But what if you spot a larger patch on a bathroom wall? Or inside a sink cabinet? Or under a basement window?

It’s essential to act quickly because this unsightly fungus can rapidly multiply in favorable conditions and create an unhealthy environment for you and your family.

Since mold thrives in moisture, the first step is finding and eliminating the source of water (a leaking pipe, for example) and drying out the area. Next, get ready to remove the mold that has already taken hold.

DIY Mold Remediation

Can you get rid of mold on your own? Yes.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that homeowners independently resolve their mold problems if the affected area is less than three feet by three feet.

First, however, take steps to protect yourself:

1. Cover up – Mold is a skin irritant, so shield as much of your skin as possible.
2. Wear rubber gloves – They’ll protect your hands from mold and harsh cleaning agents. If you’re using detergent and water, regular household gloves are fine. For stronger cleaning solutions, it’s better to use neoprene, nitrile, or natural rubber gloves that extend halfway up your arm.
3. Use a heavy-duty respirator – Avoid inhaling mold spores that might damage your lungs. The EPA recommends an N-95 respirator, which typically costs $12 to $25.
4. Wear goggles – Select a pair that does not have ventilation holes, so airborne mold spores can’t reach your eyes.

Next, prepare your cleaning solution(s).

You have many options. Some products work best on hard surfaces, while others do a better job of penetrating porous materials. You can also make your own by mixing various chemicals (like bleach, vinegar, borax, ammonia, and others) with water.

Don’t mix chemicals together! Some combinations, like bleach and ammonia, cause toxic fumes and are extremely dangerous.

If your cleaning solution contains bleach or other disinfectants, be sure your work area is well ventilated.

Next Steps

Once you’ve prepared yourself and gathered your supplies, it’s time to get that mold out of your house!

Work with a sponge or a brush to scrub it off hard, solid surfaces. Unfortunately, mold can stain, so you may not be able to eliminate all discolorations.

Do not paint or caulk over the mold. However, once the mold is eliminated and the area is thoroughly dry, you can seal wood surfaces with an oil-based primer like KILZ then use a latex paint containing a mildewcide to prevent future mold growth.

Porous materials, including fabric, carpet, and ceiling tiles, may need to be discarded if you aren’t able to thoroughly remove the mold.

Know Your Limitations

Some mold problems demand professional attention. You may want to hire a mold remediation contractor if:

• the area is larger than 10 square feet
• the mold has caused structural damage, or
• you can’t reach and clean sections where mold is growing

Prevent Future Problems

Keep your home dry and quickly correct any water problems. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to gain a grip.

Watch for new leaks from the roof, pipes, or basement window wells. Bathrooms and kitchens are also prime spots. Keep an eye on leaks from sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs.

Reduce humidity levels in any damp areas within your home (like a basement). Dehumidifiers lower humidity levels while exhaust fans can improve ventilation. If you don’t have exhaust fans in your kitchen or bathrooms, consider installing them.

1. Kitchens

Your kitchen has all the ingredients for preparing your favorite foods. It also contains all the ingredients for forming and feeding a house fire.

The U.S. Fire Administration says cooking is the leading cause of all residential building fires and injuries. Keep your family safe by observing a few kitchen fire safety guidelines.

• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Be sure to power off all heating devices before leaving the kitchen.
• Keep hot pads, dish towels, paper towels, packaging materials, and other combustibles away from heat sources.
• Since grease is combustible, be sure to clean your oven and burners regularly to prevent build-ups.
• If a grease fire starts, smother it with a large lid, salt, or baking soda. Never use water (which will spread the fire) or substances like flour (which is combustible).
• Store a fire extinguisher in a visible, easily accessed location and know how to use it.

Surprisingly, households using electric ranges have a higher risk of cooking fires than those using gas ranges.

2. Candles

Candles may provide soft lighting, romantic ambiance, and pleasant scents. They’re also a potential fire risk.

To reduce danger, follow these safety guidelines:

• Trade open-flame candles for battery-operated “simulated” candles.
• Don’t leave candles unattended and never use them as a night light.
• Place them on stable, heat-resistant surfaces.
• Keep candles away from flammable items, including drapes, linens, magazines, and decorations.
• Avoid setting candles where drafty air currents (from vents, open windows, or ceiling fans) might push a flame toward flammable items.
• Place candles out of the reach of children and pets.

3. Children and Pets

The youngest and furriest members of your family also pose a fire risk. The National Fire Protection Association says that roughly 7,100 home fires a year are caused by children playing with fire. Start teaching children fire safety at an early age.

Pets can also unintentionally trigger deadly blazes.

Children and pets are often curious. Keep them away from stoves and countertops where they may accidentally ignite, knock over, or bump into cooking equipment. Additionally:

• If you have a fireplace, add a screen that will hold children and pets at a safe distance.
• Store matches and lighters out of reach.
• Install plugs over any unused outlets.
• Check cords for damage. Frayed cables can generate fire-starting sparks.
• Maintain safe distances between children and space heaters, candles, and lamps. This is especially important if children are carrying blankets or stuffed animals. Ditto for pets (and their beds).
• Don’t use glass water bowls on a wooden porch. At the right angle, rays of sunlight can be magnified intensely enough to start a fire.

Other Safety Recommendations

In addition to the suggestions above, consider implementing these general fire safety tips:

• Read manufacturer recommendations and make sure your space heaters aren’t dangerously close to flammable materials.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on every floor (not just in the kitchen) and ensure everyone knows how to use it.
• Make sure every room in your home has a functioning smoke detector.

1. Sellers are Motivated

If they weren’t, they’d probably hold off until spring, since April is the best month to sell a home. By fall, sellers who were “testing the waters” with a listing in prime selling season are either eliminated or are now serious sellers.

These motivated sellers often want to get things settled before the end of the year, completing their own move before the holidays. Living “in limbo” for several months can be exhausting and provides another motivating factor.

The longer a house has been on the market, the more likely a seller is willing to negotiate on everything from price, to closing costs, to move-in dates.

2. There are Fewer Buyers

Potential buyers with children are less likely to be in the market once school has started. Other autumn buyers may become hampered by inclement weather, shorter daylight hours, and holiday demands. If you are flexible, less competition in the fall can pay off for you!