What is mold?

Mold is a kind of fungus that appears on the surface of wet materials. Some molds have a greenish color, while some are white or black in appearance. It often looks like a thin coating on a damp surface and it smells musty. Mold can cause respiratory problems and trigger allergies which is why it's essential to remove mold from your home and prevent it from growing in the future.

How to Prevent mold and fungus.

What you need to know to prevent mold is that it needs three things: dampness, food to feed on, and the right temperature. To prevent mold,

• Keep your home cool and dry. Make sure there are no places for moisture to accumulate, especially near bathrooms or kitchens.
• Clean up spills quickly. Don't let anything sit for too long.
• Wash household surfaces regularly with soap and water, especially after using it to prepare food.
• Avoid using toxic cleaners like bleach or other disinfectants without enough ventilation (they can make you sick).
• Keep humidity low in your home. Use air conditioning, fans, or dehumidifiers if needed.
• Fix any leaks you see to prevent water from accumulating on surfaces that are not waterproof.
• Make sure your house has good circulation. Don't block off windows with furniture and don't clutter up places where people walk around a lot.
• Make sure your house is adequately ventilated. If you have any exhaust fans, make sure they work well and are vented outside. Don't close off rooms with doors or curtains, this will prevent air from circulating.

How do I remove mold from wood?

When mold is on wood, it can be difficult to remove. The best thing you can do is scrape off the surface of the wood where there are patches of mold with a chisel or putty knife before cleaning. After scraping away the top layer, vacuum up the debris leftover. Then, you can clean away the mold with a soft cloth and warm water mixed with dish soap. Once the area has dried, make sure to maintain your wooden surfaces by keeping them free of moisture or mold spores.

How do I clean mold in bathroom?

The bathroom is one of the most difficult rooms to clean because mold grows in places with high humidity and moisture. To eradicate mold from a bathroom, you need to reduce the humidity levels as much as possible. If you have a tub or shower, make sure to take extra care when cleaning them to avoid any accidents. Also, you'll want to keep the door closed to keep steam from getting into other parts of your house.

How to get rid of mold in bathroom.

• When you are done with your bath or shower, open the window to air out the room before drying yourself off to prevent any lingering moisture.
• Dry sinks and counters with a clean towel to prevent water spots from forming.
• Use a squeegee when showering to get rid of excess water and reduce humidity. Also, install and use a fan to help air out the room.
• Keep your bath towels dry and only use them for this purpose.
• Get rid of any standing water that hasn't dried by using a towel to absorb it. If you have a problem with mold in the grout, scrub it away with a toothbrush and some baking soda.
• Clean your bathtub and shower regularly with soap and water to prevent mold from forming.
  
  

How do I remove mold from drywall?

Removing mold from drywall is one of the most difficult parts because you have to get rid of the wet wall, let it completely dry out, and then patch it up. To remove mold from drywall, you need to:

• Cut out the bad sections and dispose of them properly.
• Ensure there's good ventilation and air conditioning in the room.
• Let it completely dry before priming and repainting. It'll take a few days for this to happen depending on humidity levels and temperature outside.

Different types of mold and mildew

There are over 100,000 different types of mold. They grow in different shapes, colors, and textures depending on humidity, temperature, and other factors. Some common types include:

- Cladosporium - these look like small tan or brown spots that form along the caulking around bathtubs or showers, under skylights, or around windows.

- Penicillium - these are greenish blue in color and often found behind wallpaper, on bathroom tiles, or around bathtubs where there is lots of moisture.

- Aspergillus - these are dark brown spots that form in places with high humidity like shower stalls or along the ceiling where water leaks.

- Stachybotrys - these are black and slimy, and they're especially dangerous because they produce toxins that can cause respiratory problems. They're found in places with lots of moisture like the shower or kitchen sink .

If you have any questions about your home or how to identify mold, it's best to set up a free mold inspection by searching google for a mold removal company near me.

How do I get rid of mold in my basement?

Basements tend to be the perfect environment for mold because they're dark, damp, and tend to stay cool. To get rid of mold in your basement, you need to:

• Keep humidity levels low by using dehumidifiers or ventilation fans .
• Thoroughly clean the area with soap and water then use a disinfectant or bleach solution to kill any remaining spores. You can use special mold cleaners to help keep it clean as well.
• Add insulation for extra protection against condensation.
• Have carpeting, fabric, drywall, or other items professionally cleaned if the mold has spread. It's much harder to remove mold from these surfaces so try hiring a professional if you want to keep your belongings.
• If the smell of mold lingers, it's best to consult a professional like a mold removal company because they can identify how much mold is in there and recommend the best way to remove it . Mold removal requires special equipment and training so make sure you hire someone with experience in this area.

For homeowners located near Western Massachusetts or in Northern Connecticut, Advanced Basement Waterproofing is a leading mold removal and basement waterproofing company that can help you prevent mold from forming in your basement and offer a free estimate. Contact Advanced Basement Waterproofing at (413) 536-8023 or visit their website for more information.

Mold removal safety precautions

Before you begin cleaning mold, make sure to protect yourself by doing the following:

• Avoid breathing in any dust or other particles while removing mold. Whenever possible, use a respirator or mask .
• Have adequate ventilation when removing mold.
• Wear protective clothing including gloves, disposable coveralls, and boots. Ensure your clothes are clean and mold-free before removing them.
• Wash all exposed parts of your body thoroughly with soap and water after finishing.

Maintain a Mold Free Home

Mold removal can be a challenge but it's important to get rid of excess mold spores as quickly as possible from both your house and from yourself. It's also important that you take safety precautions while performing any water damage or mold cleanup . Mold removal is only safe for those with proper training, equipment, and certification. Mold removal is very dangerous for untrained individuals. It can cause health problems, structural damage to the house, and even total destruction of the house.

It's important to leave mold removal and waterproofing to the professionals so you and your loved ones stay safe and keep your house mold free.

About Advanced Basement Waterproofing

Advanced Basement Waterproofing specializes in water damage and mold removal , basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, sump pump installation and drainage solutions. They offer free inspections to our customers throughout Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut to identify any potential problems with your home's foundation such as cracks, leaks, or high levels of moisture. For more information on mold removal, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation or sump pump installation call Advanced Basement Waterproofing at (413) 536-8023.

Disclaimer



All material provided herein is intended for informational use only.  It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional advice of any kind.  The projects and techniques shown and described herein are for informational purposes only and should not be used or undertaken without first securing the services of a properly qualified and licensed contractor.