Mold is a frequent invader in many homes, especially those with high relative humidity and moisture content. It’s more than just an unsightly nuisance that you can live with; it poses a serious risk to both your house and your health. To make sure that mold doesn’t grow in your house, you must be knowledgeable about mold remediation and prevention.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a multicellular fungi body that grows in thread-like structures called hyphae. While bacteria include single-celled fungi, the mold consists of many cells and can sometimes be distinguished with the human eye. They can be found both inside and outside the house and prefer warm, humid environments. Among the common mold species found in homes are Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and the infamously hazardous black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum.
What Does Mold Smell Like?
One characteristic that sets this organism apart from others is the smell it emits. The disagreeable smell that is often associated with mold, either earthy or pungent, is a key sign of the presence of mold. Some have compared its scent to that of rotting wood or foul feet. The volatile organic molecules that mold emits when it first starts to grow are the source of this odor.
Signs That Mold is in the House
Mold is sometimes hard to detect in your house since it normally thrives in hidden areas. However, there are several symptoms to watch out for:
Visible Growth: This is the clearest sign of this problem. Mold comes in a variety of colors, including black, green, and white, and develops on the walls, ceiling, and anywhere else in the house.
Musty Odor: On the same note, it is important to point out that a regular smell of dirt is a clear indication of mold.
Water Damage: Mold usually appears when there is water damage that leaves sections of walls discolored, paint peeled, or wallpapers visibly curved.
Health Issues: Other signs could also include worrisome health issues, especially if you were previously healthy. The symptoms likely to be exhibited by house occupants include sore throat, wheezing, coughing, sneezing, itchiness in the eyes, and skin rash.
Signs of Mold Allergy
Molds are also known to induce allergic effects in some individuals who come across them. Common signs of mold allergy include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Cough and postnasal drip
- Watering and itchy eyes, runny and itchy nose, and sore throat
- Watery eyes
- Dry, scaly skin
These symptoms may be mild or severe and are often aggravated by mold and moisture or during particular seasons. If you have such symptoms in your body, then chances are high that you are suffering from a mold allergy, especially if you feel better once you are out of the house.
Preventing Mold Growth
The only way to prevent mold issues is by opting for measures which reduce the chances of mold growth to the minimum. Measures of moisture should be closely regulated as mold growth tends to occur where there is dampness and high humidity.
It starts with the reinforcement of the wall where there are known leaks or water intrusion problems. These could entail fixing of taps, faulty roofs or basements, and proper insulation of rooms such as the bathroom and the kitchen. Install dehumidifiers particularly in those areas of your home that are relatively humid like basements.
Reduce the relative indoor humidity to 30-50% with the use of dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and proper ventilation. To maintain the readings on the problem areas, a hygrometer can be used. Remove and dry any part of the house that you find wet within 24-48 hours in order to prevent the mold spores from germinating.
In humid areas like bathrooms, use exhaust fans during baths and open them for an additional half an hour to keep the room dry. Ensure adequate ventilation by opening doors between rooms, moving furniture from walls, and using circulating fans if necessary.
What Does Mildew Smell Like?
Mildew is a form of mold that breeds on organic materials such as paper, leather, and fabrics. It has a rather peculiar odor, often compared to mold, but it is somewhat stronger and more bitter in most cases. Also associated with mold growth, mildew smells are somewhat similar to mustiness but have a sharper, almost sour tinge to them compared to mold.
Solving Mold Problems
It’s critical that you take quick action to remove any mold that you notice in your home. If mold is not treated, it can be harmful to one’s health and deteriorate the condition of the affected property. Finding and eliminating the source of moisture that first allowed mold to form is the key to managing mold problems.
First of all, carefully examine your home for signs of water damage, such as stains, dampness, and leaks in the plumbing system. Some causes can be attributed to problems like roof leakage or faulty water pipes or fixtures, and poor air circulation, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms. If there are any leaks or other sources of moisture present, take steps to repair or remove them to avoid mold regrowth.
The next step is to ensure that you wash the area and get rid of as much of the mold as possible. If the affected area is small, this can be easily managed by one person using mold cleaners and protective clothing, including gloves, eye goggles, and face masks. More significant infestations or mold that is situated in the parts that are difficult to access usually need professional interventions.
Once the mold has been removed from the house, it is advisable that the area be well-aired and left to dry. Open the building windows, turn on the fans, and/or use dehumidifiers to clear any traces of dampness. In addition, one should consider using mold-resistant products on the cleaned surfaces as a second layer of protection.
However, if the mold growth is significant, or you think you cannot safely and efficiently complete the whole process, you should consider hiring professionals in mold remediation. They are equipped and always ready to face severe mold problems, addressing minor and significant health concerns at the same time.
Conclusion
Although mold problems in your home can be quite concerning, you can effectively manage and resolve these problems with the correct preventive measures and quick action. If you find mold in your house, take quick action to clean and disinfect the area, and do not hesitate to seek expert assistance if necessary.
Trust the experts at ServeKings to expertly remediate and prevent mold in your home and return it to a safe and healthy state.
