Mold Inside Your Home: What You Need to Know

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Regardless of where you live and how clean you keep your home, some level of mold is going to be present. You will never get rid of all of it. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does report that too much exposure can be harmful to your health.

Mold is unsightly and can make you sick, so it’s important to know how mold grows and how to keep mold away as much as possible.

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Here are 10 things you should know.

1. Mold is a fungus and comes in a variety of colors that can be fuzzy or slimy in appearance. It can be black, white, or gray, and it will always have a musty smell.
2. Mold loves moisture, so whenever there is a lot of water, mold is likely nearby.
3. Mold will grow just about anywhere, including damp surfaces such as concrete, wood, and even glass. Mold will digest the material it grows on, which is why it’s important to catch it early.
4. Mold can lead to respiratory infections and even asthma.
5. Water-damaged areas should be dried within 48 hours to avoid mold growth.
6. Humidity should be kept low.
7. Never install carpet in damp/wet areas so you don’t have to worry about mold growth.
8. Insulation can help to prevent condensation.
9. If you find mold, clean it up with a mold/mildew disinfectant cleaner.
10. Address where the water is coming from, whether it’s a leaky pipe or insufficient ventilation.

If you find that mold grows no matter what you do, it might be necessary to call in a professional.