Why Does Mold Keep Coming Back?

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Geneva, IL

Three Reasons Why Mold Might Be Coming Back

Mold is notoriously tricky to get rid of. Even after you’ve scrubbed and cleaned your house, you might find green or black mold spots. Recurring mold is especially common in homes that have water damage.
Do you have a persistent mildew problem in your Geneva, IL, home? Here are three reasons mold might be coming back.

1. Dirty Ducts
Mold is microscopic and can easily float on air currents. You may have cleaned all the damaged surfaces, but if the mildew is in your air ducts, they may spread through your house when your HVAC system is on. If the air throughout your home smells musty, you may have mold in your air ducts. If the area is small enough, you can clean it yourself with a mixture of bleach and water. If the affected space is larger than 10 square feet, have a licensed professional perform the mold cleanup.

2. Moisture and Humidity
Controlling moisture is essential in getting rid of mold, as it grows best in humid or damp places. According to the US EPA, mold can start growing in as little as 24 hours on a wet surface. Quickly fixing leaks and drips will reduce the chance of dealing with contamination, such as black mold, again. Keep the humidity inside your house below 50% by running a dehumidifier or weatherizing your home.

3. Wet or Damp Items
Mold feeds off organic materials such as wood and fabric. Because carpets, drywall and upholstery can retain water, thoroughly dry or replace them after a flood or a burst pipe. Mildew can hide under wallpaper – take care when taking it down so the spores don’t spread through the room. Use bleach for surface cleaning, and run fans or dehumidifiers to dry paneling and flooring.
Despite your best efforts, you may not be able to get rid of all the mold yourself. If you suspect your home has damage, contact a mold remediation company. They can contain and remove contaminants such as black mold from your home.