Your home could be infected with mold without you knowing it. It often accumulates in carpeting, and there can even be mold in the closet which can spread to your clothing. Mold spores are very small and are easily inhaled into the lungs. Therefore, living in a home with high mold levels can be harmful and cause serious mold allergies.
Related: Hidden Household Mold
What Causes Mold to Form?
Molds live off organic materials like food, paper, dirt, drywall and even soap scum. Most molds require 24-48 hours of moisture to start growing. The optimum temperature for mold to grow is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Should Be Done to Remove Mold in the Closet?
Mold thrives in warm, wet spaces. This makes closets ideal breeding grounds for mold to spread.
- Wash your clothes and shoes. The mold may have spread from the drywall at the back of the closet to your clothes. You will need to thoroughly clean your clothes before placing them back as the mold could just spread from your clothes and back into the closet.
- Remove carpets. If you closet is carpeted, you will need to replace the carpeting.
- Clean the closet. Be sure to wear a mask while doing so as you will be at risk of inhaling harmful mold spores. Make sure to thoroughly scrub off the mold using effective mold-fighting chemicals that will not only eliminate the mold, but will help prevent it and remove musty odors.
Related: Using Chlorine Bleach to Kill Mold
How to Prevent Mold in the Future
No one wants mold in their home. If you’ve had it, you will want to prevent future occurrences. If you have never had mold problems, you will want to keep it that way. Here are some tips to prevent mold growth in your closet.
- Ensure there are no water leaks. As mentioned before, mold loves moisture. Check to see if your water pipes are leaking into the walls. If so, fix it right away.
- Adequate ventilation. Simple solutions such as opening a window while you shower can help prevent mold. If you’ve just cleaned mold out of your closet, leave it open to make sure your closet dries properly before you repack it. If you have air conditioning, be sure to set it at temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper maintenance of air conditioners is also crucial as mold can develop in them, resulting in spreading of mold spores throughout your home. Keep fresh air moving throughout your home in order to help prevent toxic mold.
- Keep humidity at a minimum. Humidity levels of 60% or higher can encourage mold growth in your home. Invest in a dehumidifier to help keep humidity levels between 30 and 50%.
- Do not pack wet or damp clothes in the closet. This will encourage the growth of mold in the closet.
- Reduce clutter and maintain cleanliness. A clean closet that is not packed to capacity will allow for proper movement of fresh air, which helps prevent mold in the closet.
It is often a better idea to hire professionals to get rid of mold. TRS Trademark Restoration Services is a full service mold remediation and damage restoration company. Our reputation for excellence and quick response makes us one of the top restoration companies in Las Vegas. Contact us today for top-quality services.
