Archive for September 2009

Water Damage Mold and What You Need to Know About It

by

Did you know that water damage mold could pose a risk to your health, especially when you have allergies or asthma? If you have a weak immune system, or chronic lung problems, you could be susceptible to infections from molds. Once there’s a flood or a leak, water damage occurs and the mold grows quickly.

That’s why getting rid of the mold is extremely important. Before you begin however, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper equipment in protecting yourself from further mold exposure. You’ll want to invest in a paper mask (the kind you see in hospitals), rubber gloves, protective eyewear and if necessary a rubber body suit. Once you have the proper attire, you’re ready to begin.

First, you’ll want to make sure you’ve repaired any leaks whether it’s from a roof or the plumbing under the kitchen sink. Repairing the leak must be done; otherwise the mold will just continue to grow. Also check around for any other areas where mold may be lurking. Aside from leaks, musty odors are a sign that you have a problem.

Next, be sure to open as many windows and doors as you can in your home so that your exposure to the toxic fungi is minimal. Please note that while a ceiling or box fan may seem like an option if you cannot open doors or windows, it’s not. Fans will just blow spores from the fungi to other parts of your home, which can cause even more problems.

If you’re working with a large area where molds have accumulated, you’ll want to block off that area using a large sheet of plastic and tape. Blocking off the area will prevent the fungi from spreading to other areas of your home.

Now you can remove any items from your home that are wet and damaged with black mold. If the item is irreplaceable, you can clean it using a mild detergent and product specifically designed for the removal of mold. You’ll also want to wash any walls or floors with detergent where molds have formed.

Next, you’ll need to use a black mold removal product specifically designed for mold on the affected area. Many people choose to use a solution of bleach and water. Unfortunately this is not a good idea since bleach cannot penetrate surfaces where the fungus grows.

You’ll then want to use a stiff brush to scrub the affected areas clean. Do not use water or detergent after you’ve cleaned the area with the mold removal product designed to remove the fungi since it can make it ineffective.

Once you have scrubbed the area you can then dry it using a clean rag.

Finally, be sure to seal any items that you used in the clean up process in a bag and remove them from the home immediately.

For future reference, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier to help absorb moisture and prevent further moisture problems. Although not every measure you take will prevent water damage mold in your home, it will allow you to breathe a little easier knowing you live in a much safer and healthier environment.

How to Get Rid of Mold

by

If you find yourself constantly sniffling, sneezing and coughing all year round, you may very well have an allergy to certain molds. Just like that science project from leftovers in the back of your fridge, mold can survive almost anywhere there is moisture.

And when it’s summer, many homes are overrun by fungi growth because of the extreme humidity in their area. So now that you know what the problem might very well be, why don’t we show you how to get rid of mold and give your home a clean bill of health.

One of the most common areas of the home where mold can be found is the bathroom. Most mold tends to hide in the tiles of your shower, the bathtub, windowsill and under the bathroom sink. But, one of the most forgotten places where the fungus can grow is inside of the tank of your toilet.

To clean these areas you’ll need to arm yourself with a good pair of rubber gloves at the very least. You’ll also need to invest in a good mildew remover product, unless you know you have black mold, then you’ll want to use one specifically made for the dangerous fungi.

Spray the black mold removal product where you can see visible mold or mildew and where they grow the most. Most of these places include underneath faucets, in your shower, on windowsills and of course in your toilet’s tank.

Another common room where funguses tend to grow is your kitchen. Under your refrigerator, behind the refrigerator, in the refrigerator, well you get the picture. Mold can also grow in dark spaces such as cabinets and dishwashers. And if you don’t rinse your dishes or wash them every day, you can expect some sort of fungus to be growing in your kitchen sink.

Again, you’ll want to use a pair of rubber gloves before you clean up the mold problem and you can use a product designed for the fungus you’re dealing with. If a chemical near your food sounds a little too scary, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the problem area. Just be aware that this may not be a permanent solution.

And surprisingly it’s not all that uncommon to find mold on your bedroom ceiling or in your carpet. As with before you can use a product designed specifically for the problem on the walls and ceilings or you can use a solution of vinegar and water if you’d prefer something a little easier on your lungs.

If you find that your carpet is growing the fungus, you can either clean it with a product designed for moldy carpets or if the problem is too large you can just replace the carpet.

In reality, no room is safe, especially if you live in an area with a lot of humidity. Basements, bathrooms, kitchens, even living rooms and garages can be affected. But, the good news is, you now know how to get rid of mold safely and effectively with the simple steps above.

Mold Removal Tips

by

If you’re considering purchasing an older home, it may seem like the reasonable thing to do, but you may find it will end up being more costly, if you find it’s full of toxic mold. And unfortunately, your real estate agent doesn’t have to advise you to hire a professional mold inspector to check for mold problems.

That’s why it’s absolutely essential that you take the time to hire someone who can inspect your dream home and advise you on whether you need to invest in some form of mold removal or move on and dream of a better home.

As a matter of fact, unless you know how to spot the hidden dangers of mold, you should definitely seek the advice of a professional even if you’re considering buying a home without the help of a real estate agent.

Black mold is dangerous and is a common problem, especially for those who live in areas with a lot of humidity. It’s also common for those who have been in major floods, or have a busted water pipe. Black mold can be found in the basement, in crawlspaces, in garages –black mold can even be found on the roof.

If you don’t want to pay for a professional to take care of the problem and the fungus hasn’t spread very far, you can do it yourself as long as it’s done properly and cautiously.

Black mold can cause respiratory problems, nausea, dizziness urinary tract infections and other serious health related problems if you’re not well protected.

A few items you will need before you begin your mold clean up are:

Gloves – You can invest in a disposable latex pair or a decent pair of heavy rubber gloves. Make sure that the gloves are long and extend to the middle of your forearm.

