Mold is one of those unwelcome guests that unfortunately finds its way into too many homes. To the untrained eye, mold can grow unsuspectingly and you may not even know that it’s negatively impacting your family’s health. Although mold is common in basements, it can grow in just about any room of your home under the right circumstances.
There are more than 100,000 species of the living organism fungus and every single one of them requires moisture and organic matter in order to grow. While you probably can’t totally prevent mold from growing, there are certain things you can do to lower its chances of surviving and growing.
The first thing you can do is to perform an inspection in your home to look for mold growth. Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask or respirator to protect yourself. Start by looking at any areas that have been exposed to flooding or water leaks in the past. Look for visible signs of mold and check for damp and musty odors.
Look near sinks, pipes, and other water sources. Most of these will be in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Look for materials that are bulging or warping due to water damage. Check for peeled or cracked paint, discolora
tion, stains, or small dots. Use a flashlight to look inside air ducts after removing register covers.
Look in your basement and crawlspace but be especially careful and make sure you’re wearing all your protective gear. You can also look for mold on any exterior wood decks. The best way to prevent mold from spreading is to thoroughly clean any areas you find that may be infected. Make sure to keep your bathroom fresh and clean, clean your fabric and upholstery, clean mildew-stained carpets, and more.
Taking care of any leaks or plumbing issues is very important in preventing the growth or spreading of mold in your home. To schedule an appointment contact Puget Sound & Plumbing at 206-350-0079.