Mold in Your Home: What You Need to Know

Mold in the home can form itself at any time, whether it’s the damp conditions of winter, thawing showers of spring, or humid air of summer. Furthermore, certain activities in the home can also further accelerate the creation and growth of mold.

Mold can find itself almost anywhere in the home, from the walls to old books, cardboard storage boxes, and even things like toys and clothing. Besides causing damage, household mold can be dangerous to your health. Not only that, but as realtors in Toronto can tell you, it can also have a serious impact on the value of a home.

Depending on where you live, it may be a legal requirement to report any incidents of mold when selling your home, even if the issue has been resolved.

Here’s a more in-depth look at household mold and steps you can take to prevent it.

What Is Mold, and Why Is It Dangerous to Your Home

Mold is a form of fungus with many different species and genres that can occur almost anywhere where damp and/or warm conditions occur, whether it be inside or out of the home.

As mold begins to grow, it digests the material it grows on, spreading further along the surface. As mold growth continues, it begins to produce spores into the air, which, depending on the type of mold, can be dangerous to your health.

Mold spores and particles can cause health issues to inhabitants of the house, especially to those with allergies, weakened immune systems, or other respiratory problems.

Symptoms of being affected by mold can include:

  • Runny or stuffed nose
  • Itching in the throat and nose
  • Frequent sneezing
  • Irritated and teary eyes
  • Advancement of asthma or other breathing issues

Protect Your Home Against Mold

The key to preventing the growth of mold indoors is to control the moisture in the environment and ensure proper ventilation. Here are some ways you can prevent and protect against the formation of mold in your home:

  • Taking immediate action if you suspect a leak in roofing, pipes, or anywhere else
  • Using a dehumidifier in rooms where excess moisture is strong
  • Allowing fresh air into the home whenever possible for increased air circulation
  • Using fans and vents when creative excess steam, such as when cooking and showering.
  • Airing out and emptying drawers with lesser-used fabrics (such as seasonal clothes and bedding)
  • Regularly cleaning and sanitizing high-risk areas such as showers, sinks, and backsplash
  • Ensuring clothing is not wet when put away after washing
  • Avoiding the storage of items like cardboard, papers, and fabrics in high-risk areas such as basements

Removing Mold from Your Home

In small outbreaks of mold, using a simple commercial mold-killing product, soap, and or diluted bleach solution can remove the issue, provided you ensure the surface is dry after cleaning. Be sure to regularly re-clean the area, or mold may return again (and often quicker than you’d think!).

In more severe or expanded cases of mold, be sure to call in a professional service for safe and proper removal, to reduce its chances of coming back, and to ensure your own safety during its removal.