Mold is like kryptonite to a home. It can wreak havoc by damaging materials and structures, causing health issues and impacting your wallet.

Be a superhero for your home to protect and defend it on all fronts. When it comes to mold, know the common misconceptions and how to control it. The key is fending off moisture. Studies show that keeping humidity levels in your home below 50 percent can help prevent mold growth.

Common Myths

The following are some common misconceptions about mold:

Chlorine Beach Eliminates Mold: While chlorine bleach removes the color from mold, it doesn’t get to the root of the problem and zap the mold at its roots. Bleach can disturb the mold, which releases more spores into the air.

Mold is Visible: Because not all molds are noticeable by sight, pay attention to any musty odors, which can indicate the presence of mold.

Only Toxic Black Mold is Harmful: This is not the only dangerous type of mold. All three categories of mold – allergenic, pathogenic and toxic – can cause health issues.

Mold Removal

Here are some helpful tips to remove mold from various areas of your home:

Wood and Exterior Walls: Ensure there is proper ventilation and you are wearing OSHA-approved safety equipment. Spray an antimicrobial solution on the area to kill the mold. Then remove by wiping with a disposable cloth or sand the area using 60 to 80 grit sandpaper if needed.

Interior Walls: If you see mold in your drywall or wall finish, remove the wall to treat the area behind it.

Basements/Crawl Spaces: Use a professional to get rid of any mold in basements or crawl spaces. There are too many liabilities and possible health concerns if proper training and equipment aren’t involved.

Bathrooms: Remove or dispose of any drywall or finishes that are affected. Treat the area around it before reinstallation occurs. Use a Microban antimicrobial bathroom cleaner on tile flooring. If mold continues to appear on flooring after treatment, there could be the potential for wood rot underneath or mold growing underneath the flooring. If so, remove the floor and have it inspected for additional work and/or treatment.

Mold Cleaning

Microban products are proven to work very well against mold. In most cases, a homeowner cannot purchase these products, which require certain training and equipment to safely treat areas with mold. Any materials or disposable safety gear should be bagged in a 6 mil commercial grade trash bag and disposed of properly outside your home.

Protective Gear and Tools

If you want to perform DIY mold remediation, you’ll need protective gear and tools. Recommended safety equipment includes a respirator, gloves and eye protection. For certain conditions, wear a Tyvek suit to protect your skin. Make sure the area is well ventilated. In some situations, you may need a professional air scrubber and fans. Tools should include rags, spray bottles, sanding equipment, trash bags, and a 5-in-1 tool.

Mold Prevention

Proper ventilation in any area is a key factor in ensuring mold growth doesn’t happen. While there is no way to get rid of all molds, controlling moisture is the best way to restrict growth. Research shows that water damage can cause mold to grow in just 24-48 hours. So it’s imperative to solve water, moisture and humidity issues.

If you have mold, always call a professional. It’s best to err on the side of caution. Since molds can cause health issues, use your powers to be proactive in addressing the problem and rely on an expert to provide guidance on defending your home against any mold villains.

Defend Your Home Against Mold Villains