Life in Florida comes with many incredible things, from fascinating wildlife and gorgeous backdrops to unforgettable family fun. One addition, however, consistently ruins the party for homes across the Sunshine State: mold.
Florida hosts damp, humid air and a warm climate that mold thrives in. This mold can present a genuine problem for families with young kids or household members with asthma. Follow these next steps after you spot mold in your home and avoid an agonizingly drawn-out battle with mold.
Photograph the Problem
It might seem like a small, meaningless step, but photographing what you can see of the mold is crucial. Photos tracking the progress of the mold can help identify the cause, as an active water leak will create more rapidly growing mold than inactive moisture.
Most smartphones now include a date in the photo’s information. You can also place the images into a dated album or file folder to help you track the rate of mold growth in your home. Take these photos the day you spot the mold growth and each day after if you have time. It’s also important to take photos of the area after the mold removal for your records.
Call a Remediation Team
Once you have your photos, it’s time to call a remediation team. Attempting to kill and remove mold at home is a hassle, and it’s dangerous, too. For example, many homes rely on bleach to kill mold, but bleach only works on nonporous surfaces. Agitating the mold by scrubbing releases more spores into the air and irritates the eyes and lungs of your family.
Professional mold remediation teams know how to tackle mold in a way that prevents further spread and gets rid of the mold as thoroughly as possible. Remember to ask plenty of questions when choosing a mold remediation team, as it’s crucial to pick a team that gets the job done right the first time.
Protect Your Family
One of the final steps to take after you spot mold in your home is to protect your family. Children with asthma can experience serious symptoms due to mold spores and may feel better away from the home until the mold is gone.
You can also work to lower the moisture in the home by setting up a dehumidifier. Frequently changing your air filters improves air quality and helps your family breathe in fewer mold spores. These two changes to your home can even protect your home from further mold growth once the remediation team finishes their work!