The word mold can strike terror in the hearts of home owners. It can cause health problems, especially for the ultra sensitive person. But consider this. Our homes are more tightly sealed than ever. They are warm and many of us add moisture either with humidifiers or everyday water uses. It's the perfect setup for mold.

Mold is a fungus with hundreds of varieties. It's pretty easy to spot in the bathroom but it could also be lurking in out of the way places such as a utility area, crawl space or basement. A leaking roof or water that stands near your home's foundation can also be a contributor. If you see mold or just suspect it could be present, it's time to take action.

Mold is quite fond of dark, dank places, so increase the air flow and bring in the sunshine whenever possible. After showering, run your bathroom exhaust fan for at least 15 minutes. Use a dehumidifier in utility spaces and keep the fan running on your furnace. The constant air movement will not only be a deterrent to the mold, it will keep your home more comfortable. Moisture that pools near the foundation is destructive and can introduce mold to your home. Be sure gutters drain water away from the house and correct any problems from an air conditioning unit.

The most common place to spot mold is where the tub and wall meet in the bathroom. After showering, wipe this area dry. It only takes a minute. Regularly clean with a scrub brush and cleaners that are formulated to fight mold and bacteria. You can find them at your favorite grocery, hardware or home improvement center or visit a store that sells marine supplies.  If all else fails, call in the experts.

If you are remodeling or building, you'll be impressed with the many new materials on the market formulated to fight mold. They include everything from insulation and wallboard to caulking and paint.

Copyright 2008 PropertySource Network