Mold and Mold Allergies - Get Rid of Mold (Part 2 of 2)

Now that we've learned about what mold is and where it comes from, the real question is: How do you get rid of mold?

Although it's impossible to get rid of all mold spores in your home completely, you can control the spread of it. The best way to prevent mold over-growth and spreading is by controlling moisture in your home. Mold, and mold spores specifically, can not grow without moisture. So moisture is key to getting rid of mold.

Identify moisture in your home.

This can be very simple in some areas and not so simple in others. It's easy to feel and identify humidity in areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. But it's important to recognize that moisture build-up can happen anywhere in your home. Are there any leaks in your plumbing or ceilings? Is there visible mold in areas that do not show visible signs of moisture such as under rugs, carpets or on walls? Any areas that do have leaks and water damage need to be cleaned and dried thoroughly within 48 hours to assure that mold does not form. Once moisture has been identified and the areas have been repaired, cleaned and dried, follow these following tips to prevent mold overgrowth.

• Use an air conditioner and dehumidifier. If you live in a humid climate, this needs to be done all year long. If you live in a drier climate, use during humid months, rainy periods and in rooms with the most moisture. 
• Avoid using carpets in basements, laundry rooms and bathrooms. 
• Ventilate your home by using fans facing/blowing outside. Also, use bathroom fans or open bathroom windows when showering or bathing. 
• If mold buildup has developed on your walls, use mold inhibitors or fungicides in paint, primer and wall paper paste.
• Buy a humidity meter and monitor and control indoor humidity. (Ideally between 30%-50%).
• Vent appliances that produce moisture such as clothes dryers and stoves to the outdoors.
• Use a bleach cleaner for kitchen and bathroom sinks and drains, tubs, shower walls/tile and flooring. (Avoid touching moldy surfaces with bare hands and wear protective gloves when using harsh cleaning agents.) 
• Clean garbage cans and refrigerators at least once a month. 
• Mold can grow in old books, newspapers, clothing and bedding. Get rid of any of these, if possible, or use a vacuum seal kit to seal them air tight so no moisture or oxygen can get in and allow mold growth.

Should I contact a Professional?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), testing is usually not necessary with smaller amounts of visible mold. However, large areas of mold may require the services of a professional who is experienced in mold cleanup. The severity of the mold and your symptoms from the mold can vary greatly from room to room and home to home. If you've followed all the above steps for clean-up and prevention to get rid of mold and are still having an overgrowth of mold, contact a mold removal specialist.

Mold spores, like pollen, are everywhere. If  'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,' then using a daily mold remedy, such as Mold Mix is definitely worth its weight. It works with your body's immune system to heal itself while calming mold allergy symptoms. With the summer heat and humidity upon us, feeling symptom-free from mold and mold allergies and keeping the mold spores to a minimum can make your summer just a little brighter.

Previous Mold and Mold Allergies - What is it? What are the Symptoms? (Part 1 of 2)