I hesitated talking about this issue (not uplifting) until I found actual mold under the floor in the bathroom of my very own house this week! I live in a 1932 cottage in Carmel. Living on a peninsula opens us up to a bit more of this issue than in dryer areas. Often, our first encounter with mold at home occurs in that infamous spot between the shower curtain and tub. It’s pretty disgusting, but it’s easy to wipe up. Unfortunately, in most homes, this isn’t the extent of the mold—the more problematic mold is the insidious kind, hiding behind walls and in floorboards, and potentially contributing to a range of allergies and other illnesses.
What causes mold? Surprisingly, advanced building materials are one of the main culprits. An aging home is at even greater risk, as normal occurrences like window and roof leaks bring in even more moisture—and moisture is a direct cause of mold. Limited ventilation or sunlight only makes the problem worse.
How do you find the mold in your home? Sometimes it’s easy—it may be right in front of you, or you’ll find it by its distinctly musty smell. Though it’s harder to find hidden mold, you can do so by looking behind and beneath fixed materials and appliances: refrigerators, dishwashers, sink cabinets, washer/dryers, carpets, vinyl flooring—anywhere near where water flows or where air doesn’t penetrate readily. Also, look for signs of discoloration on walls and ceilings; this can denote a moisture buildup behind which mold may lurk.
Once you find the mold, remove it with a store-bought anti-fungal solution, or get rid of it with a weak bleach solution—1 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water. But even more important than removing it is eliminating as many of its causes and sources as possible.
Follow these 5 tips to drastically reduce the mold in your home:
1. Call in a home inspection professional to assess water-damaged areas.
2. Keep humidity low. Humidity levels should be under 40% in order for mold to stop its forward march.
3. Replace any carpets and furniture that have ever been significantly damaged even if they look OK on the outside.
4. Carpet in the bathroom or basement? Don’t even think about it. And if you have it, get rid of it.
5. Provide adequate ventilation in hot areas. The kitchen and bath are two of the highest-risk rooms for mold. Install exhaust fans in both.
There are at least 5 more tips so call me for the long list 831-236-4513..
And for this week's top picks in the Monterey Peninsula real estate market:
0 SW CORNER OF MONTE VERDE AND 12Th STREET, Carmel MLS #: 81050665 $1,150,000 Beds: 2 Baths: 2 (2/0)
Here's the perfect Carmel getaway. All freshly painted and updated with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and all new granite kitchen. Located on a corner lot in the Golden Rectangle. SqFt: 1,342 Lot Size: 4,000Sqft open this Sat 1-4 & Sun 2-4 Come see me
16091 BALFOUR LANE, Salinas Monterey Highway MLS #: 81051596 $549,000 Beds: 3 Baths: 3 (2/1)
Single story Serra Village home at a great price! This lovely home is filled with light and set on a large, corner lot. The 3 bedrooms are all good sized with updated bathrooms. The living room/dining room combo has a large & beautiful brick fireplace with French doors leading to a large backyard with patio & lush lawn. Lovely front yard & patio. Great home, Great price & truly turn key! SqFt: 1,667 Lot Size: 10,365 Sqft
1255 MESCAL STREET, Seaside MLS #: 81051436 $430,000 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 (2/0)
Short sale opportunity. Very nice single-story home in upper Seaside. Enjoy the city light and airport views from the back and rolling hills from the front. Sales price subject to lender approval. Home is in move-in condition. SqFt: 1,719 Lot Size: 7,800 Sqft
1925 BRADBURY STREET, North Salinas MLS #: 81050619: $225,000 Beds: 3 Baths: 3 (2/1)
Beautiful 3 bed 2 1/2 bath home in the Cottages at Miramonte. Very well cared for and maintained and in great condition. High Ceilings, fireplace, nice tile counters, and a large back patio. Short sale subject to lender approval. SqFt: 1,397 Lot Size: 2,580 Sqft
© Patty Ross, KRXA Radio Show #182 October 29, 2010
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