House Mold Treatment

Mold spores require moisture to germinate and flourish so any type of water damage to your property can spell major mold problems. Mold will grow on many different surfaces such as wood, tile grout, carpeting, fabrics, paint and so on and if it is allowed to spread it can begin to cause health problems for those living in the property.

The molds which cause ill health are those which produce toxins called mycotoxins, if these are found in high concentrations they can and will cause allergies affecting the respiratory system and eyes as well as possibly causing nausea, headaches and fatigue. Any one who already suffers from asthma, the very young and the elderly are most at risk.

Therefore it is essential that any water damage is dealt with quickly and effectively to limit the amount of mold growth which may occur.

Obviously cause of the water damage will dictate the severity and whether or not it is possible to clear up and deal with any water damage mold yourself.

Mold Caused By Water Damage

Major flooding will without doubt need the services of a professional company to clear up, dry out and restore your property as this would be a major undertaking and would most likely be beyond the capabilities of most DIY “experts.” If this is the case you can be sure that any water damage mold will have been dealt with.

If on the other hand you have a burst pipe or something similar and the water damage is not too extensive you may decide to tackle the clean up yourself.

The key to preventing water damage mold is to remove the excess water and moisture as quickly as possible.

1. Remove everything from the area. If the weather allows take furniture etc. outside and allow it to dry out thoroughly.

Clearing Up Water

2. Remove any water inside the property – you may need professional help with this.

3. Any items which can be laundered should be and thoroughly dried also.

4. Any cardboard, paper etc. should be disposed of as this is prime mold growing material.

5. Items such as carpets and rugs must be dried out as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth. Again if you can remove them and allow them to dry outside this is the best option. Cleaning with a steam cleaner may also be a wise move as this will kill off any mold spores and provided the carpet or rug is thoroughly dried mold will not form.

6. Floors, walls and wood must also be dried quickly. Opening windows will help as will the use of heaters and electric fans but investing in a dehumidifier is without doubt the best option. (It is possible to rent these if you don’t want to buy.) There are dehumidifiers available which will not only help dry out the room but which also contain HEPA filters which will help remove mold spores from the atmosphere.

7. Drying everything out however, may in some instances not be an option if damage or mold growth is extensive plaster board, wall insulation wood and floorings may require replacing otherwise mold growth will be a continual problem.

8. Don’t be tempted to cover mold with carpets, tiles, wall paper etc. or to return items to the room until everything is 100% dry. This will only give more problems in the future.

9. Any mold growth can be cleaned from walls and other surfaces using various cleaning materials either commercial mold removers from a store or household items such as vinegar or lemon juice from the kitchen cupboard.

10. REMEMBER – If mold caused by water damage is extensive getting it professionally treated is essential.

If you are unfortunate enough to discover a problem with mold growth in your home, you will want to start a fast and efficient mold clean up operation immediately.

But, how can you be sure that you really do have mold?

Well usually one of the first signs is a horrid “earthy” “musty” odour which is given off by the mold, secondly you will notice discolored areas on walls, window sills, fabrics etc. one way of establishing if these stains are caused by mold is to wipe it with some normal household bleach. (Mold can appear in a variety of colors – black, white, yellow and blue are a few examples.) If the stain is removed by the bleach the chances are it is mold, if not it could be a number of things such as pollutants entering the home from outside through open windows etc.

Mold Growing On Wood

Whatever type of mold you discover it can most definitely be attributed to excess moisture in the building due to condensation, water leaks, dampness and so on. It is therefore imperative that these issues are dealt with before any mold clean up can begin. Fitting ventilation fan, range hoods and opening windows will help reduce moisture in the atmosphere whilst a dehumidifier will help dry out damp areas quickly and efficiently once any necessary repairs have been carried out.

Before starting any mold clean up it is essential that you evaluate the level of mold growth – large areas can be extremely hazardous and will most definitely require professional attention.

So when is it safe to tackle a mold clean-up yourself?

Mold growth can be divided into three categories:

1. Small Growth Area- this would be defined as an area of mold growth which is no larger than 1 meter square and there should be no more than three areas(all less than 1 meter square) This you can tackle yourself.

2. Moderate Growth Area – mold growth can be put in this classification if there are more than three areas with each one smaller that 1 square meter or one single larger area, but this should be no larger than 3 meters square. Again, with care you should be able to tackle this amount of mold yourself.

3. Extensive Growth Area – If you find you have an patch of mold which covers an area more than 3 square meters, it is time to call in professional help.

