If you think mold is growing on one or more ceilings in your home, it’s important to deal with the issue quickly. Ignoring any mold issue will not make it go away, rather it allows the fungus to spread and cause further problems, such as property damage and allergic reactions. Review what your Los Angeles mold inspectors want you to know about mold and ceilings to help you take efficient action. 

How Mold Forms on Ceilings

Mold that appears on a ceiling is because excess moisture is present, usually from a leak or serious humidity. For example, if your roof features several missing shingles, rainwater can enter and pool, causing mold growth in as little as 72 hours. Serious humidity, such as a humidity level over 60%, can cause mold to flourish as well. 

What Mold on Ceilings Looks Like

Mold on ceiling surfaces usually appears as small circles or circular-like patches. However, you may notice irregular shapes as well. The fungus is often dark-colored, such as greenish black. Depending on the mold strain and where it grows in your home, such as your bathroom ceiling, mold can also look brown, pink, yellow, orange, green, white, and gray. 

Household Products That Kill Mold

Numerous household products destroy mold on contact, including white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, essential oils, and bleach. No matter which cleaner you choose, it is important to wear protective clothing and accessories, such as goggles, a mask, a hair cover, and long sleeves. If you do not wear the right gear, you can experience allergic reactions such as coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, wheezing, and throat irritation. 

How to Clean a Moldy Ceiling

If the amount of mold present is less than 10 square feet, you can clean it yourself. Any mold infestation over 10 square feet requires professional mold removal services. To clean a moldy ceiling yourself, you need a sturdy step ladder and scrub brush, such as a deck brush, in addition to your protective gear and selected cleaner. 

It is generally best to put your cleaning solution in a spray bottle to cover more of the ceiling at a time. White vinegar is especially advantageous if your ceiling is porous, because it penetrates the surface to kill more mold. It is also the most acidic mold cleaner and therefore the most effective. 

For mold removal services in Orange County, please contact Mold Masters today.