Cleaning Tips to Remove Mold in the Home

How to Prevent and Get Rid of Indoor Molds & Mold Spores in a House

Nov 1, 2009 Katrena Wells

Learn how to identify an environment that promotes mold growth and learn how to get rid of indoor mold with tips for prevention and mold removal.

Mold triggers allergy symptoms and illnesses in many people. Learn ways to get rid of existing mold in the home and how to promote an environment that is less likely to grow mold in the future.

Testing for Mold in the Home

Having a home tested for mold counts may or may not prove beneficial because these counts can vary drastically from day to day, day to night, and can depend on fluctuating weather conditions. Mold counts that may not affect one person might cause varying levels of sensitivity in those with a mold allergy. People with altered immunity may be more likely to acquire a mold-related lung infection when exposed to mold counts that would not be harmful to someone with a health immune response.

If a person chooses to get a home tested for mold counts and typing, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) March 2005 article entitled “Molds in the Environment” recommends asking the lab in advance what type of recommendations the lab would make based on results of samples obtained. The CDC recommends the removal of any mold that is seen or smelled because of the potential health risk and does not recommend routine sampling in the home for mold at this time.

Weather Can Affect Mold Counts

According to the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) NIAID April 2003 article entitled “Airborne Allergens: Something in the Air,” mold spores are affected by many different weather factors:

• Some molds release spores during dry, windy weather and are typically released during the day.
• Other molds release spores when the environment is humid or foggy and are typically released during the night.
• Larger mold spores may be washed out of the air by rain.
• Rain may propel smaller mold spores into the air.

Environment That Promotes Mold Growth Inside the Home

Mold is more likely to grow in damp areas that tend to be more humid. According to the above cited NIH article, mold may more readily grow in moist areas in the home, including:

• Bathrooms, particularly in shower stalls
• Moist basements and closets
• Air conditioners and humidifiers
• Fresh food storage areas and drip trays in refrigerators
• Furniture such as mattresses and old foam pillows
• Soil for house plants
• Trash receptacles

According to the CDC article cited above, people who wish to decrease mold counts within the home should inspect the home for obvious sources of moisture and correct any leaks or water problems. Measures to decrease mold growth offered by the CDC include:

• Maintaining an indoor humidity of 40% to 60%
• Using an air conditioner or dehumidifier as needed when humidity is high
• Ensuring adequate ventilation in the house
• Using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom
• *Painting with products that have an added mold inhibitor
• Using cleaning products that kill mold
• Avoiding carpets in bathrooms and basements

*Examples of painting products that resist mold growth include KILZ Premium primer and Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Base Primer-Sealer. Products like these can often be found in stores that sell paint, such as Serwin Williams, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Wal-Mart.

Identify and remove moldy surfaces, such as soaked carpeting, moldy flooring or ceiling tiles or drywall, and/or upholstery. People who wish to clean moldy surfaces, such as shower walls and counters, with bleach such follow several safety precautions, such as:

• Following manufacturer’s directions
• Never mixing bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners because these mixtures can produce toxic fumes
• Opening windows to allow adequate air flow
• Wearing protective equipment such as non-porous gloves and eye protection

If the home has mold growth that extends beyond ten square feet, the Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) March 2001 article entitled “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings” offers specific guidelines that may be beneficial for people who are cleaning moldy areas in the home as well.

Mold Prevention and Removal

Mold can be a health hazard for people with mold allergies, mold sensitivities, and an altered immune system. Identifying and controlling factors that promote mold growth can be an important first step in helping to rid a home of mold. Removing existing mold and preventing future mold growth in the home may help improve quality of life and prevent future symptoms and infections. Mold removal can also increase the resell value of a home when placing it on the market.

Readers may also wish to read about How to Prevent a Sinus Infection, Causes of Dust Allergy Symptoms, and information about the Pneumonia Shot.

People who have mold allergies or lung symptoms related to mold exposure should seek a healthcare provider for medical advice regarding their health needs.

The copyright of the article Cleaning Tips to Remove Mold in the Home in Allergies is owned by Katrena Wells. Permission to republish Cleaning Tips to Remove Mold in the Home in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Nov 2, 2009 7:28 AM

Guest :

For more information about mold problems and the many ways that they can be resolved, please visit www.keystonebasementsystems.com

Nov 2, 2009 1:58 PM

Guest :

In addition to the above suggestions, homeowners with mold concerns may want to check out the remarkable research on toxic mold removal done by environmental expert Dr Ed Close. Simply diffusing a therapeutic-grade essential oil regularly will likely result in an environment very hostile to mold, not to mention the health benefits, long-term protection, and simply making your home smell great. You might also consider using the Thieves Household Cleaner that Dr Close suggests for his remediation clients.
http://www.secretofthieves.com/mold.cfm/79544

It seems like this would make traditional remediation projects easier and more effective, as well as creating a healthier environment in which to live.

In one instance, 10,667 stachybotrys mold spores were identified in a per cubic meter area. After diffusing Thieves essential oil for forty-eight hours, Dr Close retested. Only thirteen stachybotrys remained. Similarly, 75,000 stachybotrys mold spores were identified in a sample of sheetrock. After seventy-two hours of diffusing, no stachybotrys mold spores remained. (Stachybotrys has a reputation for being the most toxic mold.)

Nov 3, 2009 6:24 PM

Katrena Wells :

Thanks for the link. It looks like you guys may be an option for people who need to have mold removal done by professionals in the western Pennsylvania area. I live farther South, so I cannot personally verify your company, but your web site has some helpful information and may be a company that someone reading this article might want to research further.

Nov 3, 2009 6:30 PM

Katrena Wells :

I am not familiar with using essential oils to get rid of mold spores in the air, so I cannot recommend that to readers. I think that getting rid of the actual mold and fixing water problems if they are present would be a wise first step. People who are allergic to mold or who have lung problems such as asthma or COPD may also be allergic to other allergens, including anything that has a fragrance, so I would be very cautious in trying something like this.

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