3 Tips for Dealing With Mold

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

By shutting off your water, you limit any opportunities for mold to expand

Tips That Will Help Slow The Spread Mold

Does your building in Whitemarsh, PA, have a moisture problem? If you've noticed any black mold or other microfungi, it's best to call in a mold cleanup professional right away. Until they arrive, there are some tips to follow that will help slow the spread of mold.

1. Turn Off Water
Mold needs a few key environmental conditions to grow — moisture being a big one. By shutting off your water, you limit any opportunities for mold to expand. This is especially important if the original mold growth was caused by a leaky faucet, pipe, or other fixture. Shutting off the flow stops the leak and the mold; it also has a beneficial side effect of stopping any possible further water damage.

2. Shut Off HVAC
One of the other major environmental factors that mold requires to grow and is airflow. Any mold must continuously have a food supply in order to stay alive and continue to multiply. Usually, that food source is sugar and starch in the cellulose in the material of your building. To reach new food sources, airflow is needed. Thus, by shutting off your HVAC system, the spread of mold is limited. Another benefit to shutting off the system is a temperature change. Black mold and many other kinds require a specific temperature range to grow. While mold isn't as picky as your typical houseplant, it still can only tolerate temps as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Clean Nearby Surfaces
While it's advised to leave the dirty work to the experts, you can limit mold growth by cleaning other areas. Any places around where mold has grown should be disinfected with a water and bleach solution. The most common mixture is 1/3 cup of bleach per single gallon of water.
With the right knowledge under your belt and a licensed professional, any mold (even black mold) doesn't stand a chance.