Eight Causes and Solutions of Mold

Cause One
Washing machines in a room without a floor drain overflow, water with no point of exit will soak into adjacent carpet, drywall and insulation.
Solution: Always provide a floor drain near the washing machine.

Cause Two
In warm weather, impermeable vinyl wall coverings can trap moisture. Mold degrades the drywall and adhesive behind the vinyl wall covering.
Solution: Use wall coverings with impermeable paper or use paint.

Cause Three
The condensation pan directly under the coil of your central air conditioner can harbor mold.
Solution: Before each cooling season, clean the pan with a 1/2 percent bleach solution and make sure the continuous drain is working.

Cause Four
Leaky air-conditioning, it creates a moist environment for mildew.
Solution: Seal all duct joints with the special flexible mastic available heating and cooling supply stores.

Cause Five
Poorly ventilated bathrooms allow surface toxic black mold to grow.
Solution: Install a bathroom fan or at least a open window. Remove surface mildew by scrubbing the area with a 1/2 percent bleach solution. When the area is dry, prime it with an alcohol-based, white pigmented shellac.

Cause Six
Water-resistant drywall used as a the backer quickly degrades once subjected to moisture.
Solution: Install cement backer board, which will remain structurally sound even if repeatedly subjected to moisture.

Cause Seven
Humidifiers provide both a growth medium and a distribution system for mold and mildew.
Solution: Clean and treat the humidifiers often with an antimicrobial solution, available at most hardware stores.

Cause Eight
Poorly constructed crawlspaces promote mildew growth
Solution: Store it outside.