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Repair all leaking pipes to control mold growth inside your home.Homeowners often become concerned when they find brown spots inside their homes, causing disintegration. Colored patches on drywall or other items is usually caused by mold. Mold growth inside your home can cause adverse health effects and can damage the structure of your home. Identification

Mold is caused by fungi, which can lie dormant inside homes for years. When moisture is present, this fungi can grow and thrive. Mold produces fungal spores, which is the way mold reproduces. To live, mold must have moisture, a food source and warmth. Mold can grow on almost any indoor surface, such as drywall, wood, tile, fabric and carpet. When mold is growing on porous surfaces, it can cause the item to break down or disintegrate. Mold growth can also be hidden. Underneath wallpaper, the back-side of drywall and the undersides of carpets are common hiding places for mold.

Mold growth may be various colors, such as brown, black, white or green and is often fuzzy or powdery. However, mold spores can also produce mold in bold colors such as purple, red, orange, pink or gray. Mold growth can cause health effects such as red eyes, nasal congestion, skin rash and sneezing. People with asthma may suffer from wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. Those with immune-mediated diseases may develop dangerous fungal diseases with prolonged exposure to mold. Mold may also cause damage to the structure of your home and make expensive repairs necessary.

Removing brown mold spots is best accomplished with a mixture of liquid dish detergent and water. Scrub the moldy area with this solution, and rinse thoroughly. Dry the area with a soft cloth. Stubborn mold stains can be removed with chlorine bleach and water. Do not mix any other household cleaners with chlorine bleach, as this may cause toxic fumes to develop. If porous household items such as carpet become moldy, they may need to be removed and discarded. According to the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA, mold grows in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, making them very difficult to clean. If you have a household item with sentimental value that's heavily covered in mold, consult a mold removal specialist before attempting to remove the mold yourself.

After removing brown mold spots, you must discover the source of moisture and repair it. Failing to repair water leaks will result in the regrowth of mold. Mold growth is often caused by leaking pipes in the kitchen or bathroom or by high humidity in bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms. Running a dehumidifier can help reduce indoor humidity. Installing exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens can also help reduce relative humidity indoors. Always vent your dryer to the outside to prevent high humidity in your laundry room.