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Moisture is Mold's Best Friend

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Morningside Homes, LLC 720-231-5200 DRE# ER300941
 

Moisture is mold's best friend and it thrives between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit which is why it is commonly found in homes.  Mold spores float in the air and can grow on virtually any substance with moisture including tile, wood, drywall, paper, carpet, and food.

Moisture control and eliminating water problems are key to preventing mold. Common sources of moisture can be roof leaks, indoor plumbing leaks, outdoor drainage problems, damp basements or crawl spaces, steam from bathrooms or kitchen, condensation on cool surfaces, humidifiers, wet clothes drying inside, or improper ventilation of heating and cooking appliances.

  • Control the moisture problem
  • Scrub mold off hard surfaces using soap and water or other cleanser; dry completely
  • Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces
  • Discard porous materials with extensive mold growth
  • Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold
  • Periodically, inspect the area for signs of moisture and new mold growth

The EPA suggests that if the moldy area is less than ten square feet, you can probably handle the cleanup yourself.  If the affected area is larger than that, find a contractor or professional service provider. 

Increasing ventilation in a bathroom by running a fan for at least 30 minutes or opening a window can help remove moisture and control mold growth.  After showering, squeegee the walls and doors. Wipe wet areas with dry towels.  Cleaning more frequently will also prevent mold from recurring or keep it to a minimum.

A simple solution to clean most mold is a 1:8 bleach/water mixture.  Since homes have thermostatically controlled temperatures and water is used all day long in the kitchen and bathrooms, the environment is conducive to mold. 

See Ten things you should know about mold written by the EPA.

Posted by

Buy or Sell with Patty Clark              Denver/Aurora Co. and surrounding areas 

Chris and Patty

Helping Families Move with Care

If you would like to be sent properties on a daily or weekly  basis just call or email me and let me know your wants and needs. A match will be made with a home you love and with monthly payments you can afford. I specialize in first time home buyers and sellers who are ready to downsize or move to a larger home as the family grows

Morningside Homes, LLC
patty@morningsidehomes.com
www.morningsidehomes.com
Cell: 720-231-5200                      
CRS,GRI,WCR,SFR,CNE, MRE

 

Comments (4)

John Henry, Florida Architect
John Henry Masterworks Design International, Inc. - Orlando, FL
Residential Architect, Luxury Custom Home Design

Great ideas Patty.

Here in Florida if you leave your AC off for a few days to go out of town you may find mold.  First signs are on the AC diffusers.  You really have to be careful.  Thanks

Aug 22, 2018 02:51 PM
Patty Clark

I lived in the South and a little puddle of water will grow where in Dener the samll puddle  dries up pretty fast.

Aug 23, 2018 06:25 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

There is no mold when there is no moisture.  People just do not get that.

Aug 22, 2018 04:14 PM
Patty Clark

You are so correct. There are so many types of mold but the one where water is collected is fast growing and will spread through a house quickly.

Aug 23, 2018 06:24 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

We have lots of humidy during the summer and it doesn't take long for mold to take hold of a home if isn't properly prepares against it.

Aug 22, 2018 04:21 PM
Patty Clark
Morningside Homes, LLC 720-231-5200 - Denver, CO
Helping Families Move with Care

Denver is dry but yet water left unattended can cause stinky mold.

Aug 23, 2018 06:22 AM