Did you know that we’re all constantly surrounded by mold? That’s because mold spores can be found everywhere where there is organic matter. This isn’t nearly as scary as it might sound: most molds are harmless to people and actually provide huge environmental benefits.
However, there are a few kinds of mold and mildew that can endanger both our health and our belongings if allowed to spread through our homes unchecked. Mold infestations are such a serious problem that they can even reduce the real estate value of your property.
So what’s the best way to deal with a mold problem? Can you solve it yourself, or do you have to hire professionals who specialize in mold remediation in San Diego? What can mold remediation experts do that you can’t do yourself? Read on.
Can you clean up mold yourself?
Unless you’re a mold remediation expert who has access to professional-grade tools, the only times you should attempt to address a mold problem yourself is if it’s a minor one and the mold can easily be prevented from infesting other surfaces.
Examples of less-serious mold problems include:
Moldy fabrics
Clothes, bedsheets, towels, and other fabric items can become moldy if they stay damp for a prolonged period of time. If these items get very moldy, it’s best to replace them.
However, if there are only a few mold stains, you may be able to remove them by washing the fabric on the hottest washer setting that won’t damage it. If the fabric allows it, add a few drops of bleach to the detergent. Afterwards, leave the items to dry out completely in the sun.
Moldy food
Food can start to get moldy if it’s past its expiry date, if it’s kept in damp environments, or if it’s in the proximity of other moldy items. If this happens, you should immediately dispose of the moldy edibles to keep them from infesting your other food.
If this occurs inside your fridge, you should thoroughly clean both the exterior and the interior of the fridge to prevent the mold from spreading. If this is a recurring problem or if the fridge is letting out unpleasant odors, you should call in mold removal technicians.
Do you need a professional to remove black mold?
Unless the mold problem is extremely minor, or the moldy item or surface can be readily replaced without affecting the rest of your property, you’re almost always better off leaving mold remediation to the professionals.
The truth is that identifying the full extent and cause of a mold infestation can be extremely tricky. For instance, using a humidifier can increase the moisture inside a room and cause it to develop some mold on the walls. However, these same moldy spots can also be a sign of faulty insulation or leaky pipes.
Mold removal experts know which signs to look for to determine the true cause of a mold infestation. Furthermore, they have the tools and the expertise necessary to ensure total mold removal that significantly reduces the chance of mold reappearing.
Where can I book an extensive mold remediation in San Diego?
Let’s say you’re planning to buy a new home in Kensington. No matter how great your property of choice may look, there’s always a risk that damaged plumbing, increased humidity, or a past flood have turned it into a fertile environment for all sorts of unhealthy molds.
Having the place examined by a registered mold tester is a crucial step in ensuring you make a good investment. As the top team of mold, water, fire, and smoke remediation experts in San Diego, Risk Free Serv can help you do just that. Contact us today.