There has been plenty of media coverage on how mold spreads as well as its inherent risks. This has led more people to become aware of what is within their homes and the dangers of allowing mold infestations to grow and spread. Perhaps, that is why you are reading this article.
The importance of hiring mold testing and other remediation professionals cannot be understated. They will help you deal with the issues of removing mold – which is quite tough.
However, even with the spread of this information, numerous myths still surround the practice of mold remediation and even mold itself, unfortunately. These myths also include the prevention and management of these colonies, forming.
To know the truth about mold, it is important to educate yourself – and we hope that this article will go a long way toward achieving that.
Mold Only Affects Dirty Homes
Many people think that mold issues are a sign that you don't take care of your home or that you leave it dirty. This also keeps people from calling in professional remediation services because they think people will judge them.
The truth is that mold can grow anywhere as long as its conditions are met. In particular, high humidity levels are mold's best friend, aside from organic matter (which acts as a food source), oxygen, a dark place (as they cannot grow in ultraviolet light), and the correct temperature range.
Whether your home is dirty or clean, is not the issue here.
Mold Inspections Are Intrusive
The problem with mold is that it often grows where you can't see it easily (at least most of the time). Many times, you will find mold behind your walls or growing under your cabinets and furniture.
Since this is the case, people might assume that calling in mold inspection teams will lead to the destruction of your home and a lot of mess to clean up.
There is some good news that can help you stop worrying about this, though. Since technology is continuously advancing, these advancements are spreading to the field of mold inspection, testing, and remediation.
Inspectors now utilize technology such as cameras that use thermal imaging techniques. This allows them to confirm the mold presence without ripping up or poking holes in anything.
You Must Vacate The Premises
If the mold infestation is severe, you will need to remove the drywall and clean up the home entirely. It can even force you to replace various structural materials. Due to this, numerous people might assume that you must leave your home when the remediation is underway.
However, this is not always the case – the choice is yours to leave or stay.
To prevent the spread of the current mold colonies that are present, the mold remediation professional will isolate the area using duct tape and plastic sheets. They can also use specialized equipment such as air scrubbers, or even 24-hour filtration systems to ensure the prevention of spore spreads around the home.
Can Cause Additional Health Problems
If you are calling in a professional mold remediation team, they will use mold removal agents that are non-toxic. In addition to this, you can look for companies that only use removal methods that are chemical-free and biodegradable.
Not a Problem in Dry Climate
Mold infestation issues can happen anywhere, regardless of the climate. As we mentioned earlier, mold will only require oxygen, food, the optimum temperatures, and moisture to grow.
Your indoor plumbing can be the water source, and the drywalls will be the food source.
Something to note is that people in drier climates use air conditioning systems a lot. This cooling equipment can easily provide an excellent breeding place for toxic mold, as well as air ducts.
Moreover, some states with arid climates will have flat roofs, which are more vulnerable to leaking and water damage compared to slanted roofs.
Bleach Solves All Problems
Bleach actually makes mold situations worse. This is because the ion structure of chlorine (the main ingredient in the bleach) stops the chlorine from penetrating the surface of porous materials like wood and drywall.
The roots of mold grow within the porous material, so the bleach becomes ineffective. The water that makes up the bleach enters these porous materials, though, and the result is even faster mold growth.
Therefore, bleach makes mold problems worse. Furthermore, bleach tends to discolor surfaces or whiten them temporarily. This might lead you to assume that you have solved the problem – until you eventually discover later on that the mold is still there.
Fix it Alone or Call the Experts
When it comes to remedying the issue of a mold infestation, you can choose to do it yourself or call in professional mold remediation services. However, keep in mind that both scenarios can be harmful if done incorrectly.
If you are dealing with a small infested area, then it can be done if you are an experienced DIYer, but toxic mold types need greater caution. Regardless of whether you call in someone or do it yourself, you must observe the regulations of proper removal of infested items and containment.
I have mold in my house and we use a spray to spray the bathrooms.
Is it mold or mildew in the showers?
(Myths About Mold Remediation Busted) This was so interesting to read about I thought. I am always watching out for yucky mold in our home all the time.
I’m glad to hear you keep an eye for mold. It can be sneaky!
I had no idea that bleach could make mold worse. Good to know all these things.
I am happy to hear we taught you something about mold and bleach
this is some good info. mold can be seriously dangerous for people and buildings
Very true mold isn’t good for any of us
THIS IS A VERY GOOD POST YOU SAVED PEOPLE MONEY IT COST MORE IF YOU TRY TO FIX IT ALONE AND MESS UP . YOU MAY HAVE HELPED PEOPLE STAY HEALTHY AS MOLD CAUSES LOTS OF HEATH ISSUES .
Like with anything it’s always better to call in a professional if you do not know how to handle something
Very educational post. I deal with mold year round because I live in a very humid southern state and it certainly doesn’t appear because your house isn’t clean.
I’m sorry you deal with mold year-round!
I had no idea that bleach would make it worse. I just assumed that bleach cleans everything. That’s interesting.
This is especially true when trying to kill mold on porous surfaces
This is some great information. I always thought bleach worked on mold but I learned otherwise. Thank you so much for sharing this. God Bless
I’m glad we were able to teach you something new 🙂