Whether you have an aging bathroom in need of some serious love, have been dealing with a leak and its consequences, or just have a home where humidity is an issue, mold can be a very persistent and annoying problem. It can also have real repercussions for your health if allowed to spread freely. As such, we’re going to look at how you can take the fight to the mold and see it gone for good (or at least for a very long time.)
Clean and cover
First of all, you want to get rid of what mold is already there. If it hasn’t spread too deeply within the affected material, then you should be able to wash it off. You can buy anti-mold cleaning products, but a bit of white vinegar mixed with lemon juice and warm water can be just as effective, and help your bathroom smell fresh immediately after cleaning, too. Any space that has been affected by mold should be repainted, especially with anti-mold paint that can stop whatever lingering particles there might be from starting new growth.
When cleaning isn’t enough
If you’re not able to clean away all the mold and it has taken root deeply within the materials that you spot it on, then you’re going to have to think about replacing that material. In most cases, this happens to drywall, so learning how to patch up the drywall is key. It doesn’t take a lot of effort, you usually just need to cut out a patch and either plaster over it, or fit in a piece of drywall that same size and make sure it sticks in place using putty.
Ensure your pipes are in good condition
Any room with plumbing is going to be a lot more susceptible to leaks. Because of the running water, then it’s more likely to have a higher moisture content in the air, but there’s also the risk of leaks. Take the time to detect any leaks in a room that has an issue with mold and be sure to call out some plumbers as soon as you spot signs of active leaks or water damage. No matter what you do, you’re not going to stop mold from spreading if you have a plumbing problem that’s ongoing, as it’s often the root cause.
Get some ventilation in there
Air quality is going to play a big role in the growth and spread of mold, as well. Heat and humidity cause mold to grow, and one of the best ways to prevent that is to ensure that you have the right ventilation, be it a ceiling fan or an extraction fan, whichever is most likely necessary for the amount of heat and moisture generation. You usually want a fan directly above a shower, for instance, given the amount of steam that it can produce. Otherwise, it’s worth taking a look at a dehumidifier, as well.
If you want to keep mold out of the home, vigilance is the key. The tips above should help you ensure that
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