Mold is one of the worst things homeowners can come across. Not only does it damage and ruin the finish of the materials, but it also affects your respiratory health. In simple words, mold tends to be airborne particles that can easily be exhaled and lead to breathing issues. On the other hand, mold can also become a hassle to remove if it goes unnoticed for a long period of time. The best way of mold removal is by understanding and becoming familiar with the signs, removal procedures, and prevention tips. Let’s take a look at what you can do to protect your house from becoming mold-infested.
What Are The Causes Of Mold In The Kitchen?
The kitchen happens to be one of the most common areas in the house, apart from the bathrooms, where mold can grow. It can take place due to a variety of reasons, primarily due to high levels of moisture when meals are being produced.
At the same time, leakages, cracks, and damage in kitchen appliances can also create a huge issue, allowing water and moisture to leak in. Plus, leaky roofs and faucets can also contribute to the issue and create similar problems.
In addition to that, kitchens with poor ventilation tend to have a higher chance of mold formation as well. The reason is that the steam and moisture produced during the cooking process remain inside the area and settle on the walls, roofs, and doors instead of escaping.
This is why it is recommended to have proper ventilation in place inside a kitchen. Spills and residue contribute to the problem as well, but can be cleaned easily and have a relatively lower chance of creating a mold issue.
How To Identify Mold In The Kitchen?
In order for you to deal with mold, it is important to identify the tell-tale signs that indicate a mold problem. Here is what you should know.
One of the most tell-tale signs that your kitchen has mold is a musty odor. Sometimes, you might not be able to spot the mold visually, but you may smell the odor. This could be a slightly tricky situation to deal with since you won’t be able to locate the exact odor source.
That said, the first thing you need to do if you smell a musty odor is locate the source. To do that, you will need to follow the odor and try looking for black, green, or brown spots on the walls, yellowing, or other unusual signs.
In some cases, you will also find wet spots that indicate hidden kitchen leaks. Additionally, if you have some furniture in the kitchen, you might find it warped due to mold growth. You can use a flashlight to inspect hard to see and reach areas.
Keep in mind that mold can be dangerous and should not be approached without protective equipment.
How To Remove Kitchen Mold?
Now that you are familiar with the signs that show mold growth, you should know how to deal with it and remove it. However, it’s best if you hire mold remediation Potomac services.
The first step of this process is covering yourself with protective equipment. You should wear goggles, gloves, and avoid direct contact with mold growth as much as possible. Once the area with the mold growth has been identified, you should properly ventilate the area and seal it off.
This is equally important as it contains the mold and prevents it from spreading to the other areas, adding to your time and efforts. Next, you will need to purchase a special cleaning agent that deals with mold growth. Follow the instructions on the label and spray it directly over the mold.
Let the chemical sit for a while and break the mold down. Then, use a soft brush to scrape the remaining mold and a soft cloth to wipe away the remains. If your house was recently flooded, you should open all the windows and doors of the house and turn on the fans.
If possible, use a dehumidifier process to help the moisture escape quickly. Sometimes, mold might not be easy to remove and will damage the items inside the house to the point where you will be forced to discard them. In such a case, don’t worry about the items but the health of your family members.
Mold growth at this point can be intense and will make it a lot easier for you to experience chronic health complications.
How To Prevent Mold In The Future?
Preventing mold in the future is as easy as it gets. All you need to do is ensure the house is properly ventilated, especially when it comes to the kitchen. If you do not have a ventilation fan inside the kitchen, install one or open the doors or windows to allow fresh air inside.
Plus, you should not place wet clothes inside the house. They should be placed outside to dry and to prevent the moisture from entering the house. In addition to that, using a dehumidifier is going to be a great option as it is specifically designed to keep humidity and moisture at bay. If you house or kitchen was flooded, it’s better to replace the flooring to prevent mold growth.
Should I Hire A Professional?
Hiring a professional to remove mold in the kitchen is something you can consider if the mold growth is serious and the family members are vulnerable. Hiring a professional is a smart move in such cases, as it helps determine and remove the mold from the root cause.
The best way to find an expert is by asking your social circle for referrals. Plus, you can search for options on the internet in your nearby areas. You should only consider experts who are certified and licensed to remove mold growth.
Such services tend to be more expensive but assure the best quality work with minimum risks attached.
Can I Remove Kitchen Mold Myself?
Yes, you can remove mold yourself if you have the right tools for it. Apart from the tools you will need to use to remove the mold, you should be willing to spend some time and effort as well. Removing and discarding mold-infested items requires patience and skill.
Unless you have both, you should not play around with it. Experts are trained to deal with such situations and better handle mold while preventing or stopping the damage right in its tracks. This makes it a sort of investment rather than an expense.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that prevention is better than cure. This means you need to avoid practices that promote mold growth. Plus, don’t delay hiring a water damage restoration Rockville team when you need it.