How to Rid Your Home of Mold

Mold spores are microscopic fungi that can be either air, water, or insect-borne. There are thousands of different species; some varieties merely create unattractive blemishes on walls and other surfaces, and pose no real health problems, but some can provoke allergic reactions like clogged nasal passages, wheezing and eye irritation. People living in moldy environments can often become excessively tired, even depressed. Prolonged exposure to more dangerous kinds of mold poses even greater risks, like lung infections and fever. Tell-tale signs of mold growing in places around the house are the appearance of black and/or green (sometimes even white) stains that give off a musty odor. Once spotted, this fungal growth should be removed immediately. Then we should take steps to insure that we don't see it again.

Hot water and detergent might be enough to remove some stains, but the most reliable method is to use a solution composed of one part bleach to three parts water. Don't ever mix bleach with any other type of chemical cleaner. Also, use it in a well-ventilated area (if you're in the bathroom, run the exhaust fan if you have one) because the chlorine that's in bleach can be abrasive to one's lungs. There are natural applications that do a fair job of killing off mold. Vinegar can be used, either in a spray bottle or directly wiped on the surface. Tea tree oil is a highly effective antifungal. You can find it in most health food stores, though it'll cost you more than bleach. Use one teaspoon of tea tree oil per cup of water in a spray bottle.

Surfaces should be wiped gently, for two reasons: (1) These kinds of cleaners are caustic on wood and paint, and (2) Rubbing too vigorously can scatter mold particles into the air and then we'll risk breathing them into our lungs. Wearing a nose or face mask is a good precaution, for this reason. Also consider covering your eyes with safety goggles, and protecting your hands with plastic gloves. Once you're done cleaning, everything that has come in contact with the mold and can't be washed - i.e., rags or paper towels used to wipe - should be immediately disposed of (preferably in a sealed plastic bag, outside).

There's a reason why we typically discover mold in basement, bathroom and kitchen areas: the fungi needs moisture to grow and propogate. Warm and humid conditions encourage it to develop and spread, even to places that aren't surfaces at all (like counters and walls) but rather carpets, clothes, and newspaper. Any materials that absorb moisture can be vulnerable to infestation. It's risky to put down carpeting in bathrooms or other damp rooms. Moldy carpet is nearly impossible to clean and will probably need to be pulled up and thrown away. Basements should be aerated as completely as possible.

Leaks and seepage can create the kinds of conditions that mold loves, so these problems should be fixed immediately; the same goes for anything that creates a lot of condensation. Toilet tanks and cold water pipes can be insulated to reduce moisture. Keep any drip pans in your refrigerators and air conditioners clean and as dry as possible. Take a little time to ventilate showers and cooking areas using exhaust fans; also ensure that washers and dryers are ventilating to the outdoors. Try not to let water get passed your shower curtains; if recurring mold is a real problem, consider wiping down your shower/bathtub and the floor area surrounding it after each use.

The foundation of the house can be an unexpected place for mold to grow. If the soil around that area doesn't drain well, slope the ground away from the house so that the foundation isn't being kept permanently damp.

If you notice a lot of condensation on your windows, this can be a sign that the general humidity in the house is too high. If you have a furnace, there's likely a way to set the humidity level lower. Otherwise, exhaust fans can help.