Do You Have Mold In Your Home?

Mold is one of those things that most people worry about, but don’t really understand what signs to look out for and what to do if they end up finding mold in their home. We are going to explore a recent experience that we had with a customer. Let this be an example of why it's so important to periodically check for mold.

It Can Happen To Anyone

A customer contacted us to remove their current dishwasher and install a new one. Removing and installing new appliances is a routine service that we offer. The customer had no idea that there was mold growing in their home or that there had been any leaks from the dishwasher.

When we removed their current dishwasher we found extensive mold growth behind and under the dishwasher. Their dishwasher had been leaking for some time and it was never detected.

How To Get Rid Of Mold

If you discover that there is mold in your home, it is important to have it taken care of immediately. Our partners, Clean Sweep, will perform thorough mold remediation. Ensuring that the mold is properly removed will improve the air quality in your home, as well as, stop any further structural damage from occurring.

When identifying mold in your home, it's important to recognize the cause of the mold and make sure that it is taken care of. In this example, the cause was the old dishwasher.

If you find a small amount of mold in your home that has not caused structural damage and you can easily identify and remove the cause there are a few ways that you can resolve the mold yourself. Make sure to where protective equipment like rubber gloves for your safety while removing mold. 

• Your local hardware store will likely have a mold removal solution that you can purchase and apply directly to the mold.
• Apply a detergent, like dish soap, directly to mold on wood.
• White vinegar can remove mold on hard surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Mix 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water and apply this solution directly to the mold. Do not rinse the solution off.
• Mix equal parts of ammonia and water and spray the surface that contains mold, wait 2-3 hours, and then rinse.

* Never mix ammonia with bleach or any other cleaning solution. It can create toxic fumes.*

Prevent Mold

It's important to take measures to prevent mold growth. Make sure to eliminate excess moisture in your home. You can do this by utilizing a dehumidifier and ensuring that you have proper ventilation. Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear and that water is able to drain away from your home's foundation.

Check your appliances every 3 months for leaks. You can purchase sensors that can detect water leaks. Place them in areas that are more likely to experience a leak such as, under sinks, washers, water heaters, etc. If you do experience a leak, make sure to properly resolve it to prevent water damage and mold growth. 

As always, Donovan WaterWorks is here for all of your plumbing needs so don’t hesitate to call