How to Clean and Prevent Mold

Mold is an issue nearly everyone will deal with at some point in their life, especially once they own their own home. Under the right conditions, mold growth can begin within 24 to 48 hours, and it’s important to tackle it before it becomes a widespread issue. If mold takes hold, it can lead to problems for your home as well as your health, so here are a few methods to clean and prevent mold before it becomes a larger issue.

Prevention

Mold can start in a few common locations for common reasons, so those are the best places to start. Bathrooms are one common culprit, as mold thrives in warm and wet spaces. Ventilation is a great first step in avoiding mold – opening windows is the best option, but turning on fans and vents are also excellent practices. And finally, simply leaving the door open after showering if nothing else helps a lot too. Second, spread towels out after use, as they hold moisture and more air means a quicker dry time. Finally, wipe down the wet walls and shower doors with a rag or squeegee after you turn the water off.

You can easily apply these same principles elsewhere in the house. Kitchens and basements can also harbor mold, so ventilating those spaces and reducing moisture will leave a positive and significant impact when it comes to mold prevention anywhere in your home.

Treatment

If the mold is currently confined to an item in your home (like a shower curtain), and not the home itself (like grout or drywall), then it will be much easier to treat. Do an internet search to be sure you are using the best method for whatever material the item is made of, but typically a combination of hot water and bleach will kill mildew or mold on fabric.

If you have mold or mildew in your carpet, vacuum as much of it as possible to avoid exposure when cleaning – breathing in mold is something you want to avoid at all costs, so it’s best to wear a mask. Then, treat the carpet with a mixture of laundry soap and cold water, and be sure to dry the area very thoroughly after.

If you find mold or mildew in your walls, ceilings, or elsewhere, just call the professionals at No More Dirt. We are trained and experienced to eliminate mold safely and quickly. Your health is definitely not worth the risk.