Like it or not, there is mold everywhere, be it in the air we breathe or on some of the surfaces with which we come into contact. Despite how common mold may be in our world, efforts should still be made to avoid its presence–especially in your home–to avoid varying health effects, including nasal, throat, skin, and eye irritation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Those who are most prone to such symptoms are typically those with mold allergies or sensitivities or the immunocompromised. However, even if you and your family members don’t fall into this category, there’s another good reason to tend to the mold matters in your home: the smell.
Most people tend to know a mold or mildew smell when it wafts their way. That musty, sometimes pungent, odor is produced when mold spores feed on organic matter, such as wood, natural fibers, or paper, and then release water, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds into the air. Mold prefers warm, dark, moist areas, which is why the musty mold smell is most common in basements, bathrooms, and attics. Visible clues, such as dark spots, are an easy sign that mold is present, but it’s your nose that will catch on quickly to mold hiding out in places such as behind walls and near pipes.
Air fresheners and scented candles can mask musty mold smells, but to really rid yourself of the stinky stuff, you need to tackle mold at its source.
Quite possibly the best way to keep your home free of musty mold odors is to prevent the growth of mold in the first place. This means eliminating excess moisture using dehumidifiers, exhaust fans, and air conditioners. If weather allows, opening windows can help to increase air circulation and dry out damp areas.
You don’t have to live with the lingering odor of musty mold. Let our experts guide you toward a clean, safe, and mold-smell free environment with professional services to keep your home safe and comfortable. The Lamunyon team specializes in the testing, inspection, and ultimate remediation of mold in locations that it is commonly found after a water disaster. Lamunyon Cleaning and Restoraiton provides mold services in Manhattan, Clay Center, Salina, Junction City, McPherson, Great Bend, and Topeka Kansas.