Around 70% of houses have mold, so if you thought you were safe from this danger, then think again. The reality is that it's easy to bring in spores, which can then proliferate under the right conditions.
Mold can be difficult to keep under control, especially if you can smell but not see it. So if there's hidden mold in the house, what can you do about it?
Keep reading to see how you can keep your household safe.
Identify the Source of Mold
While you can't see the mold, you can certainly identify what's causing it.
Go around your house and thoroughly inspect it for signs of water damage, such as leaks or water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors. You can also check areas with poor ventilation, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
Address Water Issues
If you find any water leaks, fix them promptly. This may involve repairing roofs, pipes, or windows.
To discourage mold growth, ensure there's proper ventilation in areas prone to moisture, such as your bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Isolate Affected Areas and Clean
You should isolate the affected areas where you find mold, as this will prevent the spread of spores. This is only the tip of the iceberg, as there are probably lots of hidden spores causing a moldy house.
Put on personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect yourself and to also prevent spreading mold spores. Put on gloves, goggles, and a mask, then use mold-killing solutions such as hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or commercial mold cleaners to clean your home. Use a stiff brush for scrubbing.
Remove Mold-Infested Materials
Not everything can be adequately cleaned. If you find heavily contaminated drywall or insulation, then you'll have to dispose of these materials.
Don't throw these things away in your regular trash can though. Bag them up securely in a thick trash bag (double-bagging is a good idea), then wrap and tape the opening.
Consider Professional Remediation
What if you can't find visible mold and/or there's a bad infestation? Not everyone's in great enough health to clean mold either.
This may be the time to call in the professionals. A mold remediation company can find and eliminate mold sources so it's safe to live in your house.
Sell Your House
This might seem extreme, but selling your house may be a smart decision in some cases!
If you've got out-of-control mold and there are other major issues with your property, just sell it to wash your hands of such a problematic home. There are buyers who will give you cash for your house as-is, so it's a fantastic way to make money fast.
Take Care of Hidden Mold in the House
Hidden mold in the house can cause health issues, so don't ignore it if you suspect you've got an infestation.
While there are ways you can tackle a moldy home on your own, getting professional mold remediation services can be ideal. And if the mold problem is extremely bad, you can always consider selling the home as-is for some quick cash.
Check out the rest of our blog page for more tips on keeping your home safe and comfortable.
