Yes, every home has some amount of mold within. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) assures homeowners that mold is an ever-present biological material that cannot be completely removed from homes. But just because mold can get into your home doesn’t mean it has to become a health risk for you or a safety concern for your home.
Why do houses get mold?
Molds are present everywhere, indoors and outside. Mold primarily enters your home through the air when you open doors and windows. It can also attach to your clothing, skin, hair and pets and then free itself once inside. From there, it can settle anywhere in your home and start forming a colony.
The main factor that dictates whether or not mold will become a problem in your home is moisture. Control the amount of excess moisture in your home, and you’ll reduce the risk of mold growth in your home.
Where in the US is mold most common?
Areas of the country with higher precipitation and/or humidity have a higher tendency for mold issues. This includes Hawaii, the South (from Florida to North Carolina to the north and Arkansas to the west), and the east coast all the way to Connecticut and Rhode Island.
That said, mold is not a regional issue. It can thrive anywhere the conditions are favorable. Those conditions include an adequate food source, moisture, and moderate temperatures.
Where in the world is mold most common in houses?
Countries and cities that experience high precipitation result in more molds inside homes and in the environment. According to NSNBC, the countries with the highest precipitation include Columbia, Sao Tome and Principe, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Island, and Panama.
Other countries along the equator may fall into this same category.
What types of houses are more likely to get mold?
Because mold only needs moisture and a food source, it can grow in any home, but here are a few of the most common reasons mold may take root in a particular home:
- An add-on was not sealed correctly
- Homes with basements
- The home has no gutters or poor drainage for gutters
- Homes located in flood zones
- Homes in tornado or hurricane prone areas
- Older homes that develop leaks or new homes that are too airtight
Does house age matter for mold?
Absolutely not. As a matter of fact, homes built more recently are even more susceptible to mold growth because modern technology makes the virtually impenetrable, so once mold is inside, the air and moisture within the home have nowhere to go. While an older home may be more likely to develop water leaks, it is no more likely to have a mold problem than a newer home.
How do I make sure my house has no mold?
Step 1 Learn about mold’s favorable growing conditions.
This includes moisture, moderate climate and a food source. Remove these factors to the best of your ability by dusting and running a dehumidifier.
Step 2 Do mold inspections quarterly.
You can do these yourself. Don’t call a professional each time unless you want to.
Step 3 Make sure your home’s ventilation system is up to par.
You can install an ERV or HRV system for added ventilation if your home wasn’t constructed with one.
Step 4 Take out your carpet.
Carpet is a known culprit for mold, mildew and a long list of other allergens. Hard floors are much easier to clean and hold on to fewer particles.
Step 5 Clean and disinfect mold on hard surfaces right away.
Surfaces like your tub, shower and the inside of your refrigerator can be cleaned and disinfected to remove mold.
How do I know if my house is infested with mold?
Step 1 Look for obvious signs.
If you have had flooding or a leak of any kind, mold is likely. You will see it on baseboards or ceilings where there has been a leak first.
Step 2 Smell the walls at openings like electrical openings.
Mold gives off an earthy, musty odor that is hard to miss. Smell around openings in your home before taking more drastic measures.
Step 3 Purchase a mold test kit.
Sold in thousands of stores and online, a home mold test kit will indicate if there is a mold problem in your home.
Step 4 Cut a hole in the drywall.
If you strongly suspect mold in a certain area, cut a hole and remove the drywall to see if there is mold behind it. If you’re right, you’ll have to remove the drywall anyway.
Step 5 Call a professional.
They can test for mold in more accurate and less invasive ways.
Can you live in a house with mold?
Yes, you can live with a certain amount of mold in your home. In fact, you do every day. However, if mold spores land on a wet surface and begin to form a colony, you need to have it removed.
Unchecked mold growth can make you sick, and it actually consumes organic materials that it is growing on, so it threatens the structure of your home.
What to do if there is mold in your house?
Step 1 Eliminate any moisture or leak issues.
Before trying to remove the mold, take care of the problem that may be providing a water source for the mold. This could include fixing a dripping faucet or sealing windows.
Step 2 Take precautions.
If you will be removing the mold yourself, wear gloves and a mask to eliminate the risk of breathing in the loosened mold spores. You also need to carefully remove your clothes once you are finished and wash them separately from other clothes.
Step 3 Use a cleaner that is specifically designed for mold removal.
Wipe hard surfaces with a cleaner specifically for mold. Throw your cleaning towels away when you are finished with them. On softer surfaces, use a soft towel and wipe with cleaner or undiluted white vinegar.
