6 Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Mold

So, you’ve removed the sheetrock in your home and found what no one wants to see: mold. Maybe you’re starting to notice a damp musty smell in your bathroom or kitchen. Or, even worse, you can see the mold on your wall.

If you’ve found mold, you need to remove it as soon as possible.

We’ll show you six mistakes that you should avoid when removing mold. You’ll be done in no time.

The first likely reason you discovered mold is that you either saw it or noticed a musty smell and then discovered it. But, more than likely, the mold is not isolated to that one area.

Mold grows quickly. In its beginning stages of growth, it may be difficult to see with the naked eye. So, don’t assume that the mold in your home is contained. This can lead to many headaches in the long run.

So, it’s vital to check other damp places in your home.

Mold is incredibly common in bathrooms. It thrives in damp, humid environments, so look in the shower and bathtub first.

Mold is also common in the kitchen. Your kitchen can become humid from cooking, boiling water, washing dishes, and running the dishwasher, among other things. To reduce the risk of mold growth, you’ll need to improve your ventilation.

A kitchen range hood will keep your kitchen air clean and fresh and move all that humid air out of your home.

Basements are also prime environments for mold to grow. They are much cooler than the rest of your home.

Regardless of where your mold lives, start removal in the room that you discovered the mold. Then check out your basement, kitchen, and bathroom, as well as areas close to your interior plumbing.

If you’re not 100% convinced that what you’ve discovered is mold, you can try a mold testing kit online.

Mold produces allergens and can be toxic to sensitive groups. So, it’s important to wear protective clothing.

Be sure to wear a mask and protective latex gloves when you are working with mold.

Bleach is effective at killing fungi and germs on hard surfaces like tile floors. But it won’t be nearly as effective on porous surfaces such as wood.

Bleach will kill mold on the surface, but it won’t touch the mold that has grown deeper inside the wood.

In most cases, vinegar will be a better solution. But, keep in mind that vinegar is acidic. It may damage the natural stone or finished wood.

When you are removing mold, you don’t want to leave behind any mold dust or residue. A little mold can turn a lot faster than you think. So, be sure to clean the affected area thoroughly and dispose of any mold dust.

It’s common for people to discover mold and think: ‘There’s only a little; I can remove it anytime.’ But, this can get you into trouble.

As you know by now, the mold could be in many places that you don’t know about. The longer you wait, the more the mold grows and spreads throughout your house.

Not to mention that when you discover mold, you have no idea how long it’s been living in your home. So, when you discover mold in your home, act on it as soon as possible.

If you suspect that this isn’t an easy DIY job, contact a local mold remediation company and request a quote.

Failing to remove mold quickly can also compromise your health. Mold spores can irritate the respiratory system and even be hazardous to sensitive groups. So, when you discover mold in your home, act on it as soon as possible.

As you remove mold from your home, it can become airborne and travel to other areas of your home. If you’re not careful, you’ll help the mold grow by allowing it to spread.

So, it’s best to contain the mold by sealing off the room you’re in.

Cover any vents with plastic, and tape the bottom of any doors where mold could escape.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading our article on six mistakes to avoid when removing mold from your home. It may seem daunting, but if you take the necessary precautions, the mold will be gone in no time.

Guest Post by:

Eric Mellmer of Proline Range Hoods