Mold And Mildew Removal

Mold and Mildew, can cause health problems, odors, areas for bacteria to grow. The mold and mildew must be removed and prevented throughout your home. If you asked the difference between mold and mildew the answers can be confusing. Some experts say it is one and the same. The term mildew is often used to refer to a mold growth, possibly with the appearance of a flat growth pattern. Molds are little microscopic organisms. They are found outside and inside structures. Spores are used to reproduce. It has the capability to grow into a brand new little organism. These can remain airborne, actually moving from one room to another. This organism can produce, fungi, bacteria, algae, odor and health threats.

Mildew will very often take advantage of the always existing high moisture level in bathrooms. It will often be present on shower curtains. The soaps and water sprays make the shower curtain a ready target for both mold or mildew. Glass enclosure doors, surfaces and sliding tracks on showers and tubs are another breeding ground.

Other moisture non ventilated areas may possibly be, the basements of a building, window sills, the attic, a crawl space underneath the structure. The heating and air conditioning duct work gives lots of space for the mold or mildew to live and grow in. This may give the spores a perfect chance to become even more airborne into the air you breath.

Dishwashers and refrigerators have a high average of moisture content and poor ventilation. Would you believe that the beautiful house plants in your home, may be subject to aiding in the reproduction of mold or mildew. The sinks and counter areas in a home would be other sites to watch for mold or mildew.

Prevention of the growth of mold or mildew in your home or building, may be done by taking action to remove the excess humidity. In the bathroom, remember to use the ventilating fan during and after bathing. If a ventilating fan does not exist, open a window.

Another preventative measure, is to wipe down the walls of the bathing area and accessories to support the drying out process. If there is a problem that exists of humidity build up, due to what ever reason, the use of an appliance called a dehumidifier may help to take the excess moisture away.

Walking into a room that you can detect an odor not normally present, is a sure sign it would be important to investigate further. The odor usually is described as unpleasant with a strong musty smell. Once you think there might be mold or mildew present either through smell or on site observation, it must be removed.

The method of removal used can depend of how large of an area is involved. The normal suggestion is if the infected area you are dealing with is more than about ten square feet, the use of a company that specializes in mold and mildew removal should be used. These companies are located online or the yellow pages. Sometimes if the job at hand is to big to handle personaly, letting a professional take over can be a wise decision.

The square footage of an area where the mold or mildew is located, being nothing over the ten feet, may be a simple clean up of using soap and water. Good soap and water scrubbing, then drying could kill and remove the mold.

A solution of household bleach and water is a reasonably priced product to use for mold and mildew removal.

Take three parts water and one part bleach mixed into a spray bottle, spray onto the contaminated area, letting sit for fifteen minutes, then scrubbing well, rinsing , patting dry will result in killing the mold or mildew.

Cleaning with vinegar and water solution is another method.

There are mold and mildew removers that can be purchased in the store, that claim they are effective in destroying mold and mildew. Tilex or Lysol are two the those type of products. The use of an ozone generator can be effective. Used in an infected room, it blasts concentrated ozone into the room.

Whatever method used, mold and mildew removal is necessary for many reasons.

In these three videos you can see:

Video 1. Nancy Ostergaard talks about household mold, the effect on health, where to spot it and how to clean it. Very informative video.

Video 2. How to control mold and mildew in your home by Lowes.

Video 3. Mold and mildew remediation by Moldex. A product on the market if you do not want to use bleach.