When many people hear the word “mold,” their minds immediately draw up images of food that has gone bad. After all, who wouldn’t be able to instantly recognize moldy bread by the appearance of those pesky green spots scattered throughout the loaf? Ironically, when it comes to mold, many people have a higher tendency to encounter it in their homes as opposed to on their food. Despite the fact that household mold is actually a rather common occurrence, there are plenty of homeowners who have come to subscribe to a variety of mold-related myths. As a result, too many people out there who have failed – and will continue to fail – to take the necessary steps to combat such mold problems before they get worse. Enrique Ramirez is the owner of PuroClean Property Paramedics, a company that specializes in mold prevention and remediation. In order to educate homeowners about this pesky and potentially harmful problem, Ramirez shares – and dispels – some of the most widespread myths about mold.
Mold Myth #1: Mold only grows on wood, paper, and other organic materials
According to Ramirez, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Mold actually has the ability to grow on any surface, including glass or even steel. The basic recipe for mold is actually simple: Combine mold spores, which are always present in the air, with one part moisture and a viable food source such as household dust, and you’ve got the makings for some unpleasant results. Since most homes are constructed with a variety of organic materials, the chances of a mold occurrence are pretty high. While you can’t control the material situation, you can control one portion of that mold-brewing formula: moisture.
Mold Myth #2: Mold can be totally eliminated
Unfortunately, when it comes to the average home, this is actually not the case. Only advanced “clean room” technologies can truly rid a room of mold spores, and since the average homeowner doesn’t have the funds necessary to employ such technologies, most people end up settling for controlling the mold situation, which is really the next best option.
Mold Myth #3: All mold is evil
Anyone who paid proper attention during science class can tell you that this isn’t true. Some mold species can actually be quite beneficial, such as the ones that led to the development of penicillin. Mold can also play a significant role in the processing of natural wastes like grass, leaves, and branches, by turning such items into topsoil.
Mold Myth #4: Mold is the only drawback to excessive moisture in the home
Actually, when it comes to most homes, mold is only one piece of the problematic moisture puzzle. Moisture also provides the perfect breeding ground for dust mites, bacteria, bugs, and rodents. Additionally, moisture can damage the finishes of a building and diminish its value over time, all the more reason for homeowners to keep moisture in check.
Mold Myth #5: Only the true experts can clean mold
As long as the mold problem is caught at an early stage, homeowners can take active steps to clean it away. The best way to tackle small patches of mold is to use household detergents – not bleach – and warm water. Scrub mold patches forcefully in order to remove spores that could otherwise hang out in the air and encourage future mold outbreaks. After cleaning, rinse and dry the spot where the mold patches were spotted; then dispose of any items that were used in the cleaning process, such rubber gloves and cleaning cloths or towels. While homeowners can attempt to handle small patches of mold on their own, if the problem has become more widespread, then the situation might require the help of a trained professional.
Mold Myth #6: Once mold starts to appear, it will always be present
Actually, mold can be stopped in its tracks, but only if the homeowner takes the proper steps to eliminate moisture from the mold-brewing environment. Of course, moisture is something that cannot always be completely eradicated. But with the proper effort, it can certainly be reduced.
Now that you know the truth about mold, you can do your part to tackle the problem before it becomes a big one. And if it’s too late for that, then call a company that specializes in mold prevention and remediation, and let its employees take care of it for you. After all, when it comes to mold, the last thing you’d want to do is make it a welcome household guest.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
I
