Mold, Mold, Go Away - And Don't Come Back Another Day!

Anyone who has lived in Florida probably already knows that we can have mold problems in or on our homes. This is due in part to Florida's humidity levels. While most homes in northern states never have a problem with mold growing on their roofs or siding, many Florida homes do suffer from this malady.

Mold is found floating around in the air wherever you live, but when it lands on a host that can offer it moisture, it can quickly set up housekeeping. Dewy rooftops and siding, windows that have condensation build-up, air conditioning units and wet carpeting are all favorite habitats for mold. 

Since mold can cause illness in humans, including allergic reactions from skin rashes to hay-fever type symptoms, getting rid of it as soon as you spot it, or better yet, preventing it from forming, is always the best way to proceed with indoor mold. 

What Can be Done? 

For roofs and siding, washing the home with a power washer and a mold-killing soap or bleach formula will usually keep the mold at bay. While this will take care of the mold that is there, it is not a permanent cure and will probably need to be carried out at least once a year. 

Mold on the inside of your home can also be cleaned and removed with a soap solution and water. Bleach is another alternative although bleaching mold is not the only effective way to kill it. Once the mold is removed, however, your job is not complete because if moisture continues to be present, the mold will most likely return. 

So if you have a leak, fix it. If you have high humidity in your home, you should try to lower it with dehumidifiers and by venting moisture-producing appliances such as clothes dryers to the outside if at all possible. When showering run the bathroom fan or at least open the bathroom door so that humidity doesn't condense. 

To prevent mold formations in the first place, clean up and dry out any wet areas in your home as soon as possible. For windows with condensation, dry them off every morning or whenever condensation appears. Also lowering the relative humidity in your home to no more than 50% will help with moisture in your house. 

For more information on what mold is all about and tips on how to keep it out of your home, visit this EPA site. 

For help finding a great mold-free home in Lakeland, visit The Boyce Team and let Damion Boyce show you some of the great listings they have to offer.