Mold in the house: How dangerous are the mold stains in the house and how can we eliminate them?
Traces of mold in the house are more than just spots; they are a problem that can make you sick. This makes it all the more important for homeowners to react correctly in the event of an infestation. And this means, above all, eliminating the causes that led to the appearance of mold. Whether it is a matter of rooms that are not sufficiently ventilated or spaces with high humidity, it is essential that the problem be correctly identified, so that the right solution can then be found.
Table of Contents
- What is mold and why is it dangerous?
- How can you recognize mold?
- Mold spots in the house – how should we proceed?
- How can mold infestation be prevented?
- Mold in the car
1. What is mold and why is it dangerous?
Mold is a type of fungus commonly found in multicellular structures called hyphae. These hyphae produce mold spores that are found indoors and outdoors. Although mold spores are found everywhere, mold requires moisture to grow. Therefore, mold can be prevalent especially in refrigerators and bathrooms, and it often appears after water pipe leaks or flooding. There are thousands of different species of mold; some are used to produce common things, such as medicines (namely penicillin) and food. However, when mold grows in the house, it can be harmful, causing material damage and health problems.
So, is it dangerous to find mold spots in the house? The appearance of mold in or around the home is dangerous for two reasons. Firstly, when mold starts to grow, it feeds on the materials it grows on, resulting in irreversible damage. Secondly, mold releases small spores and byproducts into the air that can irritate or be the cause of many illnesses. If these are inhaled, they can cause respiratory problems. Stachybotrys Chartarum (commonly called black mold) is a common form of mold found in properties that can lead to such problems.
There are approximately 120,000 different types of mold worldwide, but not all of them are harmful to humans, and some are even used in food processing, such as for noble salami or certain cheeses.
Mold spores are found everywhere in the air, but usually in very low concentrations. Within the four walls of the house, we should keep mold pollution at the lowest possible level, as it can have serious and harmful consequences for health. So, if you notice a moldy smell in the bedroom, then you must take measures immediately.
To develop, mold needs only three components: moisture, oxygen, and heat. If these are sufficiently present in a room, this can lead to the unchecked spread of mold spots in the house.
Fungi feel best at a temperature between 15° and 25° Celsius, as well as at particularly high humidity. This explains why bathrooms and kitchens in particular are the most frequently affected rooms, as a lot of moisture can accumulate there through showering and cooking.
2. How can you recognize mold?
Often, we notice mold spots on the walls much too late. More precisely, when mold becomes visible, it means that the spores are already established on the chosen substrate, whether it is carpet, walls, or furniture. We cannot recognize mold itself with the naked eye, which is why prevention in this case is the most important thing for a healthy habitat.
In principle, a distinction is made between four types of mold:
Green mold (Aspergillus Fumigatus)
Green mold is the most well-known and most common type of mold in households and is also known as “gray mold.” To date, it has not been proven that this type of mold in the house has a direct effect on humans or pets – it is only known that it weakens the immune system and can cause allergies.
Black mold (Aspergillus niger)
This type of mold includes over 40 different fungi, but not all are dangerous to humans. Intake through food in particular carries specific health problems and risks, which can range from allergies to immune disorders. Black mold is especially common on wallpaper, walls, cupboards, and food.
Red mold (Neurospora Sitophila)
Red mold, also known as “baker’s mold,” grows especially on cereals, but also on wood, cardboard, or paper. This type of mold can cause severe breathing difficulties due to its spores.
Yellow mold (Aspergillus Flavus)
This type of yellow-green mold is less commonly encountered, as it prefers a very hot and humid climate. It was first discovered during archaeological excavations in Egypt. The spores of this type of fungus can cause, among other things, liver cancer and heart failure, which is why it is also called the “pharaoh’s curse.”
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3. Mold spots in the house – how should we proceed?
As soon as you discover mold, you must act to remove it as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the more time the mold has to spread unchecked and even penetrate deep into the masonry.
If you notice a moldy smell in the bedroom, then try to sleep in another room until the problem is fixed, so that the spores do not affect your health.
Klintensiv Tip: Opt for a disinfectant with a mold-removing effect. Simply by spraying, mold spots will be removed, and the product will act deep into the surface on which it is applied.
