Mold in the Home: Identification and Removal
by Guest on Feb 26, 2013
Mold is an all-too-common problem for many homeowners. It is often a serious problem because there are certain types of household molds that produce mycotoxins, which can pose a health risk. Those who live in households rife with mold often experience increased symptoms of allergies as well as worsening of some pre-existing lung conditions.
Aside from the health risks, damage to the home is also a common result of a mold infestation. Mold is so common and can cause so much damage that many home insurers no longer offer protection against it. That’s why it is important to identify mold right when it presents itself and then contact a professional to remove it.
Here are some tips on how best to identify mold.
Trust your sense of smell
Pro mold removers often say the best way homeowners can tell if they have mold in the home is to use the best tool available to them: their noses. A strong, moldy smell is likely the first indicator of a mold problem in the home, and the homeowner can usually simply follow this odor right to the source.
Also, many times a mold home will produce physical symptoms in the inhabitants. These include:
- Severe and/or frequent allergic reactions
- Infections
- Toxic symptoms
Target mold visually
This may seem like a no-brainer, but many homeowners often pass right by mold without identifying it. That’s because it can often present itself in small amounts and appear similar to dirt or soot. It’s important to know that mold comes in many different colors – black, grey, brown, green or white. Mold usually appears in many different consistencies and shapes as well, from white threadlike patches to small dark clusters of black spots.
Look in the popular hiding spots
Mold can thrive in many areas of the home, but some spots it particularly likes to hang out include:
- Under carpeting
- Behind walls
- In ductwork
- Over the ceiling tiles
DIY mold removal
A professional should handle large mold infestations, as the removal is often a multi-day process. However, the homeowner can handle small mold problems on his or her own. Those who do undertake mold cleanup on their own will want to make sure they have a respirator and goggles as gloves and plenty of biocides, such as bleach.
The steps to minor mold removal are as follows:
- Shut off the heating and cooling system in the home.
- Cover the area near the mold with plastic sheeting.
- Scrub all compromised surfaces with a solution of one part biocide to one part water.
- Use a wet/dry vac to vacuum the area after mold removal and dry the area thoroughly.
- Discard plastic sheeting and wash all clothes. Any carpeting or upholstery affected by mold should be thrown out as well.
These are just a few things the average homeowner can do to find out whether or not there is mold in their home and what they can do about it. As for prevention, it is important to not only look for leaks in roofing, plumbing, and the aforementioned hiding spots but to look in any areas of the home with conditions suitable for mold. These include the shower, cooktops, windowpanes (which can become particularly moist during the summertime) and walls.
Frank Kelly is an avid blogger and contributor to Indoorrestore.com, a leading mold inspection and testing company throughout the United States.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
74076 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
67745 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
63666 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
43693 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
27129 Views
Latest Articles
Navigating Singapore's Property Regulations: A Guide for Foreign Investors
Singapores property market has been attracting foreign investors for many years, thanks to its stable economy, strong legal system, and transparent...
on Mar 22, 2023
What Truck Size Do I Need to Move a 3-Bedroom House
Moving to a new home can be a complex and stressful process, but with the help of the right truck size, you can make it a smooth and seamless...
on Feb 13, 2023
Five Tips to Take Better Care of Your Basement Insulation
Basement waterproofing is an essential part of home maintenance, as it helps to protect the basement from moisture, flooding, and other...
on Feb 12, 2023
Homeowner In The UK? Here's Why You Need to Know about Rainwater Drainage Systems
In the United Kingdom, there is an average of around 1,200 millimeters of rainfall annually. Keeping rainwater out of your home and away from your...
on Feb 2, 2023
What are the Advantages of a Metal Roof
Metal roofing is durable and beautiful, allowing a home to stand out from others with conventional tiled roofs. A metal coating can last a...
on Feb 1, 2023
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Real Estate Investment for the Next Generation
on Oct 18, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Investing in real estate is something that people have been doing for a long time. Most people invest in a home, so they can stay at the home. This...
Real Estate Investment for Future Generations
on Mar 14, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Purchasing a home is not simply a financial commitment. It is also an excellent way to start accumulating your wealth. Your home is also a...
Can I Sell My House with a Leaky Roof?
on Oct 28, 2021
Real Estate / Finance

The answer to this query is YES. It is possible to sell a house with a leaking roof, but it's always essential to evaluate some factors before...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 260
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 239
- Real Estate / Finance — 195
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 183
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 143
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
The Advantages of LED Strip Lighting
LED Strip lighting is an awesome way to add color and light to interior rooms, not to mention they are extremely energy efficient compared to...
Electro Osmosis Damp Proofing for Home Exterior
A house is supposed to be a safe haven where we all go after a long day at work to rest ups and prepare for another long day ahead. It is also...
11 Steps to Take to Prepare Your Home for the Rainy Season
11 Steps To Take To Prepare Your Home For The Rainy Season Most regions that are closer to the equator have a rainy season each year. Beginning...
Expert Tips to Ensure Quality Interior Painting
When you are ready to tackle some needed interior painting home or business, be sure you first prepare your project properly. A few extra minutes...
Basement Waterproofing: Exploring Your Options
Every homeowner who has a basement should be aware of basement waterproofing options. Why? Every basement, whether in a new house or an old one, is...