Respiratory Mask – A simple paper mask will do for working around small amounts of toxic fungi, but if you’re planning to work around larger amounts, you may want to consider a rubber mask that has some form of portable oxygen with it.

Goggles – To avoid getting the fungi in your eyes, you should invest in a good pair of goggles with side shields. If you already wear glasses, you can purchase side shields that slide or clip onto your glasses at many hardware stores.

Plastic Sheets – To keep molds from spreading in other areas that are not affected, you’ll want to purchase thick, clear plastic sheeting that can be found at your local home improvement store and taped off away from non-affected areas in your home.

Once you have the items, you will need to invest in a good black mold removal product that will remove the fungus permanently, so you might as well skip the bleach because it’s only a temporary solution.

If you find that the problem is a little more than you can handle or you know that you have a serious allergic reaction to fungus, you may want to really consider hiring a professional when it comes to the removal of mold. After all, investing in your dream home is one of the most important decisions you and your family will ever make.

Mold and Mildew Removal Tips

by

Mold and mildew are not the same no matter what a product’s bottle reads. Mold can be harmless or dangerous depending on the type, while mildew is generally harmless, yet can cause severe allergies in some people. And any way you look at it, mold and mildew removal is a must. I mean come on. Who wants a nasty fuzzy mess all over the shower or along the windowsill? And that smell?

So for the sake of your sanity and everyone’s ewww gross reactions as they make a hasty exit from your bathroom and home, let’s get it cleaned up, shall we?

The first thing you really need to know is when you are dealing with either fungus, you need to wear at the very least a respiratory mask and rubber gloves. Mold can cause severe headaches, coughing, respiratory infections, dizziness, memory loss, hearing loss and joint pain. Mildew can cause allergic reactions including coughing, sneezing, sinus congestion, watery eyes, red eyes, runny nose, skin rash, fatigues and headaches.

Next, make sure you know where the source of the problem is located. You may find that it’s as simple as shower mold, which you can easily remove yourself, or something more serious like a flooded basement mold which may require the help of a professional.

If you’re planning on doing the work yourself, you can purchase a simple over-the-counter black mold removal product that is for surface cleaning only or a product that will penetrate deep down below the surface.

Whatever product you choose, make sure it’s specifically meant for the type of fungus you are removing, otherwise it will just be a waste of money and your time. You may also want to consider using a mold and mildew remover that is eco-friendly.

If you’d prefer an all-natural mold removal solution, you can try using a mixture of white vinegar and water. This solution may be a better alternative for items of delicate nature that are porous, meaning can absorb liquids easily. To use, just spray on the item and wipe away with a clean rag.

Another all-natural solution for mildew is a paste of salt and lemon juice and rubbed into the fungus. This solution can also be used on clothing, but take care not to leave in the sun since lemon is a natural lightener.

If you don’t mind the expense, many people swear by tea tree oil and water to use on mildewing stains. Just add a few drops of the oil to 1 quart of water and spray the solution onto the affected area, then wipe away with a dry rag.

To prevent problems from arising in the future one of the best and usually cheapest solutions is a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers can help reduce fungi growth from accumulating by removing much of the humidity from the environment.

If you can’t afford a dehumidifier you can also try opening windows when you shower and turning on exhaust fans. Keeping wet towels and other moist items out of a non-ventilated bathroom may also help keep you from having to make another mold and mildew removal date with your home any time soon.

Bathroom Mold Removal Tips

by

Molds are everywhere, but they’re most commonly found in bathrooms. That’s because the fungus requires moisture to grow and what better place than the shower, bathtub and even the toilet! So when it comes to bathroom mold removal you may find yourself doing it quite often unless you take the steps necessary in preventing a future outbreak.

The first thing you need to do however is get right to the source of the mold problem and eliminate it. So if you have a leaky shower or dripping water pipes you’ll want to get them fixed. Once you’ve fixed the source then you can get down to the dirty end of business.

But before you grab just any cleaner, you’ll need rubber gloves, a paper mask and protective eyewear. When working around any types of mold, it’s always better to be safe than sorry since not every fungus is harmless.

One in particular is black mold. This type of fungi is very toxic and can cause many health problems in humans. Some symptoms of black mold include headaches, coughing, dizziness, joint pain, memory loss, hearing loss, nose bleeds and in little ones and animals, death.

So to stay safe, you should always wear proper safety attire before you try to tackle the affected area. Now that you’re ready, don’t buy or use bleach. That’s right – don’t. The number one reason so many people stay sick is because they use harmful chemicals that can damage their lungs. They also assume that bleach will kill anything when in fact it won’t penetrate most surfaces.

Instead, you will need to invest in a mold mildew removal product that is not only eco-friendly, but can absorb deep down into surfaces where molds tend to hide. Or you can just continue to use bleach, breathe it and hope and pray you don’t get any of the symptoms mentioned above.

Once you’ve cleaned up that moldy mess, you should really consider investing in some ventilation if you haven’t done so already. A well-ventilated room means less humidity and less of a chance of another mold attack. If you can’t afford to put in a few windows you may want to consider a cheaper alternative such as a dehumidifier.

These can be purchased for around $100 and can easily fit into almost anyone’s budget. Of course keep in mind that you’ll need to remember to turn it on or open the window when you use the shower or your investment will be a waste of money.

One of the best and cheapest ways to prevent a mold problem is by keeping your shower and the rest of the room clean and dry. It might seem like a lot of effort, but if you dry off your shower walls after you’ve used it, your chances of another fungi attack could be pretty slim.

Effective bathroom black mold removal and prevention is the key to not only a cleaner environment, but also a healthier life and there is nothing better than that.

« Older Entries