Recent Mold Remediation Posts

Mold and Moldy Smells: Identifying and Eliminating Odors

3/13/2024 (Permalink)

Mold damage in a home. SERVPRO is ready to arrive on the scene of your disaster anytime 24/7!

Welcome to the SERVPRO® blog, where we strive to provide valuable information to help you maintain a safe and comfortable living environment. In this post, we'll be discussing a common household issue – mold and the associated moldy smells. Identifying and eliminating these odors is crucial for a happy home. Let's dive into some practical tips to address this concern.

Identifying Moldy Smells

One of the first signs of mold is often the distinctive, musty odor it produces. If you've noticed a persistent musty smell in your home, it's essential to identify the source. Mold tends to thrive in damp and humid environments, making areas like basements, bathrooms, and attics susceptible. Conduct a thorough inspection to pinpoint areas with water damage, leaks, or high humidity levels.

Locate and Address Water Issues

To eliminate moldy smells, it's crucial to address the root cause – water. Identify and fix any water leaks, damaged pipes, or areas prone to flooding. Ensure proper ventilation in spaces like bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity. Investing in dehumidifiers can be an effective long-term solution to maintain optimal humidity levels and prevent mold growth.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Once you've addressed the water issues, it's time to clean and disinfect the affected areas. Use mold-killing solutions and follow the recommended guidelines for safe application. Scrub surfaces thoroughly, focusing on areas where mold is visible. Don't forget to clean air vents, ducts, and other hidden spaces where mold can lurk.

Professional Mold Remediation

While DIY solutions are effective for small mold issues, larger infestations may require professional mold remediation services. SERVPRO experts are trained to assess, contain, and eliminate mold, ensuring a thorough and safe removal process. Professional assistance is especially crucial if you have a recurring mold problem or if mold has spread extensively.

Preventive Measures

To maintain a mold-free environment, adopt preventive measures. Regularly inspect your home for leaks, water damage, or signs of mold growth. Keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50% to discourage mold development. Properly ventilate your home, especially in areas prone to moisture accumulation.

Identifying and eliminating moldy smells is essential for a harmonious living space. By addressing water issues, cleaning thoroughly, and adopting preventive measures, you can create an environment where mold struggles to thrive. For more extensive mold problems, don't hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO for professional mold remediation services. A mold-free home is a happy home!

The 6 Most Common Types of Mold Found in Homes

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

Close up shot of white mold growth. Being aware of these common types of mold found in homes is the first step in effective mold prevention and management.

Mold is a common concern for homeowners, and understanding the various types of mold that can lurk in your home can be crucial for effective management. In this blog, we'll explore the most common types of mold found in Wichita, KS homes. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be better prepared to identify and address mold issues in your living space.

Cladosporium

One of the most prevalent molds in homes, Cladosporium, often appears as dark green or black spots but can also have a brownish hue. This mold typically thrives on fabrics, carpets, and other porous materials. It can also take hold in damp basements and on painted surfaces. Cladosporium is a resilient mold that can be found indoors and outdoors, making it a common visitor in homes across Wichita.

Penicillium

Penicillium molds come in various colors, including blue, green, and yellow, and they often have a fuzzy appearance. These molds are frequently found on damp building materials, wallpaper, and insulation. Penicillium is also known to flourish in homes with water damage or high humidity levels. Identifying and addressing Penicillium is crucial to maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

Aspergillus

Aspergillus molds can vary in color, ranging from yellow to green and brown, and they typically grow in a powdery or fluffy texture. You can find Aspergillus mold in dust and on surfaces like drywall, insulation, and HVAC systems. This type of mold is often associated with water leaks or condensation issues. Addressing moisture problems is essential to prevent Aspergillus growth.

Stachybotrys (Black Mold)

Stachybotrys, often referred to as black mold, is notorious for its dark black or dark greenish-black color and slimy appearance. This mold is a significant concern as it can cause significant damage to your home or business. Stachybotrys prefers materials with high cellulose content, such as drywall and wood, especially in areas with excessive moisture. Prompt professional remediation is essential if you encounter black mold!

Alternaria

Alternaria molds are typically dark brown to black with a fuzzy texture, and they can also appear olive-green. They are commonly found in damp areas like showers, sinks, and damp basements. This mold is known to trigger allergies in some individuals, so it's important to address moisture issues and clean affected areas thoroughly.

