The answer on how to get rid of mold spores in the air comes in three methods. The first one is through cleaning. Learn about the other two below!
Apart from that, we’ll discuss what mold spores are and how they can harm you. At the end of this article, you’ll get tips on how to get rid of mold from us.
What Are Mold Spores?
Mold spores are airborne multi-cellular organisms that reproduce asexually. They undergo chemical reactions which allow them to multiply. These chemical reactions are also the cause of the musty and earthy odor of mold.
Mold forms when mold spores come in contact with moisture. While mold is a fungus, it differs from others because of its ability to grow on most porous surfaces.
Mold can form in fabrics, wood, and plaster. Mold also comes in different colors. Although identifying them via their colors isn’t entirely reliable, it may help familiarize yourself with them.
First is green mold, which is typically found in foods. It is pretty typical, and most molds tend to look green at one point.
Next is black mold, which is infamous among all the types of mold. The toxic one is S. chartarum and is found in leaky areas.
Also, the color isn’t solely black; it’s greenish-black. Sometimes, they may also look purplish.
- chartarum is toxic because of its by-product, mycotoxin. However, not all black mold is S. chartarum; some may be Cladosporium. Cladosporium commonly contaminates insulation, walls, and carpet.
Now that you have learned about mold spores, it is time to answer whether they are hazardous to one’s health.
Are they dangerous?
Mold spores stay in the air indefinitely and form only after coming in contact with a damp area. If the site is left unattended for one to two days, the spores will create mold.
As mentioned above, a type of black mold is incredibly toxic to one’s health when inhaled. According to WHO, mycotoxins may lead to long-term effects like immunodeficiency. It may also lead to acute poisoning, which is one of its short-term effects.
Since they are hazardous, it would be helpful for you to know how to identify them. You can use your senses to identify them.
First is if you smell a musty odor. It is not ordinary mold if you smell such a scent.
Moreover, watch out for dark rings on your ceiling. However, the ceiling may be too far for you to examine. In this case, contact a professional for an inspection.
Also, if the stains continue appearing even after you have disinfected the moldy area, it calls for professional intervention. Look into the color and consistency of the mold, and use protective gear when you do so.
If you wish to investigate whether your house items have mold, here’s one article on how to detect mold in a mattress.
Now that we’ve established their adverse health effects, proceed to the next part to learn about eradicating them.
Three Ways To Get Rid Of Airborne Mold Spores
Method #1. Ventilation
Mold spores cannot be wholly eradicated. However, you can reduce their concentration in your home by proper ventilation.
To maintain your home’s airflow, open your doors and windows. Also, set up your air conditioning units as they help with ventilation.
Method #2. Clean
Mold results in more mold spores. You have to eradicate mold to stop mold spores from further invading your home. You can use household ingredients to remove mold, like vinegar and bleach.
Although, it is not advisable to use those if the mold contamination is extensive. In cleaning, make sure to clean areas of concern, like the carpet.
For carpets, you can remove surface mold and its spores by vacuuming them. After that, disinfect the carpet. In other stuff like mattresses, use this article as a guide on eradicating mold for beds.
Method #3. Regulate humidity
Since mold thrives in a moisture-ridden environment, it’s only natural to control humidity levels to prevent it. Areas like the bathroom are especially vulnerable to mildew due to high levels of humidity.
To combat this, have an exhaust fan installed to keep the area well-ventilated. Also, wipe it down after the shower to prevent mold from settling on them. For other areas in your home, you can use a dehumidifier to regulate humidity.
Protect your home from molds
After learning how to get rid of mold and its spores, let’s proceed with preventing them from coming back.
1. Identify problem areas
Mold spores are everywhere, but that does not mean you should let your home be contaminated with them. One way to prevent mold contamination from happening is to monitor the problem areas in your home.
Does your attic often get mold? Then, check your insulation or your roof for damage. Address the problems of water and moisture damage no matter how small they seem.
2. Dry the wet areas immediately
Wet areas may range from wet furniture to a flooded basement. If possible, attend to these water damages as soon as they happen to prevent mold from growing.
Conclusion
It’s challenging to make your home mold-resistant. However, knowing how to get rid of mold spores in the air is better than the high mold remediation expenses.