Encyclopedia

of Home Improvements

*Question & Answer Mold*

Dear Bob

I hear a lot about Mold almost everyday. I don't think that I have any in my home but I am curious , what exactly is mold?

Dear JOB

Molds are microscopic fungi, which, unlike plants, are unable to produce their own food from sunlight and air. Molds are made up of clusters of filaments and live on plant or animal matter, which they decompose for their nourishment. With tens of thousands of different varieties, molds are among the most widespread living organisms. Many molds reproduce by releasing spores into the air that then settle on organic matter and grow into new mold clusters. These airborne mold spores are far more numerous than pollen grains and, when inhaled, can produce allergic symptoms.

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

Dear Bob

I recently found mold around the base of my tub and toilet. What is the best way to clean it?

Dear AF

The key to mold control is moisture control. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible and dry all items completely.
Absorbent or porous materials, such as sheetrock, ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.? Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.

Dear Bob

Where should I look to see if I have a Mold problem in my home?

Dear Sue

Molds can be found in most environments and, unlike pollens, do not have a strictly limited season. Mold growth is encouraged by warmth and high humidity, and therefore, growth is most prevalent during the humid seasons of the year. Molds are found out-of-doors and in the home. Mold spores produced outside become widely dispersed through the air and can enter the home. Other molds are produced in the home, especially in areas of high humidity such as showers and basements.

Many molds reproduce by releasing spores into the air. These airborne mold spores, when inhaled, can produce allergic symptoms.

Dear Bob

How can I prevent mold from growing in my house?

Dear Carey

Mold flourishes in dark, damp places which are poorly ventilated and in areas where water pools. Moisture and warmth can accelerate the growth of dormant mildew spores on most surfaces. Once the area of mold growth has been identified, a mildewcide should be used to kill the mold spores and an inhibitor used to prevent regrowth. Modifications such as increased ventilation and proper drainage should be used to discourage mold growth.

Back to Q & A Forum

Contact