Aureobasidium

Aureobasidium molds can be dark brown to black and sometimes appear pink or violet. They often form a velvety texture. This type of mold is commonly found on wooden surfaces, painted walls, and window frames, especially in areas prone to condensation. Proper ventilation and moisture control can help prevent Aureobasidium growth.

Being aware of these common types of mold found in Wichita, KS homes is the first step in effective mold prevention and management. Mold can thrive in various environments, and moisture control, regular inspections, and prompt remediation are essential to keeping mold growth at bay. If you ever discover extensive mold issues or types of mold that you're unsure how to handle, don't hesitate to contact our SERVPRO® if Northwest Wichita team. We're here to provide professional mold remediation services and help you maintain a clean and mold-free living environment. Stay vigilant, Wichita, and keep your home mold-free for a clean and comfortable living space!

Questions You Might Be Afraid to Ask About Mold

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

Frequently Asked Mold Questions

Mold, mold spores, and mold growth are not something to take lightly. If you think that you have a problem with mold in your home, it is important to know what types of mold might be growing in your house and how to prevent the growth of these fungi. Here are some frequently asked questions about indoor molds:

What is mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp areas. It can be found indoors and outdoors, but it's most common in basements, crawl spaces, and other parts of your home that are consistently damp. Mold spores exist almost everywhere—in the air we breathe, on surfaces we touch—but they need moisture to grow into colonies.

Mold growth is typically related to moisture problems such as leaky pipes or condensation from a humidifier or dehumidifier. These conditions allow mold spores to thrive wherever there is access to water.

Mold can also spread through dust particles carried by air currents throughout your home or workplace; this means you could have mold growing inside without realizing it until symptoms start showing up such as coughing fits when exposed for prolonged periods of time

How do I know if I have a mold problem?

Mold is a common problem in homes and businesses. It can be found anywhere there is moisture, including walls, floors, and carpets. Mold grows on surfaces where water has been trapped for several days or more. The most common sign of mold is a musty odor that lingers in the air despite ventilation efforts.

If you suspect you have a problem with mold or mildew in your home or office building, it's important to act quickly to prevent further damage. You may choose to clean up your own property without calling an expert first—but be sure to do so safely!

How can I prevent mold growth?

Here are some tips for preventing mold growth: 

  • Reduce moisture levels. Mold growth is an insidious threat, and you may be able to take steps to prevent it from happening. A key factor in mold growth is humidity. You can reduce the amount of available moisture by:
  • Using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air in your home.
  • Keeping windows closed when it rains or snows outside, and keeping them open only in cooler seasons when the weather allows for it (for example, closing them during winter but opening them during spring).
  • Don’t use fans in bathrooms or other rooms where you sweat frequently, such as kitchens or laundry rooms (sweat-soaked clothing may also contribute to higher humidity levels).
  • Not leaving dishes full of water on countertops overnight—instead wiping off any spills before bedtime each night!

What should I do if I find mold in my house?

If you find mold in your home, it's important to clean it up quickly. 

Mold tends to grow on things like wood, fabric and paper products that are damp for long periods of time—basically anything that has been wet for more than 48 hours. These materials should be removed from the house as soon as possible and disposed of properly (i.e., not just tossed into a dumpster).

If there's visible mold on hard surfaces like walls or windowsills, use a household cleaner and scrub it away using a stiff brush or sponge until all signs of discoloration are gone; then dry thoroughly with a towel before allowing them back into contact with moisture again.

The best option for a large mold problem is to call the professionals at SERVPRO of NW Wichita. You will definitely need professional help if there's hidden mold behind walls or ceilings where you can't see what's going on. 

Where should mold be tested?

Depending on where the mold is located, it's important to test for it there as well as in other areas of your home. Even if you don't see any visible signs of mold, it's still possible that some may exist somewhere else inside of your home and not just on the surface of something like floorboards or walls.

If you think you may have a problem with mold in your Wichita, KS home or business, call SERVPRO of NW Wichita. We have the training and expertise to safely remove mold and resolve the issue. Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) which is important because it means that they know how to properly clean up water damage from all kinds of messes, including those caused by flooding or fire damage.