Now of course the big question is how to carry out a mold clean-up?

Before you begin working to remove any type of mold you must protect yourself so, you will need a minimum of goggles, face mask and rubber gloves, if you are dealing with a moderate rather than a small mold growth area you should seal of the whole room with plastic sheeting before you begin. Anyone who already suffers respiratory problems or allergies and small children should be kept as far from the work area as possible – probably best if they are not even in the building.

OK, so if you have just a small area of mold to clean it is quite simply a case of scrubbing it clean using a solution containing a detergent, you may want to consider using a commercial mold clean up product or some basic household ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, tea tree oil orgrapefruit seed oil all of which will remove mold stains. Once cleaned it is important to dry the area out as quickly as possible. A dehumidifier is fantastic for this.

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If the area of mold you want to clean is a bit larger i.e. “moderate” in size it is best to use a vacuum cleaner to remove the surface mold which can be “powdery” in appearance first. However, the vacuum you use should have a HEPA filter fitted or should be exhausted outside. Once again scrub the area using a mold clean up solution and allow to dry. If you are tackling a wood surface and the stain cannot be removed in this way it will be necessary to use a sander (use one with an inbuilt vacuum to prevent the spread of mold spores in the atmosphere) to remove the mold. If the mold is extensive it is probably wiser to replace the wood rather than try to clean it.

In both instances, if you have cleaned the mold and it continues to return it would suggest that there is a further problem with moisture or damp which needs investigation by a professional.

Professional help will also be require if you have large, extensive areas of mold growth, mold can be very damaging to health so do not be tempted to try such a mold clean up!

Mold of any kind in your home is unsightly and most definitely unwelcome! It is harmful to human health causing all sorts of allergies, headaches, nausea and sometimes serious illness related to the respiratory tract or the autoimmune system.

Basement mold is one of the most common problems – lets be honest, basements tend to be used as dumping grounds for unused pieces of furniture, old carpets and much much more. They also tend to become a bit neglected so a problem such as basement mold can be firmly established before it is discovered.

The biggest tell tale sign is the horrid “musty” odour, if you are met by such a smell when you enter your basement you can be sure you will find mold growth.

So, what should you look for? Well, basement mold and mildew will most likely to be black, white or a sort of blue in color and will look like “furry” spots. You are most likely to find it growing on materials composed of protein or cellulose I suppose you could put it simply and say any natural or organic items for example wood, paper, cardboard, carpet, textiles, leather – this list is endless. I should point out that it will grow also in insulation which is made from fibreglass.

Mold growing on wall

How can you remove basement mold?

Like I said earlier mold can be harmful to human health so before you begin it is essential that you have the correct protective clothing i.e. overalls, goggles, face mask and gloves.

1. First thing you need to do is empty the basement – dispose of anything which has mold growth on it. Furniture you may want to put to one side and clean up later and anything metal may be rusty, but should be free from mold.

2. Check any exposed wood in the structure of the building such as rafters, if the mold is extreme it may need to be replaced. If there is mold in the insulation this too should be removed and replaced once the basement is free of mold and dried out.

3. Now it is time to establish the cause of the mold, mold need dampness to flourish so have a good look round for leaking pipes, cracks or holes in walls anything at all which will allow water to seep into the basement. If you are at all unsure it is probably best to have the place inspected by a professional builder or plumber.

4. The next step is vital – have any remedial work done to rectify the cause of the dampness because until this is done you can clean mold all day every day and it will just keep on coming back!

5. Time to get cleaning! It is important that you clean everything – even if there is no obvious signs of mold growth, there are a number of things you can use from commercial mold removers to plain old hot soapy water. Vinegar, tea tree oil and grapefruit seed oil are also good options. If you are using chemicals make sure the area is well ventilated. If the floor has been carpeted it is probably best to rip it up and dispose of it however, if this is not an option you could use a mold cleaner and perhaps rent or buy a  steam cleaner which will kill of any mold spores.

6. Once the hard work has been completed and the cleaning done to prevent the basement mold returning the whole area must be dried out completely. The best way to do this is with a dehumidifier
this will remove all the moisture from the air far more quickly than opening windows or turning on heating.

7. Its time now to get the paint brush out and repaint the walls etc. You must be especially careful when returning items to the basement that they are mold free to prevent the chance of a recurrence.

8. Take more care of your basement! Be vigilant regarding leaks and use a dehumidifier regularly to keep damp or condensation to a minimum and prevent the basement mold from returning.