Mold in house basements
Mold often forms in basement rooms primarily due to incorrect ventilation. If you inspect carefully, you will most often notice mold spots on the walls. While regular ventilation in living rooms can reduce relative humidity, the opposite happens in the basement. Especially in summer, basement rooms are usually very cold, while the air outside is warm and humid – so, if you usually ventilate during this period, the water condenses and remains on the walls as moisture.
While masonry can absorb some water like a sponge, the wall reaches saturation with an excessive amount of condensation. As a result, the walls become damp and mold forms on the walls.
Since basement rooms are warmer than the outside air in winter, you can safely ventilate during the cold season. However, because there are various water pipes in the basement that can freeze, you should not leave the windows open permanently, but rather ventilate several times a day.
So, the following applies: in summer, you must keep the cellar windows closed on hot days – on cold autumn or winter days you can safely ventilate. The cellar becomes more humid due to the warm summer air and drier due to the cold winter air. As a preventive measure, only adequate ventilation helps against mold in the cellar.
Removing mold from the bathroom
Mold spores are particularly fond of damp joints in the bathroom. In the case of small mold spots or a superficial infestation, 70-80% ethyl alcohol simply provides a remedy. Use a cloth or sponge to apply alcohol to the affected areas. Wipe away the slippery film and then ventilate the room.
A washing soda solution, as well as 5-10% hydrogen peroxide, also achieve the same effect. Household remedies such as distilled alcohol or high-percentage rubbing alcohol are also suitable for mold removal.
On the other hand, the use of vinegar is not recommended, as it is neutralized by the lime present in the house walls.
Klintensiv Tip: Since such homemade methods do not always guarantee effectiveness, the best way to get rid of mold is to use a solution specifically created for this purpose.
4. How can mold infestation be prevented?
Proper heating and ventilation can prevent the appearance of mold and the emergence of new mold spots on the walls.
As already explained, a visible mold infestation is a sign of a spore load that has already existed for some time. To prevent an infestation, the fungus must be deprived of its means of survival – primarily the combination of moisture and heat. From 60% humidity, mold can develop. So, to avoid having mold in the house, always keep the humidity level under control.
While construction defects can trigger and favor mold development, some measures can hinder its growth. Pay close attention to regular and proper ventilation and heating.
You should never leave the windows in the house or apartment closed or open all day, but rather ventilate several times a day. This improves air circulation and reduces humidity. Especially on hot summer days, you should keep the windows closed during the day to prevent humid, warm outside air from entering.
On the other hand, in winter, correct heating is essential. Always heat all rooms to avoid warm air entering cold rooms. Otherwise, due to the drop in temperature, condensation water forms quickly, which, in turn, favors the development of mold on the walls.
Generally, in case of high humidity (from a value greater than 60%), it is recommended to purchase a room dehumidifier – it extracts excess moisture from the room air and ensures that the mold is deprived of its means of survival.
When you cook, hot steam is produced in the kitchen, which can favor mold development. In any case, always turn on the hood while cooking, as this will quickly direct the hot air outside. It is also recommended to close the door to adjacent rooms and ventilate periodically.
Organic substances, such as food residues and waste, also prove to be a breeding ground for mold spores. Empty trash bins regularly and wash them with detergent if they are visibly dirty, to avoid major damage.
If you identify moldy food in the refrigerator, throw it away immediately and clean the inside of the refrigerator so that mold does not form on the walls.
Also, never hang damp or wet clothes in the closet. Since air cannot circulate through closed doors, mold formation in the closet and mold spots on clothes appear very quickly.
5. Mold in the car
Through the ventilation, mold spores are distributed throughout the car and can penetrate the passengers' airways.
Even in your own car, mold spots can become a real chore. They not only reduce the car's value but pose a health risk. Heating and air conditioning, in particular, can become dangerous, as mold spores are directed directly into the airways of the driver and front passenger.
If you notice that the windows are fogging up excessively, as well as an unpleasant smell, you should look for the cause. Particularly damp items, such as umbrellas, sportswear, or dirty shoes, can be identified as the cause. If possible, never leave such items in the car for a long period of time, as they can serve as an ideal breeding ground for mold spores.
Conclusion
Mold spots are truly a problem, especially for people suffering from various respiratory conditions. However, by using effective products, mold can be eliminated quite simply. Precautionary measures, however, must be strictly observed in the long term to prevent the recurrence of mold spots.
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