The mold fungus is a multi-cell organism that needs moist or humid places to grow. This type of fungi grows by releasing invisible spores that float through the air. The spores land on any surface. Mold spores are extremely hardy and can survive in less than ideal conditions. They don’t always start to grow right away, but will start to grow once conditions become more hospitable.

Inhospitable conditions for molds are any place that’s warm and dry. Spores may travel to a dry area, but they’re incapable of growing and so stay dormant. They can stay dormant for an a very long time as they wait for conditions to change.

Dangerous Mold Removers

Take a walk in any hardware store and you’ll find all sorts of different kinds of mold removers. They all promise to get rid of a mold infestation. Many work, but a word of caution. Chemical mold removers need to be carefully handled. They’re toxic to mold, but they can also be toxic for people. Another option is to make your own mold remover.

To make an effective mold remover, all you need to do is combine bleach and water. Mix one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Use this mixture to scrub at the molds you find in your home. This mold remover is effective, but only on non-porous surfaces. It will not work as well on wood and other porous surfaces.

Another homemade mold remover that works on non-porous surfaces is a mixture of ammonia and water. All you have to do is apply the mixture to the infected surface, and watch the mold colony die. If the mold infestation is too big, it’s a better idea to call a professional to do the job. Professionals have very strong mold remover chemicals that will take care of any large mold growth.

Never mix ammonia and bleach because doing so creates gaseous fumes that can be lethal to people.

If you’ve discovered that mold infestations have reached the inner walls and floors of your home, you may need to get rid of all the wood that has been infected with molds. That’s because on organic, porous surfaces like wood, mold can grow back even if a chemical mold remover has been applied.

A mild mold infestation should be treated immediately. If left unattended for months, you’ll have a much larger removal job ahead of you that won’t be easily treated with mold remover.

Mold can also sometimes grow out of site like inside walls and floors that are damp, humid or moist.