Homeowners dread the appearance of mold or mildew—those unsightly patches of green, black, or pink mean that there’s a problem somewhere, and one that needs to be fixed quickly. Mold and mildew can give a room a strange and unpleasant smell and drag down the appearance of a home quickly, and can have effects that are even far worse. While these fungi might leave unsightly stains on the surfaces even after they’re cleaned away, they can also be causing long-term damage to the structure they are growing on.
Mold and mildew can pose major health risks, too. Here, we’ll break down what these risks are and how The Tub Pros resolve these unsightly problems in the Memphis Metro and surrounding areas of Arkansas and Mississippi while making your home safe, looking great, and functioning in tip top shape after a mold problem.
What exactly are mold and mildew? What’s the difference?
You might remember the saying “all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares.” In much the same way, all types of mildew are types of mold—but not all types of mold are mildew.
Mildew is a type of mold that is often powdery and grows in flat patches on the surface where it’s growing. Other types of mold, however, reach beneath the surface that they’re growing on—it’s this type of growth that can cause major damage to the substructure it grows on as these hidden surfaces are eaten away by mold growth.
It’s important to know that both are types of mold because that explains why mold and mildew alike can cause health issues. Molds produce spores—that’s how they spread, and how they begin to grow in your home—these spores find damp places that have the proper conditions for them to grow, and begin to produce more spores. Spores can be an irritant to many people and pets which in turn cause allergic reactions that range from irritating to deadly.
What kind of health issues can mold cause?
While mold spores can have a more severe impact on those with asthma or with mold allergies, particularly in children or the elderly. Anyone can have an allergy-type reaction after mold or mildew exposure. While these problems will be most severe when you’re in the room where the mold grows, those with sensitivity to mold can find that the irritation affects them anywhere throughout the building, home, or enclosed space.
Symptoms can range in severity—sneezing, runny nose, irritated eyes, headache, or a rash can be immediate results of coming into contact with mold, while those with underlying conditions might experience asthma or shortness of breath. Over time, these symptoms can get worse, or lead to a sinus infection that can leave you with a headache and feeling groggy, dizzy, and generally less-than-your-best.
How can I prevent and deal with mold and mildew growth?
Kitchens and bathrooms are particularly prone to mold growth. That’s because these rooms have high humidity—showers, sinks, dishwashers, and cooking can put a lot of moisture into the air—and mold thrives in high humidity. While you won’t be able to completely change the climate of these rooms, you can take some steps to keep your home mold-free.
Make sure that you use the fan during and after showering, and use the ventilation hood in the kitchen when cooking. Make sure that your pipes aren’t leaking—a quick moisture check in a little-used cabinet can ensure that a problem doesn’t get out-of-hand—and deal with any water leaks promptly, before they have a chance to get worse.
What can I do to remove mold and mildew?
When cleaning mold from surfaces, remember to put safety first. When you disturb mold, it releases spores—that means there will be more irritants released in the air to cause allergic reaction and irritation. Break out one of those Covid-129 friendly N95 masks (and make sure to dispose of it afterwards), wear eye protection, and long sleeves. You might turn on an air filter and close doors to prevent spores from spreading further.
Make a solution of one part bleach to three parts water in a spray bottle, and apply to the moldy area. Let this sit for 10 – 15 minutes before scrubbing thoroughly. After this is cleaned away, mix one part of vinegar to one part hydrogen peroxide in a different spray bottle and apply to the surface. This mixture works to kill the embedded roots of the mold below the surface and allow it to air dry.
If mold has left a stain, there are solutions—these range from commercial cleaners to a mix of baking soda, water, and vinegar. Although stains aren’t harmful, they look terrible and may have compromised the integrity of the surface. This is where you should look into refinishing or reglazing services with The Tub Pros. The refinishing and restoration process can be done on a range of surfaces, from granite countertops to cast iron tubs. The Tub Pros make the fixture look and function like new again.
Where can I find bathtub resurfacing service near me?
When you’re looking for refinishing and restoration services for countertops, sinks, showers, or bathtubs, Memphis Metro Area residents—and those living in the Greater Mid-South—turn to The Tub Pros. Our factory-trained professionals know the importance of maintaining safe industry procedures in your home—that’s why when we complete projects, we bring in a ventilation system that’s far better than a box fan. We keep your home and family safe while we work on projects, and our written warranty ensures that you’ll love the results for years to come.
So if mold or mildew have left you with unsightly stains on your kitchen and bath surfaces, we’re here to help make your space look great again—and we won’t just cover up the problem. Our refinishing process also prevents the same issues cropping up in the future by repairing chips, cracks, or other damage that lets water get beneath the surface so that potential issues with mold do not happen down the road.
If you’re ready to get started on getting your kitchen or bathroom looking clean, fresh, and good as new, or simply would like more information on options that are available, The Tub Pros can deliver! Whether you’re looking for refinishing to address stains from mold or mildew, installing faux marble countertops to refresh your space with a new look, or a Tub Step or bathtub conversion to address mobility issues and make your space more accessible and easier to clean, we’re here to give all of your bathroom and kitchen space increased function and beauty. Use our online contact form or give us a call at (901) 871-8827
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