The molds which cause ill health are those which produce toxins called mycotoxins, if these are found in high concentrations they can and will cause allergies affecting the respiratory system and eyes as well as possibly causing nausea, headaches and fatigue. Any one who already suffers from asthma, the very young and the elderly are most at risk.

Therefore it is essential that any water damage is dealt with quickly and effectively to limit the amount of mold growth which may occur.

Obviously cause of the water damage will dictate the severity and whether or not it is possible to clear up and deal with any water damage mold yourself.

Mold Caused By Water Damage

Major flooding will without doubt need the services of a professional company to clear up, dry out and restore your property as this would be a major undertaking and would most likely be beyond the capabilities of most DIY “experts.” If this is the case you can be sure that any water damage mold will have been dealt with.

If on the other hand you have a burst pipe or something similar and the water damage is not too extensive you may decide to tackle the clean up yourself.

The key to preventing water damage mold is to remove the excess water and moisture as quickly as possible.

1. Remove everything from the area. If the weather allows take furniture etc. outside and allow it to dry out thoroughly.

Clearing Up Water

2. Remove any water inside the property – you may need professional help with this.

3. Any items which can be laundered should be and thoroughly dried also.

4. Any cardboard, paper etc. should be disposed of as this is prime mold growing material.

5. Items such as carpets and rugs must be dried out as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth. Again if you can remove them and allow them to dry outside this is the best option. Cleaning with a steam cleaner may also be a wise move as this will kill off any mold spores and provided the carpet or rug is thoroughly dried mold will not form.

6. Floors, walls and wood must also be dried quickly. Opening windows will help as will the use of heaters and electric fans but investing in a dehumidifier is without doubt the best option. (It is possible to rent these if you don’t want to buy.) There are dehumidifiers available which will not only help dry out the room but which also contain HEPA filters which will help remove mold spores from the atmosphere.

7. Drying everything out however, may in some instances not be an option if damage or mold growth is extensive plaster board, wall insulation wood and floorings may require replacing otherwise mold growth will be a continual problem.

8. Don’t be tempted to cover mold with carpets, tiles, wall paper etc. or to return items to the room until everything is 100% dry. This will only give more problems in the future.

9. Any mold growth can be cleaned from walls and other surfaces using various cleaning materials either commercial mold removers from a store or household items such as vinegar or lemon juice from the kitchen cupboard.

10. REMEMBER – If mold caused by water damage is extensive getting it professionally treated is essential.

The growth of mold can be due to a number of reasons. Probably most commonly to high levels on moisture in the atmosphere. In summer this is often due to high humidity levels and in winter due to inadequate ventilation as we try to keep our homes heated. This can cause condensation on windows and other cold surfaces as the air cools and the moisture turns to water droplets. Of course moisture is exactly what mold needs to germinate and flourish.

A Bad Case Of Mold Growth

In this scenario it is fairly easy to remedy – remove the moisture for the atmosphere and use a good mold cleaner to remove and kill the mold and your problem should go away.

How do you reduce the moisture in the air?

Something as simple as opening a window to let air circulate will help, you could purchase a dehumidifierwhich will greatly reduce the moisture and will dry out any particularly damp rooms. These are not too expensive to run especially if you purchase a model which has a humidistat fitted which means it will only switch itself on when the humidity level rises. Another feature which is useful is that some models have various types of air filters which will help to remove mold spores from circulating in the atmosphere.

Fitting a ventilation fanin the bathroom which is vented directly to the outside of your property is a good plan for use during bathing. A cooker hoodfitted in the kitchen will extract excess moisture and steam created during cooking. Tumble driers create huge amounts of moisture so make sure that this too is ventilated to the outside of your house using a simple hose.

All of these simple measures are extremely effective and not hugely expensive.

Good maintenance to the fabric of your property is also vital. Taking care of small problems as they arise can prevent major cost and major repairs in the future. Check for leaky pipes, blocked gutters, damaged brick work etc. all of these will allow water to seep into your home damaging walls and floors as well as furniture and soft furnishings – creating a mold growing haven.

Once you have dealt with the source of your mold problem it is time to tackle the mold with a good mold cleaner.

If you venture into your local store or on to the internet you will be faced with a myriad of mold cleaner products all claiming to be the best. Beware, many of these are toxic containing all sorts of chemical agents which can do as much if not more damage to your health and that of your family if not used with extreme care. The good news is, that there are now natural mold cleaners out there which contain nothing but natural ingredients but which are equally as effective as the chemical products available.

If you don’t want to spend any extra money there are a couple of every day ingredients which will act as great mold cleaners which you will likely have in a cupboard.

Soap – Plain old soap will do a perfectly good job if the mold infestation is fairly minor. It is as simple as scrubbing the affected area, wiping it clean then allowing to dry.

Baking Soda – This is a very simple but effective and cheap mold cleaner for tiles. Mix the baking soda into a paste with water and vinegar. Use a toothbrush to scrub with the paste. Leave this to sit for around twenty minutes then rinse off.

This is just a couple of suggestions for natural mold cleaners, you could also try tea tree oil or grapefruit seed oil – these are quite expensive but a little bottle goes a long way! Plain distilled white vinegar will also work well.

Caution: If you are unsure of the type of mold in your home please consult a professional – it may be toxic!