What You Need to Know About Mold and Mold Remediation

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

Hearing the word mold can make anyone cringe. It is a word that everyone seems to know, but most know little about. Did you know, for example, that mold spores are everywhere?  It’s true! Knowing more about mold and mold remediation can help you deal with mold problems in your home or business.

A few facts about mold

According to the EPA website, here are a few facts that everyone should know about mold.

1. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
2. If mold is a problem in your home or business, you should clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
3. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
4. Reduce indoor humidity to 30-60% to decrease mold growth by:
• Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
• Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
• Increasing ventilation
• Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
5. Clean and dry any damp or wet materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
6. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and then dry thoroughly. 
7. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces such as windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors by adding insulation.
8. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
9. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. Some molds can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Got mold?  Call in the pros!

There’s a big difference between a little mold spot from a water spill and significant mold growth from water damage. The tips above are useful, but if your Phoenix home or business is experiencing substantial mold issues, it’s time to call in trained mold remediation specialists like SERVPRO of Phoenix to handle the job. Mold colonies can threaten not only the structural integrity of hosting surfaces and materials but also present adverse health effects for those exposed to the colonization. We have highly trained IICRC-Certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians that can respond 24/7 to any mold issues you may be experiencing, so contact us at 480-503-2090 to get the help you need for your mold issues. Understanding mold and mold remediation will help you make the right decisions if you experience problems in the future.