Mold 101: Know Your Stuff to Prevent Problems, Save Money, and Stay Safe
How Does Mold Grow?
Mold is a type of fungi that grows by spreading its spores. Mold spores are in the air all around us, and usually they’re harmless if your home or business is clean and dry. If the spores land on a wet surface, such as a floorboard underneath a leaky pipe, they can multiply quickly. Mold can even become a problem if the air is too humid. As mold spreads, it releases more spores into the air – breathing too many spores can cause allergic reactions or may even be toxic. Because mold can grow so quickly and it’s sometimes difficult to spot, even the thought of it can seem scary or overwhelming. Americlean takes mold very seriously, and that’s why we’re here to help.
Why It's Important to Act Fast When it Comes to Mold
Mold is an allergen – If mold spreads, it can quickly become a hazard. When a person inhales mold spores, their eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs can become irritated. Some types of mold can even be toxic and cause more severe symptoms.
Mold causes damage – Anything mold grows on (such as drywall, floorboards, wood, cardboard, or carpets) can break down because the mold gets inside the material. Mold can also stain material even after it’s removed. The earlier mold is caught, the less damage there is to your home or business.
Mold can grow very quickly – In some cases it can take only 24 hours for mold to start growing once the spores have landed on a wet surface. Once mold grows and matures, it spreads even faster as it releases more spores.
What To Do When you Spot Mold
If mold grows so quickly and is so dangerous, what can be done to stop it? Remember, mold can only grow where there’s moisture. Here are some steps to take to avoid mold growth:
- Make sure any plumbing leaks are fixed as soon as possible – in the meantime, try to dry as much of the water from the leak as you can and keep it dry if possible. If you have a serious leak or water damage, call a professional like Americlean to get the area clean, dry, restored, and prevent mold problems before they start.
- Increase ventilation and clean humid areas often. Damp places, like bathrooms, can be prone to mold. Installing ventilation, opening a window, or turning on a fan can all help keep the area dry and keep mold at bay.
- Have a plan so you can act quickly. When in doubt, a professional can ease worries and keep things on track. Because mold spreads so easily, spot cleaning can sometimes leave room for the mold to come back. If you find mold and are unsure how to clean it or what to do next, it’s the perfect time to call Americlean. Our friendly technicians will walk you through every step of the process and make sure your home is thoroughly treated.