Monday, February 16, 2009

How To Get Rid of Mold

By Kurt Roeseco

Mold is a common problem in homes, especially older ones; mold may begin growing in homes for many reasons and there is no way to eliminate the risk entirely - mold is all around us.

Mold grows when the spores in the air find a wet, dark surface on which to grow. You should pay attention to areas in your house that promote the growth of mold. But once you find them, what do you do to get rid of mold in your house?

The first step in being able to get rid of mold in your house is identifying the affected area and having it tested. Once you know where the mold is you should check if the mold growth has gotten beyond the surface to repair.

Since water can leak into small crevices behind things, it is possible for the mold to be growing inside the walls and underneath the floor. It is important once you find the mold to stop it completely. Otherwise you will not be able to get rid of the mold completely and it will just grow back.

Sometimes the only way to get rid of mold is by hiring a professional contractor. Since mold grows in places that we may not be able to see, it is possible that structural damage has occurred and a professional is needed to repair it properly. You will need to make sure all the affected area is dry and will not get any more moisture into it after you've closed it up.

Many times the affected area has mold caused by moisture coming from a different part of the house. You will need to make sure that whatever is leaking and causing mold to grow is not leaking any longer.

If you have just a surface growth of mold, then it is usually easy to remove yourself. Vinegar or bleach can kill the mold, as can many mold removal products which are widely available. Any wood in your home which has been home to mold needs to be dried and treated or if the damage is serious, replaced (make sure to dispose of this wood away from your home to keep from spreading the spores).

Prevention is the best way to get rid of mold in your home, however. Always repair leaks as soon as possible and check anywhere which has had leaks in the past regularly. These preventative measures can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs later on.

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