Mold growth is quite common and can occur almost anywhere in a home or other building. Mold spores, which are tiny and invisible to the naked eye, can end up inside if they become airborne and then land on a wet surface. Water or moisture is essential for sustaining mold growth, so this is the first issue that must be addressed if you notice a mold problem. Once you notice mold growth in your home, it is important to act quickly to avoid any possible health problems associated with mold. However, it is equally important to understand how to prevent this issue in the future.

Moisture is the main cause of sustained mold growth, so always be sure to dry water leaks or spills immediately, as in most cases this will thwart the start of mold growth altogether. There are several common problem areas in your home that you should monitor to keep water--and mold--issues at bay. These include clogged roof gutters, the area around your foundation, air conditioner drip pans, and walls, pipes, or windows if humidity is high. The appearance of condensation on walls, etc., can be a sign of high humidity, which is a major factor for mold starting to grow on a surface in your home or business.

Since molds produce allergens, irritants, and sometimes even highly toxic substances, they do have the potential to cause health problems, such as allergic reactions, asthma attacks, or eye and skin irritation. Therefore, if you notice mold growing on a surface in your home or office, it is very important to take immediate action, such as hiring a attic mold removal in mississauga company.

According to most experts, if the size of the mold problem is less than about ten square feet, you can likely take care of the mold cleanup on your own. However, if you notice mold growing in a very large area, or you are simply unsure about the severity of the contamination, you'll definitely want to hire a professional service to do the cleanup. This is where a mold remediation company comes in.

A remediation company can send a mold specialist to identify and assess the problem and suggest a course of action for the removal of mold, complete the mold cleanup, and implement corrective action to prevent the problem from recurring in the future. Since mold growth does imply potential health hazards, be sure that the mold cleanup company is fully professional and very experienced in this field. An expert should be able to advise you on how serious or widespread the problem is, assess which affected items can be salvaged, use the appropriate tools and agents to fully remove the mold, and suggest and implement a plan to prevent future outbreaks. Preventing future mold growth can be achieved by eliminating the source of the water leak or excess moisture in the contaminated area. Your mold remediation company should be able to assist you in remedying this.

Dehumidification and Mold Removal - Effective Ways to Prolong Your Carpet's Life

Mold and mildew infestation in the carpet is a problem that should not be taken lightly. Since mold and mildew are types of fungi, they consume everything they settle upon and eventually ruin walls, ceilings, draperies, clothing and carpets. They grow and develop in areas with increased levels of heat and moisture and are highly adaptable. That is why dehumidification is a crucial part of mold and mildew removal and prevention.

Safety Factors to Consider for Carpet Mold and Mildew Removal

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), protective clothing and gear is required prior to any mold removal process. Mold and mildew are known to cause health hazards, especially respiratory problems, skin allergies and decreased immune system. They can also aggravate symptoms of asthma. Thus, it is really important to take precautionary measures and wear appropriate clothing and protective gears whenever removing molds and mildews.

Assessing Mold Infestation

Homeowners need to determine the extent of the mold infestation before doing any cleaning and dehumidification. If the damaged area is less than 10 square feet, then the homeowner can manage doing task. But for mold and mildew infestation that covers more than 10 square feet, hiring the services of a professional that specializes in dehumidification and large scale carpet mold removal is the most practical thing to do.

It is essential to locate the main source of the carpet's moisture to make it easier to rid off the problem. Look around the room for any leaks in plumbing or air conditioning systems. In most cases, a faulty sump pump is the cause of the flooding or water leak. Mold and mildew may also develop in floor air ducts. Whatever the cause is, the whole area dehumidification is the best way to keep the area dry.

Assess the mold damage in the carpet. If the carpets have been thoroughly soaked due to flooding, they most likely cannot be salvaged. As mentioned, mold and mildew consumes the fibers in the carpet and cleaning will not restore it. If the mold infestation is severe, dispose the carpet in a sealed plastic bag to prevent further health hazards. The carpet can be salvaged if the damage is not too severe.

The Cleaning Process

The whole carpet area should be cleaned with a steam cleaning machine using a detergent and water solution. In more serious cases, such as toxic black mold, a stronger solution that kills mold and mildew would be best.

One effective home solution for mold removal is bleach. Combine one cup of bleach with 4 liters of water and spray the solution to the moldy area in the carpet. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. After letting it soak, scrub the carpet with a heavy duty brush. Rinse the carpet completely and hang it out to dry.