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. 
People are often too complacent about whether or not they should kill mold that, unfortunately, is becoming too prevalent these days. No doubt, the major shift in climate conditions around the world has a lot to do with the increase in mold infestations.
However, if you feel like you want to remove mold that may have taken hold in your home, it’s a good idea to avoid using toxic materials which are unfriendly to the environment.
You will find some tips on how to kill mold and mildew naturally here.
Filed under kill mold by on Apr 4th, 2010. 1 Comment.
I had an ice dam on my house, over the past couple of days water has been slowly trickling into my laundry room which has old plaster walls covered in wall paper and paint. The wall and the edge of the ceiling is wet and a little soft in places, and I think mold might be starting to grow, in some places the water running down the walls is orange (I don’t know why, possibly dye from the wallpaper, or something in the wood framing, the house is very old). I wanted to remodel this room eventually but I don’t have the time or money to do it right now. Is there any way to kill or prevent mold growth on and in the walls without ripping them out?
I was thinking of using a spray on the walls … but I have a feeling this is only superficial and that there could still be growth behind the plaster.
I’d just like to get some opinions.
tim r
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A common misnomer is that a bleach/water solution will kill mold. IT WILL NOT. You need an industrial strength bleach to accomplish this. Without removing the wall board, you will not be able to safely remove the mold. If you wait, you can only hope the water dries out so the mold doesn’t prosper.
Kilz primer will not be effective if the mold is continuing to grow. You have to remove the mold, dry things out, then and only then can you encapsulate safely.
There are many reasons mold is dangerous, and that doesn’t take in account the adverse health effects. Feel free to e-mail me with the particulars and I will try to help you further. Good luck.
References :
certified mold inspector & remediator
Filed under kill mold by on Mar 16th, 2009. 5 Comments.
If there is wallpaper and it is seeping through the wallpaper. Do I have to remove the wallpaper & kill the mold then get new wallpaper? How do you kill mold on the wall?
jeff s
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mold can be a very serious and dangerous problem in your home. if you don’t have an exhaust fan in your bathroom this could be the problem, but you do need to find out the cause of the mold otherwise it will be back no mater what you do. at the very least you need to cut a hole in the wall (about hand size) and look at the back of the piece of drywall that you cut out, then with a small mirror and flashlight look inside the wall for signs of mold or mildew. you should wear gloves and a dust mask when you do this. some forms of household mold are very dangerous and sometimes deadly to humans. what your inspection reveals will determine how to fix it. if you need more info at that point feel free to e-mail me and i will answer your questions.
Filed under kill mold by on Mar 14th, 2009. 2 Comments.
I found out that the vent on my roof that is used for the bathroom fan is leaking a bit. I’m going to take out the vent and re-install it making sure that it is well sealed. There is some mold around it on the surface of the plywood (the side that is in the addict). the house is only 4 years old and I’m told I should be able to just use some bleach and kill the mold after making sure it is sealed and I should be good to go. Just looking for other opinions/suggestions.
Jim N
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Bleach does NOT kill mold. You must use a biocide or anti-microbial. Supporting article: http://www.normi.org/articles/bleach-mold.php
It won’t be easy on a substance such as plywood because of it’s multiple layers into which mold spores can penetrate. However, after an application of biocide or anti-microbial and allowing time to dry, check to see if it returns. If not, I would seal with Shellac. Just brush it on. Sealers/Primers such as KILZ often contain Shellac because of it’s sealing properties and the fact that any finish including paint can be put over Shellac. If you elect to use KILZ or a similar product, make sure it has a anti-fungicide in it. If not, it can be added.
It won’t be easy on a substance such as plywood because of it’s multiple layers into which mold spores can penetrate. However, after an application of biocide or anti-microbial and allowing time to dry, check to see if it returns. If not, I would seal with Shellac. Just brush it on. Sealers/Primers such as KILZ often contain Shellac because of it’s sealing properties and the fact that any finish including paint can be put over Shellac. If you elect to use KILZ or a similar product, make sure it has a anti-fungicide in it. If not, it can be added.
Filed under kill mold by on Mar 12th, 2009. 9 Comments.