Mold growth in homes often results from reduced heating and ventilation, leading to increased humidity. Health risks from mold are frequently underestimated, as even small spots can indicate larger issues. Effective removal involves cleaning surfaces and replacing affected materials while taking safety precautions. Professional help is recommended for larger infestations or if the cause is unclear. Mold typically forms in cold areas and poses serious health hazards. Simply removing surface mold may not suffice, as hidden infestations can persist, necessitating further action.
Created with agency material
One of the most visible outcomes of attempts to conserve energy is the appearance of mold in your home. Many individuals who reduce heating and ventilation inadvertently create an environment ripe for mold growth due to elevated humidity levels.
However, the health risks associated with mold are often underestimated. Behind seemingly minor spots on wallpaper, joints, and masonry, a more significant problem may lurk. Here’s a guide on how to tackle this issue:
How to Effectively Remove Small Mold Spots
Start by cleaning the affected surface. For smooth materials such as glass, metal, lacquer, ceramics, and plastics, using a cloth dampened with a household cleaner is usually sufficient, as advised by consumer protection experts. Be sure to dispose of the cloth afterward.
According to Stefan Betz, the chairman of the Federal Association for Mold Remediation, you can also use an alcohol-based disinfectant, which should be around 70 to 80 percent alcohol. For areas with joints and wallpaper, these should be removed and replaced. After removal, it’s recommended to wipe the wall with high-percentage alcohol.
While undertaking this task, it’s crucial to protect yourself from mold spores by wearing gloves and a respiratory mask, similar to those used during pandemic times. If you’re working in higher areas, consider wearing protective goggles to shield your eyes from any harmful particles.
To minimize health risks, Betz suggests moistening the wallpaper before removal or dabbing it with an alcohol solution. This technique helps prevent the release of spores during the extraction process. Remember to ventilate the room thoroughly afterward.
When Should You Call in Professionals for Mold Removal?
As a general rule, it’s advisable to handle mold areas that are no larger than half a square meter. This measurement can apply even if there are multiple small spots within that area, as noted by Betz. It’s wise to call in experts for any noticeable infestations, particularly if there’s visible fluff on the mold spots.
If you’re uncertain about what’s causing the mold growth, it’s best to consult a professional. An infestation could be due to hidden water damage rather than just poor ventilation or inadequate heating.
Where Do Mold Spots Typically Form Due to Poor Ventilation and Heating?
According to Betz, cold exterior components are usually the most affected areas, including exterior walls, corners where two walls meet, and regions around poorly insulated or leaky windows.
If mold appears on an interior wall, other factors may be at play, such as leaking pipes. Mold on interior walls linked to ventilation and heating issues is often caused by thermal bridges or rooms that are not heated appropriately.
Why Is Mold Particularly Hazardous to Health?
Mold poses significant health risks, potentially triggering allergic reactions and worsening respiratory conditions. Vulnerable individuals, such as those with compromised immune systems, should avoid mold-infested spaces.
Furthermore, mold can severely damage a building’s structure. In extreme cases, it can compromise load-bearing wooden beams or a roof structure, ultimately making the property uninhabitable.
Why Do Mold Spots Keep Returning After Removal?
Simply removing mold from the surface may not be enough. Persistent mold spots often indicate that the infestation has penetrated deeper layers, remaining concealed. Betz likens this to weeds in a garden: “If I only remove the dandelion superficially, its roots can sprout again.”
This is also true if only a few black dots are visible on the wallpaper’s surface. A detachment from the substrate suggests that moisture has compromised the adhesive, signaling that further action is necessary.
Should you discover a more significant infestation hidden behind wallpaper, it’s likely that additional issues are present. In such cases, you may need to not only remove the wallpaper but also part of the plaster.
Will the Issue Resolve Itself with Warmer Weather?
For the time being, yes. “As moisture decreases, mold growth will halt,” explains Betz. This applies even to infestations in deeper layers. While the problem may seem to diminish with rising temperatures, any existing mold will remain dormant, waiting for moisture to return, much like a seed.
This means that without proactive measures, the mold issue will not only recur during the next winter but could also worsen over time.