problems as well as long-term health issues.
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If you discover mold while house hunting
Knowing where to look is the key to finding mold. Tina Tyus, a Birmingham-based real estate broker and author of “So you want to flip houses?”, advises that mold should be checked in dark and damp areas such as under cabinets, crawl spaces, basements, attics, and basements.
