Mold Busting: How to keep fungus at bay

(NC)-Mold spores can be more haunting to a home and its inhabitants than ghosts. Families suffering from allergies, respiratory problems or cold-like symptoms could be feeling the subtle effects of mold. For this reason, experts recommend proactive prevention and quick removal of mold from the home.

To help you banish and prevent mold from springing up in your home this spring, consider the following advice from The Home Depot Canada:

Mold Removal - A mixture of chlorine bleach, detergent and water removes mold and mildew from most areas. Deck cleaning products, moisture-resistant paint and bath and wall-sealing strips available at The Home Depot can also eliminate or decrease the occurrence of mold

Areas recently contaminated by flooding or other moisture problems should be disinfected. "Keeping a mold-free home comes down to keeping the home clean and dry," says John Mazoli, building expert for The Home Depot.

Area Prevention - The most effective way to rid your house of mold is to stop it from growing and spreading in the first place. "Understanding where mold grows and lives is the key to prevention," says Mazoli. "Molds require moist, warm and shaded areas to grow and thrive on natural fibers such as untreated wood, cotton and leather." To keep your house mold free, practice the following:

• <>Basement - Keep floors dry, walls insulated and rooms well lit.
• <>Bathroom - Completely dry shower walls with a towel or sponge. Use vented exhaust fans to reduce air moisture and mildew resistant wallpaper paste.
• <>Carpet - Install man-made carpet fabrics and dry wet carpet quickly.
• <>Kitchen - Use an exhaust fan when cooking, especially when boiling to help reduce humidity levels.
• <>Laundry room - Do not leave damp clothes in the washer, basket or dark environments and clean overflow hoses.
• <>Painted interior walls - Keep surfaces dry and warm and use moisture-resistant paints.
• <>Roofs - Improve ventilation by removing vegetation and debris, spraying annually. Use zinc granule shingles to dissolve fungus.
• <>Doors and windows - If windows and doors are in good condition, install interior storm window and door kits for the heating season. If window condensation regularly occurs, seal the window with weather-stripping or removable, strippable caulking.

Source: Myseniorsite.ca