Got Mold?

There's no way to sugarcoat it: mold is an unwelcome guest in any home. And like an unpredicatable relative, mold can show up without warning, even in the cleanest abodes. Mold is a type of fungus that grows from tiny spores that float in the air. Mold can grow almost anywhere there is moisture and a temperature between 40 and 100 degrees fahrenheit.

The most common type of mold, called mildew, is easy to spot. It's the black stuff you see in the grout lines in your shower, on damp walls and outdoors on the surface of deck boards and painted siding, especially in the damp and shady areas. To test for mildew, dab a few drops of household bleach on the blackened area. If it lightens after one to two minutes, you have mildew. If the area remains dark, it's probably just dirt.

Besides being unsightly, mold can cause health problems, including hay fever-type symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. More seriously, mold can trigger an asthma attack in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.

To remove minor mold and mildew infestations, disinfect the area with a mild bleach and water solution, then seal with several coats of a primer or sealer then repaint with washable paint. Improving the ventilation in damp areas of your home, such as the bathroom, will tend to minimize mold problems. For more extensive mold infestations, contact a professional who can help you determine the best way to deal with the situation.