Have you ever tried to kill mold in your home, only to find that it has returned to haunt you, often within days and, as if to rub it in, in the same areas that you treated earlier?
If that’s happened to you, here are some practical tips to assist you in preventing mold from invading your home in the first place. That’s right. Prevention is the best, most effective method of mold control that I know. If you follow these tips, you will reduce the possibility of having to kill any mold that you may find later on.
Mold and moisture are friends, great friends. If you have moisture anywhere in or around your house, that’s where you’ll find it. So, the first rule is to track down the origin of the moisture so you can control it.
If you don’t do this, you and members of your family could face a myriad of health problems down the track should any of you become exposed to the harmful effects of mold.
This particularly applies to those who already have existing medical conditions such as asthma, allergies, chronic lung diseases, and weakened immune systems. So, whatever you do, try and find where the source of the moisture is. For example, look for leaks in water pipes (including those that are hidden in walls), roofs, guttering, down spouts and appliances that are not vented to the outside such as clothes dryers.
At times, you may also suspect that there is mold somewhere because you can literally smell it. Mold has its own distinctive odor that makes it virtually impossible not to notice. No matter how hard you try, however, you still can’t detect it. In these situations, you could try looking in places that are not so obvious such as underneath carpets and behind drywalls or wall paper.
Once you’ve determined the origin of the moisture in your home, you need to fix whatever was causing the problem. If you have the skill to do that yourself, then that’s great because you will save money. How much will depend on the severity of the problem you’ve identified. However, if you can’t, it’s best to fork out the cash and hire a professional to do the job.
Proper air circulation is extremely important in stopping mold from getting a foothold in your home. So, you should make sure that there is adequate ventilation in areas that are prone to dampness like bathrooms, laundry and utility rooms and basements. Whenever possible, leave as many windows and doors open for as long as you can, especially in bathrooms and laundries. Failure to do this will only encourage mold growth.
There is nothing particularly exciting about having to kill mold in your home. It’s a chore you want to avoid at all costs.
Filed under kill mold, mold removal by on Apr 10th, 2010. Comment. 
What would be some of the physical mold symptoms you would experience if your house had mold. I live in Florida and have had this terrible tickle and cough for 2 weeks and don’t know why.
Answer
Some symptoms of mold would be: shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, being tired more easily than usual, and coughing material (sputum) out of your lungs. I recommend that you get your cough checked. I had one for a year and a half, now I have asthma in spite of moving.
To treat this, the normal way is to look at it as a chronic cough or asthma. You would likely be prescribed an inhaled steroid to reduce lung inflammation and possibly a bronchodilator like Albuterol/Salbutamol for chest tightness, coughing, or wheezing. Ending your exposure to mold is the best treatment.
Fixing the mold problem could be something minor like washing the surfaces in your home with diluted bleach or severe with major demolition and mold removal by professionals. Try to wear a mask when you know you will be exposed to mold. If you have a moldy bathroom, use another shower, if possible. Let the room dry out for a few weeks. Check the bathroom fan to make sure it is actually pulling air from the room to outside. Good ventilation in a room after cleaning it up can help reduce the amount of mold. Commercially available mold removal spray is useful for surface mold. In addition, paint with mold inhibiting chemicals in it can be a good option for repainted areas you know are prone to mold outbreaks.
When trying to isolate where the mold is, remember that mold needs wetness or dampness to grow. Bathrooms with poor ventilation, areas where the pipes are leaking, basements that need a sump pump or dehumidifier, and spots in the ceiling that are not insulated properly can encourage the growth of mold.
Filed under mold removal, remove mold by on Aug 5th, 2009. 1 Comment.
I am interested in buying a house that may have mold.
Is there a way to get rid of the mold if it is in the walls without taking the walls down? And is all mold dangerous?
I don’t know all the details, but, the seller should be responsible for having a possible mold issue taken care of. 1. All molds can be dangerous to people and pet’s. It depends on how much mold is in the living environment and what other health issues a person or pet has. Mold may affect people that have allergies,asthma, immune problems, etc. more than so called healthy people. 2. The seller should be required to have a mold test done by a professional to determine the level of mold spores in the home. 3. If the mold is visible, some kind of remediation needs to be done. 4. Moisture is the necessary ingredient that mold needs to live. (What’s causing the moisture problem?) 5. You don’t have to tear down the walls unless the walls have been compromised by the mold. (I don’t know what your walls are made of.) I can go on an on regarding Mold issues in peoples living environments. Since I don’t know the specifics of the possible mold infestation that your asking about, it’s hard for me to give further advise. Plus, it would help to know what state you live in. New York, for example has some of the toughest guidelines regarding mold remediation.
Filed under kill mold, mold removal by on Mar 20th, 2009. 1 Comment.
