What Are Some Common Household Locations To Find Mold?
The time for gathering with family and friends is quickly approaching and in the process of organizing and tidying up could unveil some areas that need a little (or a lot of) mold cleanup. Mold can grow in places where moisture is trapped or on surfaces that don’t have the opportunity to dry out. Here are some places to focus your attention for mold problems.
- Bathrooms: Mold can be found in the shower or bathtub, and around the sink and toilet. Inspect water stains on drywall; they can mean leaking pipes or dripping seals and possible mold damage.
- Kitchens: Areas around and under the sink are very susceptible to moisture accumulation and can require frequent mold cleanup. Check in the pantry, and behind and under the refrigerator for spilled liquids and trapped moisture and mold. Any surfaces around the stove or microwave that have poor ventilation are also susceptible to mold accumulation.
- Living Room: Indoor plants in the living room create a warm and welcoming space, but standing water around potted plants can also require mold cleanup. Also, if too much moisture is in the air be sure to check curtains and furniture for dark spots of mold growth. If you have a fireplace, this dark and infrequently checked space can have mold if any seals have deteriorated over time letting in snow and rain.
- Attics, Basements, Crawl Spaces and Garages: Spaces you tend not to spend a lot of your time in are more likely to have mold. Attics can have roof leaks, ventilation problems and the insulation is excellent at trapping mold spores. The same is true of crawl spaces with leaks and poor ventilation. And because warm air rises, it passes from the living spaces of the house into the attic and meets the cold attic sheathing to create condensation and subsequent mold growth in that attic. Basements are surrounded with water pipes and ducts and are in direct contact with the ground so any leakage will quickly become a problem and need mold cleanup. Heavy rains or melting snows can sneak into garages and any boxes or shelving units can easily trap water and mold beneath and behind them.
Is Mold Worse In The Cold Weather Months?
Mold is worse in the winter months because condensation is created any place where the warm air from the home comes into contact with the cold air from the outside. Without proper ventilation, the moisture remains, creating an ideal environment for mold. Cold, wet winter climates like the northeast United States are particularly at risk and should commit to a mold cleanup routine before the holidays.
What Are The Signs You Need A Mold Cleanup?
One of the first indicators that you might need mold cleanup is the damp, musky smell released by mold during its life cycle. You might also see fluffy or slimy black spots on your clothing, carpet, or furniture. Don’t forget to look at the walls and ceilings for warping, bubbling, staining or peeling paint for signs that mold is lurking behind the scenes. Any residents with asthma or allergies will have increased or more severe symptoms, like sneezing, coughing, runny nose and eyes or fatigue, if mold spores are in the home.
How Long Does It Take To Do A Mold Clean Up Before The Holidays?
As long as the source of the moisture is removed, small mold cleanup jobs are easy for you to do yourself while you’re cleaning. For surfaces like walls, make sure the space is well ventilated and dry. Then, wearing the proper protective gear like a mask and rubber gloves, clean the surface with dish detergent, water and a sponge or brush and then rinse and let the surface dry. Next, clean the surface with a solution made from three quarters of a cup of bleach and one gallon of water. Finally, rinse and let dry completely.
For spaces larger than ten square feet, it’s important to call a professional mold cleanup company for assistance.
How To Remove Mold From Your Decorations?
Mold cleanup for fabric Christmas decorations is simpler when you are able to wipe away any excess mold and then rub the spot with laundry detergent. Then wash in your washing machine with hot water and bleach (chlorine or non-chlorine depending on care instructions). Getting mold off of plastic decorations, like ornaments or figurines is a challenge because the trinket may be very delicate. Remove any mold on the surface with a sponge, cloth or paper towel. Next, clean with a mixture of water and dish detergent and then rinse off. Allow the decorations to dry completely before displaying them around the home.
How To Prevent Mold On Your Christmas Tree?
Your Christmas tree will need to be watered during the holiday season to keep it fresh and festive for you and your guests to enjoy. To keep your tree mold free, be sure to change out the water every 1-2 days and immediately clean up any leaks or spills. Keep the room well-ventilated or circulate the air with a fan or use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity under 50%.
Contact MSR Restoration For Professional Mold Cleanup Before The Holidays!
If your mold problem is too large or you need assistance from a mold cleanup professional, contact MSR Restoration today! Our experts are trained to find mold problems and tackle any mold cleanup job to keep you healthy so you can enjoy this holiday season with friends and family.
