How to Remove Toxic Mold From Your House
Mold is a known contributor to a number of respiratory conditions including bronchitis and asthma. Mold is especially common in humid climates and damp areas of the home that have a consistent moisture problem. Remove toxic mold from your house and prevent re-growth by locating problem areas, cleaning them and keeping your home dry in the future.
- Locate mold in your home, and determine problem areas. While mold is most common in bathrooms and kitchens, it can grow in any damp area of your home. It’s a good idea to inspect your entire house to make sure you don’t miss any problem spots. Don’t forget to look in areas that you wouldn’t ordinarily check such as around pipes and under sinks.
- Eliminate all visible mold. You must remove any growth completely in order to protect yourself and your family from health risks associated with mold. It’s a common mistake to think that disinfecting mold with bleach is effective. Dead mold can still be harmful, so it needs to be removed completely. Scrub problem areas with a damp sponge and soap. If you have moldy carpet padding or drywall, throw it out because it’s not possible to remove mold completely from these materials.
- Disinfect the area with a household disinfectant after you are done cleaning. Once you are finished, immediately dry the area thoroughly. Any accumulation of water can attract mold spores that can rapidly grow in moist conditions.
- Fix moisture problems. Mold removal is temporary unless you fix the underlying conditions that caused its growth in the first place. Mold spores are very common and are not usually a problem unless they grow into mold in moisture-prone areas. To prevent re-growth, fix all leaks and keep your home as dry as possible at all times. If you live in a humid climate, purchase a dehumidifier to help remove extra moisture from the air.