If you want to sell your Racine House but it has a Mold problem, the good news is according to Wisconsin law, you can. However, the law requires you to disclose the mold problem before selling. Failure to do so is illegal. 

What you should know about mold

Mold is a type of fungi that is found all over the place. It’s in the air, but it doesn’t grow and become a problem until it lands on something that’s moist. Mold loves places—indoors or out—where there’s both moisture and oxygen. It can grow on food, paper, carpet, wood, and more. 

Mold that grows inside can affect the structure of a House and cause a health risk. There are three main classifications of mold that can affect people. 

1. Pathogenic mold can cause infections if the spores are inhaled. It poses a risk for healthy and immunocompromised people. In some cases, it can be life-threatening. 
2. Allergenic mold spores are usually all around us. These types of spores don’t typically have adverse effects on most people, but as the name suggests, they cause allergic reactions or asthma symptoms for some.
3. Toxigenic molds produce toxins called mycotoxins that can create health risks for people and animals. The most common toxigenic mold found in homes is called “black mold” (which is actually greenish-black), also known by its scientific name, Stachybotrys chartarum.

Black mold is often found indoors because it thrives on cellulose-rich building materials from damp or water-damaged structures. 

How to prevent mold

Mold grows in places where there is consistent moisture. Thus, it is most commonly found in roofs, attics, plumbing, crawl spaces, basements, and bathrooms—basically areas of a home prone to getting wet/having moisture. 

Although mold can be removed, your best option is to prevent its growth in the first place. The best way to prevent mold is to:

• Keep your house dry. Don’t allow water to build up anywhere. Ventilate damp rooms and wipe showers and walls dry. 
• Don’t leave wet clothes in the washing machine. 
• Wash shower curtains and bathroom tiles with mold-killing products. 
• Don’t keep too many indoor plants because mold can grow in the soil. 
• Fix any leaks or seepage in your house. 
• Cover dirt in crawl spaces and keep them well ventilated. 
• Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms. 
• Turn off humidifiers if you see condensation on windows. 
• Use dehumidifiers in basements and other areas of the house that have high humidity, especially in hot and humid climates. 
• Clean your dehumidifiers weekly. 

How to fix a mold problem in your Racine house

If you’ve discovered mold in your house and want to get rid of it—and you should get rid of it—your best bet is to contact a professional. However, if the infestation is pretty small you might be able to tackle it yourself. 

Mold can stick on your clothes and even spread to clothes inside of a washing machine; so, wear clothes you can throw away afterward. Also, wear gloves and goggles. Make sure the room with the mold is properly ventilated when you’re cleaning it. A thin face mask will not suffice; you’ll need to wear several masks or buy an N-95 mask. Also, turn off your furnace and air conditioner when you’re cleaning to prevent particles from spreading. 

Be sure to purchase the right cleaning supplies, too. For example, bleach will not kill the mold permanently and it’s a strong chemical that can create all sorts of health hazards. Borax, available at most grocery stores, is highly recommended. 

Once you’ve finished removing the mold, make sure to dry the surface. Remember, mold loves moisture, so don’t give it what it wants. You can speed up the drying process by ventilating the area and running a dehumidifier.