People moving out of their houses because of molds, mildew, or damp remains a familiar scene even today. Back in Biblical times, people considered molds to be so unclean they had to call a priest to root out the “defilement” and pray for the best. They were onto something, though. People shouldn’t be living with molds, and they should be vigilant to keep toxic molds away from their homes.
The truth about molds
What most people don’t know about molds, mildew, and damp is that moisture plays a big part in why they spread and grow. Having a humid home with bad ventilation can open the doors for molds. They’ll start as that one black or white spot on the crack on the window. Then, they’ll spread on clothes, your carpets, anything they can touch.
Molds might not be a desecration of your home nor a fungal epidemic that needs to be purged, but specific toxic strains of molds can cause health problems and structural issues if left unchecked.
A family from Peoria had to build a new, mold-proof house because their son, who was 14 at the time, had complications borne from long-term toxic mold. That’s why people need to be aware of what’s growing in their homes.
Getting rid of molds
To clean up your home of these fungi, the CDC recommends cleaning products, soap, or a solution of bleach and water. They, however, warn that if you choose the bleach solution, you shouldn’t mix it with household cleaners or ammonia to prevent the risk of toxic fumes. You can also use distilled white vinegar or baking soda and borax, though they won’t be as effective in rooting out molds.
However, it’s better to control the growth of molds in your home instead of constantly cleaning them up. Prevention is better than the cure, after all. Lower the humidity of your home by less than 50% by installing air-conditioning units and dehumidifiers will surely help. Ensuring proper ventilation and fixing leaks and drafts can help, as well. You should also keep your bathrooms dry and clean.
Molds can also thrive in air ducts and carpets. If possible, try to put the carpets in moisture-free areas instead or don’t use them altogether. If you can’t clean the air duct yourself, hire cleaners. You can find companies that perform thorough duct cleaning in Provo. Just tell them about the molds, so they know what to expect.
An even more incredible solution is to build a mold-proof house yourself, which the previously mentioned family from Peoria did. They hired a contractor who had gone the extra mile to make sure all the materials were non-toxic, mold-free and/or have low moisture.
Molds, mildew, and damp can be harmless or outright toxic or deadly. They can be dangerous to your health or to your home’s structure. While their growth is not always avoidable, especially with climate as a factor, there are a lot of solutions you can turn to in order to keep your home safe and mold-free.