How well do ozone generators work killing mold?
westwitch9
0.0.0.0
No, there isn’t. You need to clean the area, (I assume it’s block) with bleach water. Then you need to find out why there is mold there in the first place. If it is moisture from the outside, you might look into the grading of your property. If the ground slopes toward your home, you have a negative grade and water is seeping in- You will need to raise the grade by sloping the ground away from your house.
You might also look at your gutters, if they are full of debris, this can cause water to flow over the side and down into your foundation. Concrete walkways next to a foundation is another way to trap water.
References :
10 years of my life
Filed under kill mold, mold removal, remove mold by on Mar 19th, 2009. 1 Comment.
I’ven been noticing mold growing around the corners of my bathroom ceiling and are now spreading. What’s the most effective way of getting rid of mold?
belen2499
0.0.0.0
Mold in a bathroom is a delicate process to get rid of and you just cannot paint over it as you will need something that acts as a barrier against the moisture.
Bathrooms are prone to mold and mildew buildup because of its moist, humid environment. Mold can be one of the most damaging elements in your bathroom. If left uncleaned, it can cause hard-to-remove stains, bad odors, and extensive damage to your bathroom walls and fixtures not to mention health hazards.
However, it can also be the hardest to remove, especially if it’s been building up for some time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to removing mold and keeping your bathroom mold-free.
1. Scrub off existing mold from the walls and ceiling using household bleach and a piece of cloth. Dilute the bleach (two parts water to one part bleach) to keep from damaging the wall paint or tile. Rinse the cloth under running water from time to time to remove the mold and keep from spreading it to other areas. Remember to wear gloes and protective clothing, and keep the area well-ventilated.
2. When you’ve scrubbed off the surface mold, wash off the remaining bleach with water and allow the surface to dry. You can use fans to help them dry faster, opening a window helps too.
3. Using a roller, apply a coat of Bin paint to the surface. This will remove stains and keep existing mold from sticking to the wall. It also keeps leftover mold from growing back out on the surface. Allow the paint to dry (usually about 45 minutes). Note: This step is not necessary for new bathrooms.
4. Apply two coats of mildew-proof bathroom paint over the Bin paint. This paint contains a special resin that prevents mildew from growing back, even in moist environments. It will not kill existing mildew, however, so make sure you’ve removed it all before applying the paint. Wait one hour before applying the second coat.
Mold-proofing your bathroom
Keep moisture low. Mold and mildew grow on moist surfaces, so keep things as dry possible. Do not leave towels on the floor or keep damp clothes in piles. Keep the room well-ventilated so that excess water can evaporate faster. Use a ceiling fan or open a window when taking a hot shower so steam and moisture can evaporate and escape.
Clean mildew-prone areas regularly. Use a sponge or squeegee to remove excess moisture from walls and shower curtains. Scrub these areas every other week with a bleach and water solution.
Hang loose cloths. Mold can accumulate on damp cloths that are left crumpled or in contact with the floor. Hanging them from a rack will allow them to dry before mold or mildew can grow. Make sure you hang them stretched out, as mold can grow between the creases. Mold can also spread from the floor to the walls.
Brighten up. Dark areas are more prone to mold and mildew growth. Use bright lights and light colored paint or tiles. Install light bulbs in dark areas like closets and cabinets.
Filed under kill mold, mold removal, remove mold by on Mar 18th, 2009. 7 Comments.
This video gives you a very good explanation of what toxic mold is.
Duration : 0:0:58
Filed under black mold, mold removal by on Mar 12th, 2009. Comment.
Have you noticed how many stories about mold have been in the news in recent times? I think these stories highlight the importance of getting rid of mold wherever it may be: home, school, hospital or office building.
For something different, I decided to let these news stories speak for themselves rather than writing a “normal” post. After all, these are real life events that have impacted upon and touched people from all walks of life in a significant way. From babies to high school students to mentally ill children in a hospital to ordinary home buyers to former employees, they have all been affected by this insidious pest.
Take a look at some of these recent news articles and see what you think:
11 March 2009
Bedford County veteran dealing with mold in house
‘Go to your room’ is a common phrase parents tell their kids.
Deshano Hood can’t say that to his 10-year-old daughter, Whitney Nash.
For months mold has spread throughout her bedroom wall inside Hood’s Bedford County home on Somerset Drive, causing concern for Hood and his wife April.
Read the full story here.
9 March 2009
Mother accused of hurting baby says mold to blame
A Syracuse woman who claims she was wrongfully convicted of assaulting her infant daughter based on bronchial tube bleeding that was actually caused by exposure to mold is back in court for a new trial.
