Mold is a serious problem. If left untreated it can make a home toxic and untenable. There are several types of mold each with its own set of health hazards. In general mold can cause asthma and allergic attacks and other respiratory problems. It is essential to tackle mold as soon as it is spotted. It is even more essential to take precautions to prevent mold arising in the first place.
Mold is caused by spores in the air. It is impossible to eradicate all the spores in the air. Mold needs moisture and oxygen to grow. It is often the case that mold forms as a result of a leaky pipe or water seeping through a wall. Before you can effectively treat mold you have to address the problem of the water leak.
Once this is done then it is possible to kill mold that has formed on hard surfaces. This can be done by cleaning the mold off with water and a detergent. It is best to buy an ecologically friendly detergent or to use vinegar or bamboo vinegar. The later is a great green cleaning alternative because it is anti-fungal as well as antibacterial.
If mold takes hold on an absorbent material such as wall paper or a ceiling tile then you have no alternative but to replace the affected item as the mold will grow back after cleaning.
To prevent mold forming in a home it is vital to ventilate a house properly. It is also necessary to use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove all the moisture generated. In humid zones it is a good idea to de-humidify regularly using an air-con unit or a separate dehumidifier unit.
If these simple rules are followed a house can remain free of mold. This helps to keep the inhabitants of a home healthy and also to keep the value of the property.
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