Did you know that there is a difference between toxic black mold and mildew? While both are a type of fungus (mold), mildew is not generally toxic, but it can cause allergy problems in some people. Toxic mold however, can be quite serious and when left undisturbed it can cause a wide arrange of health problems.
Yet despite their differences, both types of mold and mildew should never be left undisturbed for obvious health reasons and I honestly don’t know anyone who loves looking at a nasty fungus problem. However, before you run out and buy a mold and mildew remover, you should keep in mind that:
Black Mold is a toxin that requires special attention. A simple cleaner will not kill this type of fungus. You need to purchase a product that is designed for toxic mold.
While mildew is generally not dangerous, it’s a good idea that you wear protection when cleaning any fungus. You’ll need a pair of rubber gloves, goggles and a paper (surgical) mask for the job.
Both types of fungus rely on moisture. To minimize growth, repair and seal any leaks before you try to clean up the mold. Otherwise the mold will be back within a few weeks.
Keep things dry to prevent future fungal growth. Wipe down walls after bathing or showering, run exhaust vans and open windows when possible.
Don’t try to do it yourself when toxic molds are more than 10 square feet. Instead, hire a professional black mold removal company to get the job done safely. If you’re worried about your budget, talk to your insurance company to see if the costs are covered. If not, find out if your city or county offers help for homes that have been invaded by mold.
If you can, invest in an exhaust fan for the laundry room, bathroom and kitchen. If you can’t afford to do so, consider investing in a few dehumidifiers to help reduce the moisture in your home.
Keep in mind that you cannot remove all mold from your home. There are literally hundreds of thousands of different molds that live among us and it is impossible not to have some of those molds inside of our home.
Don’t try to salvage everything when it comes to toxic fungus growth. It’s almost impossible to save wallpaper, drywall, paperwork and other delicate items. If it’s replaceable and non-salvageable, seal it in a plastic bag and throw it away.
And finally, don’t ignore the problem. It’s not going to go away and when black mold and mildew gets out of hand, there’s not stopping it. At the very least, you could have to spend hundreds of dollars repair your home and at worst, you could end up losing your home or your life. Mold is nothing to play around with. Always be prepared because your health could very well depend on it.