…a state Supreme Court justice overturned the conviction earlier this year after the defense provided evidence to support Gallishaw’s claim that she had laundered her baby’s clothing in the mold-infested basement at her mother’s home.
Read the full story here.
6 March 2009
Mold found in Butner hospital gym
Mentally ill kids used the facility
An environmental study has found high levels of mold in a gym used by mentally ill children at a state hospital in Butner.
The spore count in the gym was 61 times that in the air outside the building…
Read the full story here.
6 March 2009
Home Front: Putting mold on hold
SEATTLE – It’s a four-letter word that many potential homebuyers or sellers don’t want to hear during inspections – mold.
Mold can be a nagging problem in our wet regional climate and a home sale killer….
Read the full story here.
4 March 2009
Extensive repairs needed at Selma High
Mold can be seen on the ceiling in the background.Superintendent Dr. Austin Obasohan walked through the corridors of Selma High School. Around each corner, the lights grew dimmer. He walked past classrooms lined with dingy carpet and underneath ceiling tiles stained with water and mold.
Read the full story here.
Enough said. Get rid of your mold problem without delay.
Filed under black mold, mold removal, remove mold by on Mar 11th, 2009. Comment.
An article which appeared in the Washington Post on 1 February 2009 highlights the importance of locating and removing mold from your home.
A jury in Virginia has awarded the Meng family US$ 4.75 million dollars in damages for severe health problems caused by toxic mold found throughout their home. The family does not live in the home anymore.
This is truly a tragic story and should serve as a wake-up call to those who still have doubts about the serious health hazards posed by mold. Here are some of the symptoms that the family suffered:
· Migraines
· Heart palpitations
· Headaches
· Dizziness
· Nosebleeds
· Shortness of breadth
· Memory loss
· Asthma
One thing struck me about this case which is worth mentioning and that is the house was brand new. You don’t normally expect a mold problem in a new house, do you? It seems that’s how the Mengs saw it as well. Even though Mrs. Meng started getting migraines three months after moving into the new home, it was some 15 months later that the husband, Mr. Meng actually tested for and discovered mold.
So, clearly, it seems that you can get a mold problem even though your house may be new. If you have a damp area in your house –whether it is new or not- you’d do well to check it to see if you can spot any evidence of mold growth.
But a word of caution. Unless you know what you’re doing, you should abandon any notion of removing the mold yourself if you do find some. Call a professional or get some training if you fancy yourself as a bit of a handyman.
You will find the full story of what happened to the Meng family here.
Update: In a decision which is generating robust debate and dividing opinion, the original jury award of US$ 4.75 million has now been slashed to US$ 1.4 million. The major sticking point is that the judge found that the Mengs had not suffered “permanent injury”. But note that the Mengs still won their case. This thing still has legs: the next step is likely to be the Virginia Supreme Court where the Mengs will be arguing for the original award to be restored. Stay tuned.
Read the full story here, including the many comments.
Toxic mold in new home
The Mengs talk to Fox5 News about their ordeal
Filed under black mold, clean mold, kill mold, mold removal, remove mold by on Feb 27th, 2009. Comment.
Is Mold Ruining Your Health?
Let’s face it. Mold poses a serious health risk to many people, especially pregnant women, children and the elderly as well as people who already suffer from a pre-existing condition such as asthma.
If you are a mold sufferer who can’t afford to pay a professional thousands of dollars to remove mold from your home, let me introduce you to Mold Manuscript.
Mold Manuscript was written by Maurice Manhattan, a mold specialist. It is a DIY mold removal training book for the handyman who wants to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and easily remove mold anywhere in the home.
The first part of the training book teaches you how to find and locate mold and mildew. The process has been simplified for you and you just follow the detailed procedures outlined to find mold whether it is in the bathroom, kitchen, attic or basement.
The second part focuses on showing you how to properly remove the mold once you have found it. You will be given an easy to follow, step by step guide of the procedures so as to get rid of mold in your home once and for all.
In addition, you will also receive 2 live podcasts to listen to at your leisure in iTunes, mp3, or the web. These are Maurice’s actual coaching methods that he uses to teach home inspectors how to find and remove mold.
And, if you’re one of the first 100 people to buy Mold Manuscript, you will also get three (3) more live podcasts containing the most common (and not so common) FAQ that trainees have asked Maurice in the past. The list is extensive.
Mold Manuscript is a valuable mold removal training product and, without question, represents great value at the price. When you consider how much a professional will charge you to remove and clean mold from your home (a lot!), it’s a no-brainer.
So, if you’re serious about removing mold in your home permanently and save yourself a lot of money in the process, click here to grab your copy of one of the best training books on mold removal.
Filed under black mold, clean mold, kill mold, mold removal, remove mold, Uncategorized by on Feb 21st, 2009. 1 Comment.