Often the moisture comes from leaking pipes, roofing, or air conditioners it can also be the result of condensation on uninsulated pipes, which can be corrected by properly insulating them. If you have a recurring mold problem, you’ll want to eliminate the underlying source of the moisture that’s causing it.You can attack the problem of moisture by running a dehumidifier and by making sure to keep the affected area well ventilated.This, as you can imagine, is expensive and perhaps necessary only if the mold is widespread. If the mold exists in your drywall, as it often does after something major like a flood, you can remove the source of the spores by stripping everything that’s porous down to the studs, and then replacing and repainting.If you do choose to clean with bleach, make sure your work space is well ventilated, wear protective gear, and avoid direct contact with the bleach.Īlbert Huang, an NRDC attorney on a recent case suing the New York City Housing Authority over persistent mold issues in its buildings, has a few tips if your problems are more severe: Be aware that cleaning with bleach can be dangerous for people who have respiratory illnesses, the elderly, and kids. Allow to dry and apply again, if any spots remains. Once the area has dried, mix a solution of bleach and water (about 1 part bleach to 10 parts water) and scrub again. When you see mold on your walls or ceiling (often as clusters of small black spots), scrub it off with a little laundry detergent and warm water. Mold spores thrive in moist conditions, which is why bathrooms with poor ventilation are common problem areas. The first thing to know about controlling mold is that you must keep things dry. There’s no specific deadly black mold, thankfully, but all mold is bad news, especially if you or your family suffer from respiratory illness. “Black mold” is actually a commercial term. You’re wise to seek out solutions to the two issues early on, before they get out of control.įirst up: Everyone’s least favorite houseguest, mold. But both pose serious health risks-especially if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on renovation. Q: How do you address toxic black mold and lead paint in your home without spending money?Ī: The problems of mold and lead paint can be as small as a musty-smelling attic or as big as a condemned house.
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