Indianapolis homeowners have good reason to be concerned about mold. Our summers are warm and humid, and if you don’t take care, mold could make itself right at home and colonize. Once that happens, you’ll be faced with having to eliminate mold.
Let’s look at the steps for controlling mold if you find it.
Mold Colonization
Mold proliferates in warm, damp conditions. Generally, mold will colonize where moisture has leaked into the home, either through a hole in the roof or a leak in the plumbing. Mold may also occur in places where there’s poor ventilation, such as the bathroom or kitchen and where moisture is generated.
Mold is a concern for two reasons:
- Mold damages property, including drywall, wood, and carpet, necessitating expensive repairs and replacement.
- Mold can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchial infections.
How to Eliminate Mold
Be sure to change the air filter in your HVAC unit regularly, as this will help the air conditioner remove moisture from the air more efficiently. Also, get regular preventative maintenance to make sure the coils are clean — another AC part that is key in controlling humidity in the home.
If you feel the AC is not removing moisture efficiently, you might acquire a dehumidifier, either portable or whole-home.
Cleaning Mold
The first step to eliminate mold is to eliminate damp conditions by fixing leaks. Also, you may need to add ventilation exhausted to the outdoors in the kitchen or bathroom.
Once you eliminate the damp conditions, clean mold from surfaces with one cup of bleach to a gallon of water. Vinegar and water are another effective mold remedy. For mold on carpets, scrub the carpet, then clean with mold cleaner and then vacuum.
There is also a form of mold that is not that common in the typical residence called toxic black mold. This mold should be dealt with by professionals. However, a less harmful type of mold, known as black-colored mold, is commonly mistaken for the toxic variety.
For more on how to eliminate mold, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
