What Can You Do About Mold and Mildew?

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

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You can’t see them, even when magnified up to 400 times. Under normal conditions indoors, you inhale up to 10,000 of them per minute. But under excessively humid conditions, they can cause health effects to humans and animals…we’re talking about mold and mildew. How can you keep mold and mildew at bay to maximize indoor air quality in your home or business?

What’s the difference between mold and mildew?

Mildew is a surface fungi that grows in green-white colored patches (think long-forgotten leftovers in a refrigerator). Mildew grows on top of moist areas, and can easily be treated with a store-bought cleaner and scrub brush.

Mold is a different story. Once black or green patches of mold are detected, it means there is a larger infestation of this otherwise microscopic organism. Often you hear the term black mold, which can produce allergens and irritants in affected areas of buildings. Black mold is not toxic, but it can cause health effects. Because mold thrives in damp environments, water damage or excessive humidity must be addressed to prevent mold from regrowing.

How can I prevent indoor mold and mildew issues?

The most effective way to control mold and mildew indoors is to control your humidity levels. Ideally, an indoor humidity level of 30–50% will prevent mold and mildew growth, and promote the best possible indoor air quality. Water damage is another main source of mold growth. In fact, mold grows sin homes or businesses that have some sort of water damage within as little as 48 hours.

The EPA is a comprehensive source that offers are several ways you can prevent mold and mildew growth in your home. But for mold growth resulting from water damage, it’s best to consider hiring a professional to remediate mold and properly restore your property. In the meantime, there are mold damage emergency tips to practice before expert help arrives.

What’s the difference between mold removal and mold remediation?

Bottom line: Mold spores exist because they are a vital part of our ecosystem. But excessive indoor mold and mildew growth is not part of that eco-equation. This is an important point to note when companies guarantee that they “remove mold.” Microscopic mold spores are nearly everywhere, so removing them from inside a home or business is impossible.

Mold remediation, on the other hand, is the proper way that professionals eliminate visible  mold growth and bring mold levels down to normal, healthy levels. With proper cleaning techniques, your home or business can be restored and refreshed for the long term.

Breathe Better Indoor Air with SERVPRO

Mold and mildew growth can happen year-round, so it’s good to know you can depend on our Southeast Milwaukee SERVPRO team 24/7. In fact, residents and businesses in your neighborhood rely on us for mold remediation, water damage restoration, fire restoration, and much more. Contact us for a complimentary consultation, or when you need us in an emergency.