While molds play a vital role in our ecosystems, they’re generally unwanted inside the spaces we live in, and when present, can be damaging for both our homes and our health.
Let’s look at mold and the problems it can cause in a little more detail:
What are the signs of mold?
Often appearing in black and white (although it can, in fact, be almost any color), mold typically has a powdery, cotton-like or velvety appearance. Below are some common signs of mold to look out for:
- There is a musty, earthy smell to it
- There is little light, but a source of moisture
- Whatever the soil is growing on, is warping, cracking or peeling
- If a drop of bleach is applied, the mold lightens in color
- If it’s mold, it will continue growing; dirt and stains, will not
Can mold make you sick?
While mold alone won’t make you or any other inhabitants of your home sick, it can certainly contribute towards a number of health issues, and cause symptoms similar to allergic reactions:
- Runny nose and congestion
- Irritated eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Skin rash
- Headache
- Lung irritation
- Wheezing
If you’re exposed to significant amounts of mold, you could suffer a more serious reaction.
Where is mold commonly found?
The bathroom is perhaps the most common place for mold to grow, simply because it’s often damp, but fortunately, bathroom mold can be gotten rid of in just a few simple steps. Even easier, is to hire a cleaning service who will come in and get rid of the mold in a matter of hours.
How can mold be eliminated?
Unless you have a severe mold problem in your home (entire walls or ceilings are covered in it), you can often get rid of mold by scrubbing it clean with commercial products, ordinary soap and water, or diluted bleach. Just be sure to open a window or door to ventilate the room before doing so, and wear protective gloves and eyewear; a face mask can also help prevent you from inhaling harmful mold spores.
Alternatively, you can hire a professional cleaning service to come in and eliminate the mold for you; they’ll use proven, safe techniques to get rid of it, and by the time you get back from work, your home will be mold-free.
Preventing mold in your home
It’s virtually impossible to eliminate mold completely, but there are some simple ways to make your home a place that mold isn’t attracted to:
- If you have a water leak, get it repaired right away and clean and dry the affected area immediately.
- Windows that leak or sweat may need to be replaced to prevent moisture from building up.
- Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
- Don’t have carpets in your bathrooms, basement or laundry room.
- Ventilate your home by opening windows after showers, or using an exhaust fan.
- When cleaning, use products that destroy mold.
- Don’t leave wet or damp clothes or towels lying around anywhere in your home.
- Ensure that your home as a whole, has adequate drainage.
Mold doesn’t have to destroy your bathroom and make it a dangerous environment for you and other members of your household. Clean it up as soon as you see it (or hire a cleaner to do it for you) and take steps to prevent it from spreading, or coming back.
