Mold. Not only is it an eyesore in your home, but it can also lead to health hazards and the deterioration of your house. The best way to deal with mold issues is to prevent them before they start. With over 45 years of mold removal experience, Stephco Cleaning & Restoration has some of the best tips for stopping mold before it starts.

Residential Mold Prevention Strategies

Mold thrives in dark, moist areas. And while there is no way to 100% prevent any mold from getting into your house, there are strategies you can use to keep it from getting out of control. The key factor to remember is controlling your home’s indoor humidity levels.

Control the Humidity

Dry air is the enemy of mold. Start your mold prevention process by eliminating as much humidity from the air as you can. Indoor humidity levels should be kept below 50%. In the summer months, when outdoor humidity levels are at their highest, consider buying a dehumidifier. Close the windows to keep fresh humidity from coming inside.

Use Proper Ventilation

Keep your bathroom’s ventilation fan on during your bath or shower, and let it run for at least 20 minutes after. This helps prevent moisture buildup from steam. Also consider lowering the temperature of the water you use, so it creates less steam that needs to be dissipated. 

Make sure appliances that produce steam, such as your clothes dryer, are properly ventilated to move the steam outside. 

Decrease Moisture Sources

The following can all become sources of excess moisture in your home if not properly addressed:

• Leaky pipes and faucets
• Spills that aren’t cleaned and dried immediately
• Broken appliances
• Roof or wall leaks or cracks
• Poor water drainage around your house
• Overflowing air conditioning drip pans
• HVAC ducts

Anything that brings water into your home is a potential source of mold attraction and growth.

Use Mold-Resistant Products

These days, there are many products you can buy that will resist mold growth, including insulation and paint. Using these products on clean, mold-free surfaces helps keep mold from forming.

Remove Small Patches of Mold Immediately

Mold is an unfortunate fact of life. If you spot mold, try to get rid of it immediately. There are many over-the-counter products specifically formulated to clean mold and eliminate it at the source. Vinegar is a great natural mold remover that doesn’t need to be diluted for use.

• Always wear protective gear when removing mold, including an N95 mask, long rubber gloves, and protective eyewear.
• NEVER MIX AMMONIA AND BLEACH. This causes toxic, sometimes lethal, fumes.
• If you can, try to identify the specific type of mold before removing it. This may come in handy if you need to call a professional later.

When to Call a Residential Mold Remediation Professional

Unfortunately, sometimes mold happens despite your best efforts at prevention. When that happens, you’ll need to call a professional mold remediation service.

Mold remediation involves:

• A professional assessment and diagnosis of the mold situation.
• Developing a customized solution for the specific type of mold, area of the house, and materials.
• Containment of the moldy area to protect the rest of the home.
• Professional removal of the mold and moldy materials.
• Thorough cleaning of any materials that need to be put back into place, or proper disposal of the ones that are too far gone.
• Restoration of the area.

Call a professional if:

• The mold covers an extensive area, usually more than 10 feet in length or diameter.
• You still smell mold after cleaning, but can’t find the source.
• Any part of your home has suffered water damage or a sewage backup.
• You or your family notice sudden but persistent health problems, such as allergies or asthma, that don’t go away in a few days.

FAQs: Residential Mold Removal

Q: How do I get rid of mold on my walls?

A: To effectively clean mold off your home’s walls, start by protecting yourself. We recommend wearing long rubber gloves to avoid contact, and an N-95 mask to avoid inhaling mold spores. 

For walls made of drywall or plaster, the recipe for mold cleaner is:

• 1 part dish soap
• 10 parts bleach
• 20 parts water

Once your cleaner is ready, open all windows and turn on all fans for proper ventilation. 

Pour the liquid onto a soft brush or rag you don’t plan to reuse. Gently wipe it over the mold and keep the air flowing around it so it dries completely. Repeat the process if necessary.

Q: How do I get rid of mold in my bathroom?

A: You can use regular household bleach to remove mold. Make sure to dilute it first: 1 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water. Other mold-removing products include white vinegar (undiluted) or hydrogen peroxide. Put the mixture into a clean spray bottle you don’t plan to use again. With your mask and gloves on, spray the moldy area and rub it in with a sponge or brush. Keep the windows open and fans on after scrubbing.

Q: Will my insurance cover mold removal and remediation?

A: Most homeowners’ insurance in Massachusetts only covers mold remediation if the mold is caused by a sudden incident, such as a burst pipe or appliance malfunction. Always check your policy and contact your insurance provider for more information.

Trust the Residential Water Clean Up Professionals

No matter what kind of mold damage your home has suffered, Stephco Cleaning & Restoration can help. We’re available in Holbrook, MA, and surrounding regions. Contact us today for a free estimate on any of our residential water removal and mold remediation services.