How to Prevent and Remove Mold in Your Home

With the tremendous amount of rain the Northeast has been experiencing, I wanted to pass along information on how to prevent and get rid of mold in your home.

Molds are a natural part of the environment and can be found anywhere that moisture and oxygen are present. Mold is a type of fungus that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Molds spread by producing tiny reproductive cells called spores that waft through the air. Other molds have sticky spores that will cling to surfaces.

Mold can grow in wet or damp areas in a home. When mold spores land on damp spots or surfaces, they may begin growing indoors and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Eventually, mold will destroy the things on which they grow.

Mold growth can occur on wood, sheetrock, paper, fabric, carpet, foods, and insulation. Mold may be different colors, such as gray, black, green, yellow or orange. Mold may look furry, slimy or powdery. Some mold have a musty or earthy smell.

Exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions, watery and red eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion and postnasal drip, sneezing, itching, headaches, fatigue, coughing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems, including pneumonia.

Mold can be controlled by fixing the underlying water problem and cleaning up the visible mold in your home.

To prevent mold from growing in your home:

• Fix water leaks immediately

• Use a dehumidifier in your home

• Keep windows open in your bathroom and kitchen

To remove mold in your home:

• Seal off moldy areas using a plastic sheet and duct tape until cleaned

• Use water and soap/detergent, or hydrogen peroxide or vinegar to clean mold on walls and surfaces; for home exterior, use water and bleach

• Throw away moldy items, including ceiling tiles and carpet 

When cleaning up moldy surfaces, it's important to protect yourself against airborne spores. You can wear an N-95 respirator mask as well as gloves that reach the middle of the forearm and protective goggles.

If there are large areas of mold in your home, larger than 2 sq ft, please contact a mold removal professional. A professional will know the best way to remove the mold, keeping you and your family safe.

Please feel free to contact me if you should have any questions. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok at @Keys2Memories for the latest real estate news and helpful tips. And, please feel free to share this article!

LaShawn Freeman, Douglas Elliman Real Estate Agent

Unlocking new memories, one door at a time.

M: 917.254.3313 / E: lashawn.freeman@elliman.com