Places to Check for Mould in Your Home!

• Washing Machine

Washing machines are notorious for growing hidden mould and, therefore, having a funny smell. If your home uses a front-load washing machine, there’s a pretty high chance that you’ll see some mould growth in and around the door. This is because washing machines don’t usually get a chance to dry out between loads. Especially, because the door is often left shut between each use. This creates an ideal atmosphere for mould growth. In order to prevent this, be sure to leave the door open between loads. Or, take a cloth and wipe out moisture from the door once you are done using the machine. 

• Window Sills

Another common place to encounter hidden mould is window sills. This is a prime place for mould growth to begin. The condensation from the window pane creates moisture that can build up in the sill of the window. With the right temperature, this can create a lovely home for all sorts of moulds. Dirt and dust often accumulate in these areas as well, which only accelerates mould growth. Prevent a mould outbreak by wiping away condensation from your windows and occasionally cleaning the grooves of the window sill. 

• Refrigerator

The next place you’ll want to check is your refrigerator. Specifically, the drip pan. Many people neglect this area in their annual deep clean because of its inconvenience. However, we encourage you to take a look at what might be growing under your fridge. If you notice a large amount of mould growth, use a water and vinegar solution to clean out any mould. Be sure to clean your drip pan 1-2 times per year in order to prevent build-up.  

• Chimneys

If your home has a chimney, there’s a chance it’s housing all sorts of mould species. The way a chimney is capped off will determine how much rain and snow it gets inside. Getting a professional chimney cleaner 1-2 times a year is a good way to avoid mould disasters.  

Kamloop Mould Removal Tips

So, you’ve found mould in one of these common household places. What now? Well, the first step is identifying the type of mould you are working with. Different types of mould have different levels of danger and risk. The type of mould will determine the treatment plan and how cautious you need to be. Certain kinds of mould may even require the help of a Kamloops mould removal expert. Although, some mould problems can be solved by the homeowner with little to no risk involved. 

Next, if the mould is non-toxic, you’ll want to determine if the surface it is on is non-porous or porous. For example, a non-porous surface is something like glass, metal, plastic, or varnished wood. On the other hand, a porous surface is something like, untreated wood, carpet, fabric, or cardboard. The mould that is on non-porous surfaces and non-toxic can usually be remedied with a bleach solution or vinegar and water solution. However, if it is on a porous surface, you might want to bring in an expert. This is because using an at-home solution to get rid of mould can cause the mould to spread or fail to kill all of the moulds on the surface. 

For toxic moulds (black mould) or mould on porous surfaces, it is best to call an expert. In the meantime, the best thing to do is contain the mould. Start by closing vents in the room and turning off the air conditioning. This will minimize the risk of mould spreading to other rooms in the home. Then grab a plastic bag and tape it around the affected area making sure that the bag and tape do not touch the mould. Disturbing the mould could cause spores to release into the air causing harm to you and spreading it. 

Contact Us About Kamloops Mould Removal Services. 

It is important to keep a handle on mould growth in your home during all seasons of the year! If you would like to receive a quote for our Kamloops mould removal services, contact us today. We’d be happy to help you remove any unwanted bacteria from your home. For more information feel free to reach out to us. Be sure to stay tuned to our blog for more mould-related information. We look forward to helping you out soon!

The post Kamloops Mould Removal – Household Tips. appeared first on Swipe Contracting Ltd..

Condensation is the #1 Reason For Okanagan Mould Removal Services. 

Condensation is the biggest culprit when it comes to mould growth. Homes are the most susceptible to mould from October through to April. This is because condensation is more likely to form during these months due to the hot and cold temperatures. Condensation is man-made moisture that occurs when moist air comes into contact with a cool surface or cold air. The warmer the air in your home, the more moisture it is likely to retain. Once the air comes into contact with something cooler, water is released to form condensation. 

It is most common to notice condensation on windows during the morning. Condensation is also common in the kitchen and bathroom. The bathroom is a prime spot for mould to incubate. Hot showers cause an immense amount of condensation. Especially, if you constantly forget to turn on the fan. Furthermore, the older that your home is, the more likely it is to contract some kind of mould. This is because older homes have poor insulation and are often made with materials that remain cold. For instance, homes with brick or stone walls.

Leaky Roof and Pipes.

Another major cause of mould growth in a home is a leaky roof and pipes. If you notice that your roof is damaged, it could be causing water to leak into your home. Roofs that have not been well-maintained or have been subject to severe weather conditions can quickly lead to mould growth. Even the smallest leak can result in a big mould problem. Moisture from a leak can easily turn into mould that grows prolifically on walls and ceilings. In order to prevent mould damage, stay up-to-date on your roof maintenance. And, check your attic/ceilings to make sure there is no wetness or damage. 

Leaky pipes cause similar problems to leaky roofs. If you notice mould behind drywall or under the sink, a leaky pipe is usually the one responsible. 

Avoid Needing Okanagan Mould Removal Services With Good Ventilation

Poor ventilation is a big attraction for mould growth in a household setting. Ensuring that mould-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens are well ventilated is essential. Steam from appliances, showers, and cooking needs a way to escape. Stagnant air is a symptom of poor ventilation and a root cause of mould growth. Moreover, without proper ventilation, your home is more likely to develop condensation. Which, as we mentioned above is the number one cause of mould growth in a home. By making sure that you have great ventilation, you will avoid needing to employ Okanagan mould removal services. 

Dampness in the Basement or Around the Foundation.

Dampness around the foundation or in your basement is a recipe for a mould disaster. Because basements are so close to the ground, they are naturally going to have higher levels of moisture. This is because of poor circulation and oftentimes a lack of ventilation. Water leaks from other levels in the home can also pool in the basement causing water damage and mould growth. Checking in on your basement on a regular basis can help prevent a mould outbreak. 

In addition, dampness around the foundation of the home can result in a mould problem. Rainwater, melting snow/ice and garden moisture can pool around the foundation of your home if the slope of your yard is facing the wrong way. A landscaper can help correct this problem and ensure that water drains away from the base of your home.

Contact Okanagan Mould Removal Services.

After reading this article you suspect there are moulds growing in your home, contact us right away. You can reach our team of expert mould removal specialists by contacting us here. For more information on mould, varieties check out this article we did on common household mould types. Feel free to reach out to us for a quote on Okanagan mould removal services. We’d be more than happy to help you get rid of any mould species occupying your home. Visit HealthLink BC’s page on Indoor Air Quality for added support. We look forward to helping you soon!

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