Mold growing in closets and cupboards is a fairly common occurrence. It can completely ruin clothes, shoes, linen whatever belongings  happen to be stored in this space. Not only that it also permeates the air and your belongings with the most horrid “musty” smell that is very difficult to get rid of.

The most likely cause of mold in closets is dampness. This can be caused either by poor property maintenance where water begins to seep into the house through leaking roofs, broken gutters, cracked walls or perhaps dripping pipes or in the form of condensation. The latter is caused when the humidity in the atmosphere becomes too high. The moist air then comes into contact with a cold surface and converts back to water droplets thus forming condensation.

What should you do if you discover mold in your closet?

In most cases because closets tend to be enclosed spaces the biggest cause of damp and mold is lack of ventilation which can be resolved fairly easily. However there is work to be done first.

The first thing you should do is to remove everything from the closet. If it is clothing or linen etc. which has been

stored then laundering or cleaning these items is going to be essential. If there is mold present on the fabrics it will be necessary to remove this before it has a chance to spread further.

There are a few options open to you for removing mold stains from clothing lemon juice and salt mixed then applied to the stain and allowed to sun dry can be very effective. Another option is the use of bleach however you will be limited as to what you can apply this as it will remove colour etc. There are also a few commercial mold removal products which can be used like a laundry detergent.

Okay, so you have dealt with the contents of the closet now it is time to remove the mold from inside.

First safely has to be a top priority – remember exposure to some molds can have catastrophic effects on human health so before you begin seal the area off and wear rubber gloves, goggles and a face mask.

Again you have a choice of how you go about removing the mold of course natural products are far better for you and the environment so you may consider applying solutions of tea tree oil, grapefruit seed oil or vinegar all of which are excellent mold removers.

There are also commercial mold removal products widely available in stores and online some of which are organic and completely non toxic, most will also help remove the unpleasant odour.

Which ever method you use the most vital part if the mold treatment is allowing the closet to dry out completely. Leave the doors open – open a window in the room or perhaps enlist the help of a dehumidifier but DO NOT return the contents until the area is 100% dry.

Creating adequate ventilation is going to be key in ensuring that the problem does not reappear. You could consider leaving the closet door open on occasion or perhaps installing a vent in the bottom of the door or the roof if it is a free standing closet.

You may consider purchasing a mini electric dehumidifier or using one which contains silicon crystals in the closet to soak up excess moisture (remember the crystals will have to be replaced regularly!) One final tip – NEVER put anything in the closet whilst it is damp for example jackets this will only add to your problem.

Good maintenance and good ventilation can prevent mold in closets and cupboards and could save you a small fortune in replacement clothes!

Black mold is not only unsightly in your home but it can also be dangerous. This stuff is capable of causing all kinds of illness in anyone who is exposed to it over a period of time.  If you discover areas in your home or work place affected with black mold it is essential that swift action is taken and treatment started to prevent the problem spreading and also to safe guard your health and that of others sharing the affected accommodation.

Black mold treatment must begin by finding the source of the problem. The fungus – correct name Stachybotrys chart arum or Stachybotrys atra will only flourish in damp conditions therefore it is essential that the source of the dampness is pinpointed. The usual cause is poor building maintenance – water is allowed to seep into the building from broken guttering, leaking roofs, dripping pipes or the atmosphere in the building contains excess humidity which in turn creates condensation.

Black Mold Growth

Once the cause of the dampness has been put right the damage can be accessed and the black mold treatment can begin.

If you are fortunate enough to have only a small area affected by the mold you should be able to carry out the mold treatment yourself. If the damage is extensive the only option really is to call in professionals in mold remediation. The reason for this is that by exposing yourself to large amounts of mold without the proper equipment and protective gear you really are asking for trouble. Exposure like this can lead to major health issues which may include – skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing problems and then there is the possibility it could kill you! So please play safe.

Before tackling the black mold treatment even on a small area it is essential that you are kitted out with disposable gloves, a respiratory mask and eye protection. You must ensure you have as little contact with the mold as possible.

There are a number of things you can use to treat the mold, however the last thing you want is toxic chemicals – let’s face it the mold is toxic enough on its own!

Here are a few examples of black mold treatments

Vinegar – Cheap and plentiful and a great way to remove mold. Simply spray on to the affected area, leave for a while then wipe with a damp cloth. The only real problem with this black mold treatment is the pungent odour from the vinegar.

