The sight of mold is enough to make any homeowner’s heart sink. It can hide in any corner of your home, and despite your best efforts to get rid of mold spores, it may just keep coming back. If you do not want to waste time and money on solutions that address the issue temporarily, only to be disappointed when spots return weeks later, you need an effective solution. Breaking the cycle of mold growth requires more than scrubbing surfaces with a household cleaner. Let’s explore some solutions to get rid of mold and keep it from returning.
What Are Mold Spores?
Mold spores are part of our natural ecosystem. They are around you and in the air you breathe every day. However, mold spores become a problem when there is an elevated level of spores indoors or if there is a different species of mold in your home than the normal species present in the outdoor air. There are some spores that are directly related to molds that are caused by water damage.
Mold spores are tiny particles that spread through the air and allow mold to grow in new places. These spores float through the air, invisible to the naked eye, until they land somewhere damp where they can create new mold patches. Mold spores do not affect everyone in the exact same way, but they can trigger allergies or breathing issues in people who are prone to respiratory issues or have weaker immune systems.
Moisture problems in homes, like leaky roofs, humid bathrooms, or damp basements, create the perfect conditions for mold spores to settle and grow. Controlling indoor humidity and fixing water problems are the best ways to prevent mold from becoming a health concern in your living space.
Benefits of Removing Mold Spores From Your Home
Although small amounts of mold are often harmless, it becomes a problem when it settles in wet spaces of your home and grows. Below are the main benefits of getting rid of mold spores in your home:
1. Prevents Mold from Spreading
Mold spreads by releasing thousands of tiny spores into the air that travel to new areas to grow. By eliminating existing mold colonies and addressing sources of moisture, you can interrupt this cycle. Quick action prevents a small bathroom mold issue from becoming a problem affecting the walls, carpets, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas throughout your home.
2. Reduces Health Risks
Mold exposure results in a variety of health issues ranging from mild to severe, based on personal sensitivity and mold type. It often causes itchy eyes, a congested nose, sore throat, or rashes. Individuals with asthma, allergies, or compromised immunity may experience more respiratory illnesses or infections. Children and seniors may be more sensitive to the effects of mold exposure.
3. Preserves Structural Integrity
In addition to health problems, the physical structure of your home can also be compromised by mold growth. As mold spreads, it gradually destroys the materials it grows on. Wood beams can become weak, drywall can crumble, and insulation loses its efficiency. Eventually, after months or years, this deterioration weakens your home’s structure, which leads to sagging ceilings, buckled floors, or weakened support beams. Efficient mold removal protects your home from damage.
4. Eliminates Musty Odors
The smell mold releases can penetrate porous materials in your home, including carpets, drapes, furniture, and even clothing. Although air fresheners may temporarily cover up unpleasant smells for a short period, destroying the source of mold eliminates these lingering odors, leaving your home smelling fresh again.
5. Increases Home Value
If you intend to sell your house, it’s best to get any mold issues addressed before you show your home or have it inspected. Even small visible mold patches raise questions for potential buyers, who will worry about hidden damage or remediation costs. A mold-free home not only gets better offers but sells faster with less hassle. Choose a certified mold remediation company for your peace of mind if you ever decide to sell your home.
6. Reduces Renovation Costs
The cost benefits are another good reason to address mold problems early because this prevents the need for expensive repairs later. Early mold remediation can be as basic as cleaning, minor repairs, or light repainting. Failing to treat the problem, however, might cause you to have to replace large sections of drywall, wooden floor panels, ceilings, or structural supports. The difference between early remediation and complete renovation might be thousands of dollars.
7. Improves Air Quality
Mold spores travel through your home and may spread through your HVAC system before landing on surfaces and becoming airborne again. If you get rid of the mold, you can improve your air quality and prevent further mold growth. Also, most people can breathe more comfortably and have fewer allergic reactions after professional mold removal, which makes your indoor space healthier.
Effective Ways to Prevent & Get Rid of Mold Spores in Your Home
You may not be able to get rid of mold spores on your own, but there are some solutions you can try to address small amounts of mold. Additionally, controlling moisture will stop mold from growing and spreading. Here are some effective ways to prevent and get rid of mold spores in your home:
1. Clean Moldy Surfaces
If you see mold, prompt action prevents it from spreading. Cleaning mold requires multiple different processes depending on the surface it is growing on. Some materials can not be cleaned and must be removed. Cleaning mold from nonporous materials requires abrasive cleaning methods like wire brushing and sanding to remove the root system, followed by cleaning with an anti-microbial disinfectant.
2. Control Humidity
You can get a hygrometer to check moisture levels in your home. As the humidity rises above 60%, mold may start growing, so it’s important to keep the humidity under control. Check humidity readings more frequently in the basement, bathrooms, and kitchens, as these areas are typically more damp. If you notice high humidity readings, you can lower the humidity levels by increasing ventilation or using a dehumidifier. Regular monitoring helps you catch humidity problems early before mold develops.
3. Improve Ventilation
Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans must be vented outside instead of into your attic or another room. Clean the fan covers and blades every three months to keep them running smoothly. On nice days, open windows to let fresh air circulate and reduce indoor humidity levels naturally. Ceiling fans improve air movement, helping damp surfaces dry faster and preventing moisture buildup. Ventilation also helps surfaces dry quickly after showering and cooking, which reduces chances for mold growth.
4. Address and Fix Plumbing Leaks
Hidden water sources often create the perfect breeding ground for persistent mold problems. So, check under sinks and toilets monthly for water stains or dampness indicating hidden leaks. Fix leaky faucets and pipes immediately rather than waiting until they cause issues. Remember to inspect washing machine hoses every year for cracks that could lead to flooding. Water stains on the ceiling or walls may mean you have a leaking pipe somewhere that needs to be fixed right away to prevent mold growth.
5. Use Mold-Resistant Materials
Smart material choices during a renovation can prevent mold in the future. Choose synthetic or composite flooring instead of carpet in basements and ground-level rooms. Metal or plastic shelving works better than wood in damp storage areas like basements. By using these mold-resistant materials during renovation or construction, you help prevent future mold growth in problem areas and create a more resilient home.
6. Install a HEPA Filter
HEPA filters in your heating and cooling system capture mold spores before they travel throughout your home. Portable air purifiers with HEPA filters can clean the air in bedrooms and living areas. Replace all the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal performance. For extra protection, add UV light treatment to your HVAC system to kill mold spores.
7. Seek Professional Help
Call mold remediation experts for extensive infestations of over 10 square feet or if mold reappears after you’ve cleaned it. Professional inspections can identify hidden mold in the walls, ceilings, or floors that you cannot detect. Their remediation process includes containing the affected area so as not to transfer mold spores to contaminate other parts of your home. Make sure any company you hire complies with EPA guidelines and has proper certification for mold remediation.
Tackle Mold Growth With Lamunyon Mold
Mold problems require real solutions, not quick fixes that leave you dealing with the same issue months later. At Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair, we’ve been resolving Kansas homeowners’ mold problems since 1974, and we bring nearly half a century of reliable experience to every job. Our licensed technicians use specialized equipment to not only remove surface mold but also to fix the water problems that enable mold to grow. Contact us for a free inspection and effective solutions.
