Saturday, November 6, 2010

Mold Removal

There are several types of mold that can grow in the home. Often mold grows as a result of water damage and leaks, or in generally damp areas such as the kitchen or bathroom. If you are facing a mild case, of mold in your home, it may be possible to take care of the mold removal yourself. In the smallest cases, scrubbing with soap and water as soon as a problem appears can be sufficient. However, in the case of a larger infestation, particularly from the toxic black mold, more drastic measures may be needed.

The first step up from soap and water is to use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. If those are too gentle for your situation, bleach can be an alternative (but be careful about where you use it, and wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself). It is best to avoid letting the mold dry out before cleaning, since this makes it easier for the mold to become airborne, spreading further throughout the house, and having the potential to cause respiratory problems. There are mold killing sprays avaliable on the market, which you should consider if the above "home remedies" are insufficient.

When removing mold from your home, you should be thorough, and not only eliminate the mold you have now, but also cut off its source of moisture. This could mean getting leaks fixed, or repairing water damaged areas. It's also important to get rid of all of the mold causing problems. Sometimes this means cutting into walls or ceilings, and cleaning out the cavities in these areas as well as the visible problem areas. You should also thoroughly scrub a good 4 to 6 feet around any obviously visible stained or effected area, to ensure a successful mold removal. If this task becomes to daunting, or you find more mold in a wall then you are prepared to handle, it may be a good idea to bring in the experts.

The best way to deal with mold is to be proactive. Deal with water damage, leaks, and damp areas in your home early and often. Doing this can save you from substantial costs, troubles, and headaches (literally in some cases) down the line.

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