Tea Tree Oil – A solution of water and a few drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle, again spray the affected area and leave to sit. Again this treatment can be a bit smelly and also quite expensive but a little tea tree oil goes a long way. The solution you make up will also stay good for an indefinite period of time so it can be re-used over and over again.

Grapefruit Seed Oil – this is used in the same way as tea tree oil. Make a solution in a spray bottle and apply to the black mold and allow to dry. Like the tea tree oil, grapefruit seed oil is expensive but it too goes a long way. The huge advantage here is that it is completely odourless.

Commercial Mold Treatments – These are readily available. Be careful however, which you choose some can be as toxic as the mold itself! There are some on the market which are non toxic and can safely be used around children and pets.

You will notice that all of these black mold treatments involve spraying the mold with product this is because it is vital that dry mold spores are not allowed to escape into the atmosphere. With this in mind do not be tempted to brush or in anyway remove dry mold. This too will have detrimental effects on your health and others that of others sharing the same building.

The next step is to again allow the area to dry out completely, this is important to prevent mold returning. So, open windows, turn on heating or use a dehumidifier- remember mold is a living organism and need moisture to flourish remove the moisture and it cannot survive.

Here’s to success in your black mold treatment!

Black mold, sometimes referred to as toxic mold or mildew is a common problem in many homes. When the correct conditions prevail such as a surface which contains moisture caused usually by high humidity or dampness and the correct temperature range this fungi will begin to germinate and grow. It takes on almost a “furry” appearance although it has also been described as looking “powdery”

Once the mold has formed as with any living organism it needs food to survive and this is when the potential for the black mold to cause symptoms of illness in humans begins. The  cause of the symptoms are due to something known as VOC’s – Volatile Organic Compounds – these are produced by the mold when it begins to break down the surface on which it is present in order to get the nourishment it needs for continued growth.
Anyone exposed to high levels of these VOC’s can experience any of a number of symptoms attributed to the black mold growth.

Listed below are some of the most common symptoms of black mold induced illness:

1.Respiratory problems

2. coughs

3. nausea

4. Rashes on the skin

5. Loss of memory

6. Dizziness

7. Problems with blood pressure

8. Asthma

9. Urinary tract infection

10. Damage to the lungs

11. Allergies – itchy or running nose, eyes etc.

12. Difficulty concentrating

These are just a few but as you can see the symptoms caused by black mold are varied and can be potentially very serious especially those affecting the respiratory and central nervous systems.

Obviously if you find yourself suffering from any of these symptoms it is best to consult a doctor. However the best way to ease or eradicate your symptoms caused by black mold is to eliminate the mold from your home.

As I have said before black mold needs moisture to grow and the moisture within our homes can usually be caused by one of two things high humidity or dampness.

High humidity is excess moisture in the atmosphere. The number one cause of this is lack of ventilation. As we go about our daily tasks we generate steam through cooking, bathing, perhaps using a tumble dryer to dry clothing, We hang wet clothing to dry around heaters – the list is endless. However without enough ventilation the moisture in the atmosphere builds because it cannot escape, then as it cools moisture begins to settle on cold surfaces as water droplets better know as condensation. The wet surfaces such as window frames, walls etc. then become prime growing areas for black mold.

Dampness is usually caused by an underlying problem with water leakage. Poor property maintenance can lead to water seeping in through roofs, into basements, through cracks in walls or from leaking pipes. A constant drip will over

Damp Area On Walls

time cause a huge amount of damage and the damp surfaces create ideal growing conditions for black mold.

The first step to getting rid of black mold and the symptoms it can inflict is to identify what the root cause is.

If your property has a problem high humidity then it is fairly easy to put right. Simply open a few windows! This is the simplest and cheapest solution but possible not the best one if the temperature outside is -10oC. However there are other relatively cheap things you can do, for example:-

1. Have extractor fan installed in your kitchen and bathroom which are directly vented to the outside of the building – NOT into attic space or basements, do that and you will have BIG problems in the future.

2. If you use a tumble dryer this too should have a vent to the outside of the house. These things create massive amounts of steam so by doing this alone you will cut the humidity levels greatly.

3. Try not to dry wet clothing in the house – where possible hang it outside to dry. If you must dry it inside hang it in an unheated room, open the window and close the door.

