SERVPRO: Prevent mold growth in closets

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The SERVPRO blog shares the steps homeowners can take to avoid the growth of mold in their closets. The blog also shares the common causes of mold growth.

Stop the mold growing in closets 

Mold spores need dark, damp, and poorly ventilated spaces to grow in. And closets offer a perfectly humid setting for a mold colony to flourish on its walls, floors, shelves, and garments. A pipe leaking behind the closet walls, attic mold, or leaky roof can cause enough moisture for mold or mildew growth in closets. SERVPRO helps homeowners recognize the signs of mold growth in closets and how to prevent it.

Besides the visible signs of mold such as black, green, or white spots on the walls, floors, ceilings, and clothing, there are invisible signs of mold in the closet that homeowners must be aware of: 

• Unpleasant smells, which can be a musty odor, earthy, or cheesy
• Increased relative humidity levels
• Brown or black spots on the floor or carpeting
• Unexplained health issues 

DIY project?

Mold can cause some serious health effects in human beings and therefore a professional must handle the situation. However, a small area of mold (less than ten square feet) can be treated by homeowners using some common household items. It must be noted that the results of DIY mold remediation cannot match with a professional remediation process that uses advanced technology and products that homeowners struggle to access. 

In a DIY project, homeowners must wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), such as rubber gloves, eye protection/goggles, and an N-95 mask.

It is strongly advised that a Texas-licensed Mold Remediation Contractor is consulted instead of tackling mold remediation as a DIY project. Before hiring a mold remediation company, review the Texas Mold Assessment and Remediation Rules (TMARR). This will provide a good idea of what is required of a professional mold remediation firm, and what the mold removal process entails.

Preventing Mold Growth in Closets

Mold spores are floating around in the air and attach themselves to surfaces that offer an ideal environment for them to grow into a colony. Here are a few preventive measures homeowners can take to discourage the growth of mold in closets:

• Keep closets clean: Mold requires dirt and debris found in fabric fibers to thrive. Store only washed laundry in the closet to avoid mold growth. During periods of high humidity, closets must be cleaned more often. 
• Get rid of moisture: Silica gel packets can absorb all moisture and can be placed throughout the closet as an inexpensive substitute for dehumidifiers. Never hang any wet clothing in the closet.
• Ventilation: Install proper ventilation such as a box fan or exhaust fan in the closet so air can circulate freely. Cold air from dehumidifiers or air conditioners can help dry out the air much better than warm air. Attaching a humidistat to the unit can help monitor and keep the humidity under control. 
• Heat: Install a low-wattage light bulb in closets located at a safe distance from clothes or other flammable items. Leave the light on for several hours to allow the heat from the bulb to keep the closet and the clothing dry.
• Separate storage: Store shoes and other items that create moisture buildup in another place.
• Water damage: Inspect the house for any water damage and repair as needed. Check for any plumbing leak or other water issues that can create an ideal environment for mold to grow. 
• Remove mildew: Any minor sign of mildew must be addressed immediately. Brush off the surface outdoors to prevent the mold spores from scattering. Wash the mildew clothing with detergent and warm water. Then sun and air out the clothing thoroughly.
• No plastic: The polyethylene composition of the dry-cleaning bags can trap humidity and cause mold to grow. So avoid using these bags for storage. 

By following these tips, homeowners can prevent mold and help reduce the chances of a mold-infested closet. In case mold removal is required, they can contact a professional mold remediation company such as SERVPRO. SERVPRO’s mold removal and mold remediation team is the right choice for mold growth that has gotten out of hand. The technicians at SERVPRO use the latest technology and products to remove mold in a methodical and precise fashion. Following a mold removal protocol from a licensed Mold Assessment Consultant helps to ensure the proper remediation of mold and lessens the likelihood of new growth from the same source. SERVPRO also offers restoration and reconstruction services for areas that have been affected by mold infestation.

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Hurst, Euless, Bedford, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill-up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For water damage restoration services, contact Team Shaw of SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford today at (817) 595-0004 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com