Molds are a group of fungus that cover surfaces and generate a large number of spores. What causes mold on hardwood floors is moisture under a hardwood floor left unaddressed. It can result in mold growth, which can eventually destroy the floor.
Mold can appear in various hues on wood; it can be green, black, orange, or yellow in appearance. It is also known as a common cause of wood discoloration.
When mold spores wander into your property, if they land in a moist environment conducive to growth, they will begin to increase. The result is not only unpleasant, but it also has the potential to be harmful to your health. If mold is forming underneath your flooring, you must first identify and eliminate the source of the mold before replacing the flooring.
What Are The Causes Of Mold On Hardwood Floors?
Mold develops on a natural matter exposed to excessive humidity or retained moisture. It suggests that hardwood floors are vulnerable to mold growth underneath them in the event of a flood or water damage. Learn more about what mold looks like on hardwood floors here.
Excessive humidity in your home can be present without you realizing it. Mold spores can exist without anyone knowing how they got there. Also, you may be living in a house with a leak that you don’t know.
If your basement has wood floors, you must be highly vigilant about moisture to avoid mold growth. Ensure to empty a humidifier that periodically absorbs moisture in a room with hardwood flooring to prevent water spilling. Here’s a helpful guide on what to put in a humidifier to prevent mold.
How Can You Tell If You Have Mold Under Hardwood Floors?
Mold thrives in a moist, humid atmosphere. Therefore, it is only necessary to act if leakage occurs into contact with your floor and clean it up before drying the damaged area completely. Mold spores will swiftly form if moisture is allowed to sit for an extended period.
However, the issue arises when the water is not easily noticeable. If the water collects between the hardwood floorboards and the sub-flooring, it will be impossible to clean the floor with a standard mop.
Moisture can quickly accumulate in places such as basements and other enclosed spaces. Mold problems are made even worse by the conditions in which they occur.
1. Musty smell
Mold can cause musty smells to invade your home surroundings, which might indicate that you have a mold problem. Mold emits particles that lead to musty odors.
2. Water damage
You likely have a mold problem if you have noticed water damage on your flooring, particularly if the floor has a squishy softness to it when you step on it. Watermarks are an indicator that water has been sitting on your wood for an excessive amount of time.
3. Checking for yourself
If you have a feeling already, the only way to find one of the most reliable mold symptoms under hardwood flooring is to look beneath the floorboards themselves.
Is mold on hardwood floors dangerous?
Some varieties of mold are harmful, but not all of them are. The effects of black mold can range from mild neurological problems to life-threatening cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
Even if you clean up after yourself, mold can seep into your lungs if you do not wear a respirator or remove the mold promptly. Maintaining bathrooms, kitchens, and other moist areas of your home is essential to keep mold away, as is periodically inspecting your piping for leakage or other mold-growing issues.
If you find mold on your hardwood floors, don’t walk on it or even look at it; keep your family safe. It will cause the mold to get disturbed, allowing it to escape into the air.
Keep your distance from the moldy area until you have a filter mask on hand. When removing the mold, be sure to use disposable gloves and then dispose of them properly.
How do I prevent mold on my hardwood floors?
Regular cleaning and preventing moisture from getting into your home’s wood are the strongest protection against mold. To clean hardwood floors, use a damp mop and a cleaning solution specifically formulated for hardwood.
- Clean up spills and mop up any extra water right away.
- Fix any leaks that you find in the plumbing system regularly.
- Inspect and fix any leaky seals on windows and doors as well.
- Reduce splashing in public spaces by using carpets, a shower curtain, and other such
measures as these. - Keep your basement and sump pump basins dry by sealing them.
- Mold may grow in any significant volume of water. If a location is consistently damp, even a tiny amount of moisture might encourage mold growth.
Conclusion
What causes mold on hardwood floors is neglecting preventive measures. If you want to keep moisture at a minimum on your hardwood flooring, you should always do regular checking.
If you need to deal with mold, always wear a facemask and gloves to be safe. Ask for professional help if the mold still stays.