Dealing with Hardwood Floor Mold Damage
Hardwood floors are known for their elegance and durability, but they are susceptible to a particular issue: hardwood floor mold damage. Moisture can seep into the cracks of hardwood floors, creating an environment conducive to mold growth. Mold under hardwood floors can pose serious health hazards to the occupants of the affected space.
In this article, we will explore the causes of hardwood floor mold damage, its impact on health, and effective methods for prevention and elimination.
Understanding Hardwood Floor Mold Damage
Hardwood floors may look nice and feel durable. However, the one problem with hardwood floors is that they’re susceptible to hardwood floor mold damage. Moisture can easily creep into the cracks and begin to form mold! If you have mold under your hardwood floors, it can become a serious health hazard for anyone who normally walks around in that environment.
Mold forms wherever there are moisture and organic material, such as food. If you drop breadcrumbs on the floor or walk around after you just get out of the shower, then this could potentially increase the chances of mold forming under your hardwood floor. You’ll notice when this mold is there because it will likely be black or dark colored mold. This color will be spread out on the top of the hardwood. Unless you have it professionally removed, the mold will only get worse and can lead to serious health problems.
Check for Water Damage Around Hardwood Floor Mold Damage
The hardwood floor mold damage always has a source. Often homeowners will know to attribute the mold damage to a flood, a known water leak, or from foot traffic to the pool. Any of these possible sources helps to rule out a larger root problem. Still, looking around the affected mold area to check for signs of water damage might be a good idea.
Often a mold source will be found above the hardwood floor mold damage and you will want to find the root source of the water or moisture and all the mold to fully restore your home and family’s health.
Many times around hardwood floor mold damage you will find bubbling paint, drywall water damage, and ceiling water mark rings with a light brown or yellow color. Also mold formations can also be discovered on the walls or ceiling where the water damage source is located. Searching around the affected area help to find the hardwood floor mold damage water or moisture source.
How to Handle Hardwood Floor Mold Damage
Below are some tips for dealing with mold under your hardwood floor. These tips can help you prevent future mold growth and eliminate mild to moderate mold. Remember, finding the source is of the most importance as water damage will just continue to form mold.
Enhancing Ventilation and Reducing Moisture:
1) Open the Windows
Moisture build up is caused by lack of ventilation. It is important to keep all your windows open for as long as possible. Get fresh air circulating through your home to dry it out. However, if the air is too humid outside, then use a dehumidifier in the home instead. The idea is to eliminate the moisture in the air so that mold won’t spread.
2) Clean the Floor
To remove the mold, you’ll need a few items first. For your protection, purchase a face mask and rubber gloves. As for the cleaning solution, you need white vinegar, paper towels, water, and a spray bottle. Just mix the water and white vinegar inside the spray bottle and then spray the solution onto the moldy hardwood floor.
Use the paper towel to wipe the floor quickly. Make sure you’re wearing the mask and gloves while you’re doing all this. Once the mold is wiped away, take another piece of paper towel and remove more of the vinegar remnants and moisture from the floor. You’ll want the floor to be as dry as possible. Just to be sure the area is clean and mold-free, vacuum this area of the floor to remove all the particles from it.
3) Professional Service
The first 2 steps should take care of basic mold problems. But if the mold has grown too much or penetrated through the wood, then it will require a professional mold removal specialist to get rid of it. Of course, you should still practice these preventive measures to stop the mold from getting worse.
Call Orange Restoration ASAP if you have experienced any mold damage under your hardwood floors! It is incredibly important you take care of the damage right away or else it could lead to further damage and serious health risks! 619-376-6838
Cleaning and Treating Mold on Hardwood Floors:
To remove the mold, you’ll need a few items first. For your protection, purchase a face mask and rubber gloves. As for the cleaning solution, you need white vinegar, paper towels, water, and a spray bottle. Just mix the water and white vinegar inside the spray bottle and then spray the solution onto the moldy hardwood floor.
Use the paper towel to wipe the floor quickly. Make sure you’re wearing the mask and gloves while you’re doing all this. Once the mold is wiped away, take another piece of paper towel and remove more of the vinegar remnants and moisture from the floor. You’ll want the floor to be as dry as possible. Just to be sure the area is clean and mold-free, vacuum this area of the floor to remove all the particles from it.
Eliminating Severe Mold Damage:
The first two steps should take care of basic mold problems. But if the mold has grown too much or penetrated through the wood, then it will require a professional mold removal specialist to get rid of it. Of course, you should still practice these preventive measures to stop the mold from getting worse.
Orange Restoration Wrap Up:
Dealing with hardwood floor mold damage requires prompt action to prevent health risks and further damage to the affected area. By enhancing ventilation, reducing moisture, and practicing proper cleaning techniques, you can effectively prevent and eliminate mold growth on hardwood floors. However, if the mold damage is severe or has penetrated the wood, it is essential to seek professional mold removal services.
Remember, timely intervention is crucial to safeguard your well-being and prevent additional health risks. If you have experienced any mold damage under your hardwood floors, call Orange Restoration at 619-376-6838 immediately for prompt and professional assistance. Don’t delay, as addressing the damage promptly is vital to prevent further complications and ensure a safe living environment.
