Fighting Mold and Mildew - What Seattle residence are accustomed to
Did you know?
There are over 100,000 known species of mold, a.k.a. mildew, and it can grow in almost every environment. Since it rains in Seattle, mold can be found throughout the house, it is most likely in your bathroom, kitchen, basement or any place there is excess moisture. Mold and mildew are not only unsightly, left untreated they can create or exacerbate health problems like asthma, headaches, sinus problems, and even depression. While it’s impossible to rid your home of mold completely, there are preventive and treatment methods to keep your home as safe and mold-free as possible. Properties in Seattle are not the only place where mold and mildew pop up. Any homes with moisture that gets trapped are prone.
Testing for Mold
If you suspect you have a mold problem, you can hire a professional to come run tests or you can rely on a do-it-yourself test that can be purchased online. Most “at-home” tests require you to send your sample to an outside lab for results, but it will likely still be less expensive than hiring a professional. For more information on mold testing, contact your Realtor or the City of Seattle health department.
Stop It Before It Starts
Most mold feeds on moisture. In order to keep it at bay, you need to keep your home as dry as you can. Clean rain gutters to prevent flooded basements and rotted roofs. Repair leaks and cracks in the floor, foundation, or walls. Apply a waterproofing compound to basement floor, walls, and any cracks you find. Keep a dehumidifier in rooms that tend to be damp and keep them as warm as possible during winter.
Getting Rid of Mold
Cleaning an area of mold that is only a few square feet can be done yourself with disinfectants and scrubbing. Areas larger than 30 square feet will most likely require the help of a professional. Since Seattle is such an eco-friendly city, for a green approach, tea tree oil, a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent, will kill mold when mixed with warm water. No matter how you choose to get rid of mold, you must be vigilant about keeping the area dry and clean, or the mold will come back. Summer months in Seattle are not to be taken for granted, mold still exists in these temperate climates.
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