Do you take pride in a clean home? Does your home look healthy as far as the eye can see? There could be hidden dangers lurking within your home. Today we will look specifically at mold, when you should look for it and how to prevent it.
Mold is sneaky. It can thrive inside areas you never see-like under carpeting, in walls, in appliances, etc. In order for mold to thrive it needs water and food. Materials such as wood, drywall, and fabric are appealing food sources to mold. It does not take much moisture for mold to thrive, even appliances such as the dishwasher or washing machine can provide enough moisture for mold growth.
Ok so how do I know if I need to check for mold? Signs you need to look for mold include: signs of water intrusion in your home such as discoloration, peeling/bubbly pain or bulging walls or ceilings. If you’ve had a water intrusion that was not completely dried out within 24-48 hours you should check. Or if you have a musty odor in your home. You should also consider mold inspection if you or a family member is experiencing persistent physical symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, frequent illnesses that seem to lessen when not at home.
To look for mold inspection is key. Look behind appliances, under sinks, in corners both high and low. Check around door and window seals, base boards and in/behind vents. If you cannot see any mold yourself, you could hire a mold inspector to do a thorough inspection for you.
If you do find mold, be sure to use caution. Use safety protection or better yet hire a professional to do the cleaning for you.
For more information on mold, check out these sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/stachy.htm
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/mold