Preventing Black Mold Growth

You can determine steps to prevent the growth of molds in your house by knowing how black molds grow and where they grow.

Size of Molds

Mold spores are not visible to the eyes because they are only about 3 microns long. The eyes can only see objects at least 50 microns in size.

Where Molds Grow

Mold spores exist in all homes, except homes that have been sterile from the start. Spores are part of the food cycle and are everywhere outside the home.

However, spores grow only into microscopic plants if they receive sustenance from organic substances, such as paper, cardboard, food, leather, skin cells, oils and grease. They can grow in inorganic substances such as composite tiles and stainless steel, but they grow on dirt present on the tiles and steel.

The Water Factor

The element that makes molds really sprout quickly is water. Water softens the outer portion of the spore and the organic materials. Tiny roots spring forth from the spore and grow on the softened organic material.

Mold needs very little amount of moisture to grow. If you consider the fact that they are not visible to the eyes, you can conclude by yourself that they need just micro-sized water droplets not seen by the eyes to flourish. That is why molds are prevalent in bathrooms because even the fog that comes from steamy showers leaves invisible amount of water that feeds the mold spores.

Mold Prevention Tips

Here are some ways to prevent the growth of molds:

• 1. After you have showered, make sure that all water is drained. Shake the shower curtains to remove water droplets. Leave the bathroom door open so that all surfaces dry out as quickly as possible.
• 2. Install the bathroom fan in a way that humid air from the bathroom is taken out of the house and not into your attic.
• 3. If black molds in your house measure larger than ten square feet, you need to hire a professional mold cleaner to comply with Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
• 4. When you clean molds by yourself, use a respirator or goggles and rubber gloves.
• 5. Dry all surfaces in your home. Keep in mind that molds need just a tinge of invisible water to grow.