As the world awakens to spring, you awaken to… yet another allergy attack.
Between increased pet dander, the return of seasonal pollen counts, and generalized airborne particles, it’s no wonder that many opt to indulge in the annual tradition that is spring cleaning.
And if mold growth emerges as one of your cleaning concerns — or even if it has not yet crossed your mind — then we recommend checking out the following five hiding spots of mold spores
- Around Your Attic Insulation
The Florida Department of Health (FLDOH) specifies that insulation is not only a mold-sustaining material but, more importantly, it’s hard to clean once contaminated.
And particularly as moisture intrusion is common in Floridian roofing — courtesy of the annual hurricane seasons that usher in harsh winds and rainfall — it can be all too easy for your attic insulation to become uncontaminated unbeknownst to you.
- Within Your Carpeting
Between dropped food, spilled liquids, and mold particles that enter your home by getting stuck to your shoes or clothes, let’s face it — the carpet isn’t safe from spores. Thankfully, a little steam cleaning can go a long way.
“[Steam cleaning] leaves minimal moisture behind, thereby minimizing chances for mold growth, although steps to completely dry the carpet should still be used,” according to the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH)
- On Your Upholstery
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mold doesn’t only grow on hard surfaces or paper materials — it can also grow along fabric fibers in the right conditions.
Thus, upholstered furniture in your home is vulnerable to mold intrusion much in the same way that your carpeting (or even your curtains) would be. Consequently, you won’t want to leave it overlooked in your spring cleaning regimen.
- In Tile Grout
You might clean your kitchen and bathroom flooring, but how often do you think to clean between the lines? In other words, having been subjected to constant moisture, food particles, and passing bacteria, you’ll want to attend to your tile grout this year.
“It is better to clean grout with an alkaline cleaner (Spic and Span, Mr. Clean, etc.) than an acid-based cleaner,” the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) recommends. “There are also specialty cleaners available at most tile retailers that are designed for tile and grout.
- Behind Your Drywall
Fact: In 2017, research revealed that drywall may often already have mold spores “embedded in the materials, presumably in the paper/carton layer surrounding the gypsum core, before the panels reach the retailers/building site.”
Put simply, there is the possibility that your home may have been constructed with ongoing mold growth prior to your arrival. If you suspect you may have mold growth on your drywall, it is always safer to contact a professional to help you check it out.
And if you’re not sure who to call to help you safely check out mold growth that may prove hazardous to your health? Well, Luce Air Quality has you covered!
Our professional team of locally-trusted experts is both certified and licensed to perform mold investigations, indoor air quality assessments, and more. With over 11 years’ worth of experience in the restoration and remediation industry, we’re proud to offer our services as your local indoor environmental experts.
If you’re ready to learn more or schedule your spring inspection, contact us today by calling (904) 803-1014!