4. dehumidifierare a great tool in solving this problem too. They may not be particularly cheap to buy but if you have a problem then they are well worth the investment. A dehumidifier will draw the air in through a vent remove the moisture and blow the dry air back out and you empty the container of water! Obviously this is a very simplified description of how it works but believe me it works! You may wonder about the cost of running one of these units, well it really is not that expensive especially if you purchase a model which has a humidistat fitted. This means it will switch itself on and off as required rather than running constantly. Another point to consider is that dry air is far easier to heat than moist air so you should be able to cut down on your winter heating bill!

If the cause of your black mold is dampness, it may not be so easy to remedy.

1. The first thing to do is to establish why you have damp areas in the first place – if necessary you should bring in a professional builder or plumber to assess the situation. You cannot begin to eradicate the black mold and the symptoms of ill health it causes until repairs are completed.

2. If the damage is extensive it may be necessary to replace wood, plaster, carpets etc. If this is not the case the next step is to dry the area out remember – remove the moisture and the black mold cannot grow or spread. Opening windows in good weather will do the job as will the use of heaters. A dehumidifier is once again the ideal piece of kit. It will do the job much faster than heaters or open windows and many models have the added advantage of having air filters which may help remove any mold spores in the atmosphere.

The black mold clean up:-

The task of cleaning any signs of black mold need not be an expensive one. However, it should be a non toxic one.

There are many natural ways to clean black mold from good old soap and water to solutions of tea tree oil or grapefruit seed oil. However, there many commercialy produced products designed for the purpose of removing black mold
It is worth taking a bit of time when choosing such a product to be sure that it is safe for use by non professionals and that it is not highly toxic especially around children and pets.

No one wants unsightly mold growing in their home. Not only does it have a detrimental effect on the structure of your house but also on the health of everyone living there.

The growth of mold can be due to a number of reasons. Probably most commonly to high levels on moisture in the atmosphere. In summer this is often due to high humidity levels and in winter due to inadequate ventilation as we try to keep our homes heated. This can cause condensation on windows and other cold surfaces as the air cools and the moisture turns to water droplets. Of course moisture is exactly what mold needs to germinate and flourish.

A Bad Case Of Mold Growth

In this scenario it is fairly easy to remedy – remove the moisture for the atmosphere and use a good mold cleaner to remove and kill the mold and your problem should go away.

How do you reduce the moisture in the air?

Something as simple as opening a window to let air circulate will help, you could purchase a dehumidifierwhich will greatly reduce the moisture and will dry out any particularly damp rooms. These are not too expensive to run especially if you purchase a model which has a humidistat fitted which means it will only switch itself on when the humidity level rises. Another feature which is useful is that some models have various types of air filters which will help to remove mold spores from circulating in the atmosphere.

Fitting a ventilation fanin the bathroom which is vented directly to the outside of your property is a good plan for use during bathing. A cooker hoodfitted in the kitchen will extract excess moisture and steam created during cooking. Tumble driers create huge amounts of moisture so make sure that this too is ventilated to the outside of your house using a simple hose.

All of these simple measures are extremely effective and not hugely expensive.

Good maintenance to the fabric of your property is also vital. Taking care of small problems as they arise can prevent major cost and major repairs in the future. Check for leaky pipes, blocked gutters, damaged brick work etc. all of these will allow water to seep into your home damaging walls and floors as well as furniture and soft furnishings – creating a mold growing haven.

Once you have dealt with the source of your mold problem it is time to tackle the mold with a good mold cleaner.

If you venture into your local store or on to the internet you will be faced with a myriad of mold cleaner products all claiming to be the best. Beware, many of these are toxic containing all sorts of chemical agents which can do as much if not more damage to your health and that of your family if not used with extreme care. The good news is, that there are now natural mold cleaners out there which contain nothing but natural ingredients but which are equally as effective as the chemical products available.

If you don’t want to spend any extra money there are a couple of every day ingredients which will act as great mold cleaners which you will likely have in a cupboard.

Soap – Plain old soap will do a perfectly good job if the mold infestation is fairly minor. It is as simple as scrubbing the affected area, wiping it clean then allowing to dry.

Baking Soda – This is a very simple but effective and cheap mold cleaner for tiles. Mix the baking soda into a paste with water and vinegar. Use a toothbrush to scrub with the paste. Leave this to sit for around twenty minutes then rinse off.

This is just a couple of suggestions for natural mold cleaners, you could also try tea tree oil or grapefruit seed oil – these are quite expensive but a little bottle goes a long way! Plain distilled white vinegar will also work well.

Caution: If you are unsure of the type of mold in your home please consult a professional – it may be toxic!