A Clean Home Is Mold Free

Many people take pride in how spotless their home is; indeed, many would likely balk at the idea that maybe their spotless home has a hidden contaminant. Regardless, mold can find places to grow in even the cleanest and best-maintained homes. The consequences of this can come on without warning and can be dire.

There are a few things that can give rise to hidden mold colonies in your home. Steady access to moisture is a key factor for mold growth. This can come in a variety of ways. Homes that have experienced flooding are particularly prone. Leaks in roofing or piping can also supply steady moisture to certain hidden areas in a home, such as behind walls or in crawl spaces. Humid environments combined with air-conditioned indoor spaces can condense water, providing regular moisture to an area. Bathrooms, kitchens or other areas where water vapor is common are also vulnerable.

Furthermore, mold likes certain types of modern building material, such as drywall and carpet. Combined with modern building techniques that virtually seal indoor spaces, preventing airflow in many places, it is more than possible to have conditions ripe for mold growth.

What many people do not know is that when mold colonizes in indoor spaces, the effects it has on our health can be profound. Mold spores subsequently contaminate the indoor spaces. Mainstream medical practitioners will even agree that mold spores can exacerbate allergies and asthma and can trigger breathing problems. However, inhalation of mold spores may be responsible for even more than that, according to some researchers. In fact, many may posit that if you are experiencing health problems of unknown origin, it may be a good idea to test your home for mold contamination.

Testing your home for mold contamination is easy; there are kits available at many hardware stores. Furthermore, many companies are available for testing, and should it be necessary remediation services. There are also many things you can do on your own to prevent problems with mold in the first place. Maintain your home, and fix any leaks or breaches in the roof. Be cognizant of any leaky pipes or flood risks. Keep bathrooms, kitchens and other areas prone to moisture clean and as dry as possible. In some cases, dehumidifiers may be a good idea. Invest in cleaners that are known to eliminate mold. When possible, open windows to allow for maximum ventilation.

Mold is ubiquitous, it is impossible to fully eliminate it from your living and/or workspace. But vigilance can keep mold from colonizing in your home and all the subsequent effects it might have.