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Wet Weather Can Bring Unwelcome Visitors Inside the Home, Notably Mold

With changing weather across the country, many areas are experiencing significantly wetter weather this year. Whether they live in Michigan or Texas, this wet weather can bring unwelcome visitors into the home, notably mold.

Cleaning up from rainstorms and soaking conditions can be a difficult and often daunting task. Proper cleaning and disinfecting can be especially difficult in areas where soil drainage is poor or basements are common. Basements have a tendency to harbor moisture since few have proper ventilation to maintain a good moisture balance. Since they mainly sit below ground, wet soil surrounding the walls keeps moisture levels high, making basements the perfect breeding ground for mold, a dangerous organism that can cause extreme health problems in most individuals.

But, because of their moisture level, basements can be difficult to clean after wet weather. If there has been significant flooding, homeowners are advised to call professionals who are equipped to handle immediate cleaning and disinfecting needs of the area. In cases of high moisture, however, homeowners are advised to take similar precautions with their own cleaning procedures.

Mold does not need high levels of water to grow, just moist, damp conditions and space. Finished basements are especially susceptible to mold growth due to carpets, tile and drop ceilings. These materials tend to have lots of surfaces on which mold can grow. The fibers of carpet and pores of tile provide the necessary nooks for mold to take hold and flourish.

It only takes mold 24 hours to develop so homeowners need to act quickly to prevent it from growing or spreading. Once mold begins to reproduce, spores can enter the ventilation system and spread to the rest of the house. Furthermore, dormant mold spores can become active again if they are exposed to moist conditions.

Although detergent or bleach can be used to disinfect most areas, homeowners are warned that mixing chemicals can lead to the formation of harmful or deadly gases. Since mold is a dangerous organism, homeowners are also advised to wear protective gear, such as goggles, masks, and gloves when cleaning or handling potentially exposed surfaces.

When in doubt, dispose of soaked items such as carpets, rugs, boxes, and other porous substances. These are most likely to harbor mold. Contact a professional to clean any items that cannot be thrown away.

To prevent against future mold growth, homeowners should have their air ducts cleaned and disinfected on a regular bases. They can also purchase dehumidifiers to help maintain proper moisture levels within the home. There are also whole-house and stand-alone air purifiers available that can filter out mold spores and allergens.