Mold contamination in a home is hazardous to your health and ruins your belongings. Spores in the air can be inhaled, causing problems in the nose, throat, and lungs. Mold will cause furniture and clothing to decay and fall apart, along with filling the home with a musty odor. Mold spreads quickly in moist conditions, so contact a mold remediation company immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms.
The most obvious visual symptom of mold is black spots on the wall or around the sink and bathtub. While the spots may appear small, keep in mind that mold is a microscopic organism. By the time a mold colony is visible, the infestation has begun to spread throughout the wall. Consult a mold remediation service at the first signs of visible black mold. A musty smell can also be a symptom of mold infestation in a home. Foul odors without any visible spots usually means that the mold is inside the walls or under the carpet. A professional mold removal service will investigate the home and find the contaminated areas.
High levels of humidity promote mold growth in the home. Use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity under 60 percent. Ideally, you want to stay within the 30-50 percent range because this is too dry for mold to thrive. If the humidity has been higher than 60 percent in the home for a week or more, you may already need to hire a mold remediation service. Reduce the humidity immediately and check the home carefully for other symptoms of mold.
Wet carpet is another common symptom of mold growth in a home. As the carpet dries, the moisture seeps down into the padding underneath. Many homeowners do not realize they have a problem because the carpet feels dry, but there is dangerous mold spreading throughout the padding. A mold removal service will remove the damaged padding and remove any mold on the floor beneath. To avoid mold buildup, wipe up any spills before the liquid has time to soak down into the carpet. Blot the area with an absorbent cloth towel to pull out as much moisture as possible.