Garage Spore and Mold Prevention and Removal
It is no secret that mold like to grow in damp, dark, and warm places. For certain areas of our homes, such as our bathrooms or laundry rooms, mold may become an issue from time to time, depending on where we live. Just like with the rooms inside of our homes, we cannot neglect other areas on our properties when it comes to mold. This is especially true for our garages.
Garages seemingly have the perfect environment for mold to grow and spores to spread. Garages tend to be dark, hold moisture, and provide the perfect climate for mold to thrive. If you live in a warm or moist climate, at least for some portions of the year, it is possible that you may need to address mold issues in your garage every so often. Luckily, there are preventative measures you can take, as well as proactive steps you and your family can take to help control mold and get rid of it before the problem becomes worse.
Preventing Mold
Replace Cardboard Boxes with Plastic Ones
One easy thing that homeowners can try when it comes to preventing mold is swapping out their cardboard storage boxes for plastic bins. Cardboard is more likely to store moisture and mold and may be contributing to a growing or worsening mold problem in your garage. Switch any cardboard storage boxes you have with plastic ones to help prevent and alleviate mold.
Remove Standing Water
Make sure there is no water pooling on the ground in your garage, leaks from the roof, or other areas where water may enter and gather. Keeping your garage as dry as possible will make a big difference when it comes to mold and spore control.
Purchase a Dehumidifier and Fans
You can help control moisture in your garage by purchasing dehumidifiers and fans specifically for your garage. This may only be necessary during certain seasons, or you may find that you need moisture control of some sort in your garage year-round. Investing in some of these preventative measures right from the start will make a big difference in the mold levels in your garage. Even just a small amount of moisture control may help prevent a mold problem from spiraling out of control.
Remodel with Mildew-Resistant Materials
If you are thinking of remodeling your garage, now is a good time to consider mold and spore control. There are certain materials that are better for mold control compared to others. Wood materials will hold more moisture than steel or metal materials, for example. There may be components of your garage door that you can swap out or replace for different materials that are more water and moisture resistant. If you are in the process of remodeling your garage or may in the near future, be sure to take mold control into consideration when choosing your building materials.
Cleaning Mold
If you are up for cleaning the mold yourself, you will want to take several precautions to avoid spreading the mold or making the problem worse. First, make sure you wear protective gear, such as a mask, eye protection, and gloves. This will help prevent direct contact with any of the mold or cleaning chemicals onto your skin or into your body.
To clean the mold itself, first rinse the area with warm water before applying any chemicals. This step helps to contain any spores that may fly away while you are scrubbing the visible mold. Next, you will want to spray the mold with bleach or some other kind of mold neutralizing agent. Let the cleaner or bleach sit for a few moments. Then, scrub the area thoroughly. Rinse the area with warm water once again once you have completed scrubbing the mold. Repeat this same process until no visible mold remains.
If you do intend to work with bleach or some other kind of harsh cleaning chemical, make sure to clear the vicinity of any small children or pets, keep the garage well-ventilated, and don protective gear anytime you are handling the cleaning materials or working with them.
Hire an Expert
If you are past the point of preventative measures and have already attempted everything in your power to try and control the mold problem yourself, it is highly recommended that you call in a professional service to clean and remove the mold. While most mold problems can be addressed with over-the-counter products and other measures, there may occasionally be mold issues that are beyond that of basic treatment.
It is important to not let mold problems linger on for too long. If you have tried to get rid of the issue and it has already come back once or twice, you will need to hire a specialist. Mold problems can lead to health issues and concerns for you and your family. Depending on the type of mold, its presence alone may even make your family members sick. Because of the potential health risks involved, be sure take preventative measures to keep mold at bay, address mold issues immediately when they come up, and call a professional if necessary.
Need a Garage Door Specialist in Your Area?
Tucker Garage Door, LLC is here to help residents in Tucker, Georgia and beyond address all of their garage door concerns. Whether you are facing a mold problem or other issue with your garage door, count on our specialists today! Our garage door experts have been helping our customers secure, repairs, and upgrade their garages for years and we are waiting to help you next! Call Tucker Garage Door, LLC and you will receive assistance from professionally trained, experienced, and skilled garage door specialists. Do not try and tackle your garage door issues all on your own. Our affordable repair services and other offers make it easy to get the garage door help you need without burning through your budget. Let our experts at Tucker Garage Door take care of all of your needs today!