What You Need to Know About Mold

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is a problem that you could possibly solve yourself, but it's best left to the professionals.

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow indoors and outdoors. It is commonly found in damp or humid areas and can cause problems for some people. Mold can grow on a variety of surfaces, including walls, floors, and ceilings, and can appear in various colors, such as black, green, or white. It is important to address mold growth promptly to prevent further growth and potential issues.

Mold is everywhere: in homes, offices, schools, and even outdoors. Mold can grow almost anywhere that there is moisture—even on clothes in your closet! And since mold spores are microscopic and float through the air, they can be found just about anywhere you go.

Here are some things to know about mold:

Mold’s Smell

While mold does have a distinct smell, it can vary from person to person and even from home to home. Some people are more sensitive than others, and some may not notice the smell at all.

Some common smells include:

• Mildew/earthy
• Bleach-like
• Paint-like (sweet) or vinegar-like (musty) odor (more common with Aspergillus species)

Bleach & Mold

You've probably seen or heard this advice: if you want to get rid of mold, just spray the area with bleach and let it sit for a few hours. You might even have done it yourself. But does bleach kill mold? Can you use it safely in your Longmont, CO home?

The short answer is no—bleach does not kill mold on soft surfaces like drywall and fabric, which can be damaged by bleach. In fact, using chlorine-based bleach on these materials will only make the problem worse by releasing harmful toxins into the air that are more likely to cause problems than removing mold growth. 

Hidden Mold

While it's true that mold often begins to grow inside a home and then spreads outward, many types of mold can grow in places where you don't expect them, including dark corners and places you don't often visit and clean. Mold can also form behind the walls, especially if there was some water damage.

Testing for Mold

If you’re worried about the presence of mold in your home, you can purchase a test kit at your local hardware store. However, these kits are not always accurate and can be expensive. Many professional mold testing companies offer free consultation services to help determine whether or not there is a problem with contamination.

Call the Professionals at SERVPRO of Longmont

Mold is a problem that you could possibly solve yourself, but it's best left to the professionals. If you find mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Longmont to remediate your home and get you back to normal. We know the proper techniques to remediate mold safely and effectively.