Tag: mold

Nearly anything can begin to have mold growth over time under the right conditions.  This than leaves the question ‘how to remove mold?’ foremost in a person’s mind.  However when asking yourself how to remove mold it is important to consider what the mold has grown on, in order to take the correct path of action.  If you are asking how to remove mold on fabric, there are a list of solutions to try. 

The simplest answer to how to remove mold on a fabric is to simply brush off all visible mold and place the item in direct hot sunlight.  However this method is not sure fire, nor is it always possible.  Another solution to moldy fabrics is dry cleaning, and still another is presoaking then bleaching.  But it is fair to say many mold problems will not be on the fabric of garments. 

This, then makes us ask once again how to remove mold from a different surface, and the most common of these surfaces is shower and bathtub walls, along with tile ling and grout.  This solution is an easy one; 1 part bleach 10 parts water.  Simply mix the solution and scrub down the surface wearing rubber gloves.  Allow the area to dry completely and make sure you have removed all the mold.  

Finally, when asking how to remove mold it is important to remember surfaces that are not easily cleaned, but frequently develop mold growth.  These surfaces include upholstery, mattresses, and rugs and demand another solution to the question ‘how to remove mold’.  These surfaces should be cleaned using as little water as possible.  Remove as much mold as you can than shampoo lightly with any upholstery cleaner.  After you have done this spray with a fungicide spray and allow drying completely, in sunlight if possible.

Everyone has at some point in time, gone into their bathroom or garage and has seen the ugly presence of mold on their walls or shower curtains.  They take out the mold cleaner and start scrubbing, wondering how the mold got into their home in the first place.   Mold starts off as tiny spore that are organically produced in nature  and are used to break down old foliage, trees, and dirt.  Once the airborne spores traveling to a home via the wind, and land on a wet or moist surface, mold begins to grow and will spread quiet rapidly under the correct circumstances.

Mold can cause some serious health problems so it is important to get mold cleaner and remove the mold in the quickest, and safest manor possible.  The health problems that can arise from mold growing in the home include, but are not limited to: respiratory injections and problems such as asthma, nasal congestion, mood swings leading to depression, headaches, and even irritable bowel syndrome.

While mold is common and can grow to the point where a typical mold cleaner will not do the trick and a professional has to be   called so that the removal process can be done safely and with the least amount of damage to the home.

Some ways to prevent mold from growing include spraying the mold  with a mold cleaner as soon as it starts to grow,  keeping the home dry and cleaning up any water that spills onto the floor so that the moisture doesn’t have time to seep into the floor, and to ventilate high moisture rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen.  When these precautions are taken, mold growth can be severely limited and can usually be cleaned with a mold cleaner or other mold removing process.  Many homes get mold, the important thing is to remove the mold as soon as possible with a mold cleaner or by a professional so that it does not spread and cause health risks to your family.

In order to have a good quality of life in your home you need to make sure that your home is not making you sick.  There are mold spores everywhere and under the right circumstances the mold can reproduce and become a widespread infestation in your home.  Mold can begin to leak toxic liquid or gas resulting in mycotoxins which can become lethal to humans and animals.  You may not always be able to see the growth of mold in your home, but if you have toxic mold living with you then you will be able to see the effects reflected in the health of your family.

Toxic mold removal is essential if you want to stay in your home after you have discovered you are having mold problems.  Some signs that you are in need of toxic mold removal are found when your family begins to get sick.  Some people with weakened immune systems will show the affects of mold faster then well folks will.  If you have family members with asthma or on steroidal medication then theses are the folks that will become ill from mycotoxins first.  Chronic fatigue, respiratory problems, flu-like symptoms and skin infections are all signs that you have a mold problem in your home.

The problem of residential mold contamination is quite prevalent these days, with so many homes tightly sealed for energy efficiency. Airtight homes seal in more moisture, which can feed the growth of mold, allowing its spores to attach to surfaces and thrive. The byproducts of mold growth can cause a variety of health problems, ranging in severity from runny nose, sneezing, and cough to severe breathing trouble and bleeding in the lungs. Mold cleaners are available in a variety of forms to remove this danger from your home, ranging from do it yourself chemical treatments to professional mold cleaners.

Do it yourself mold cleaners are available from a variety of home improvement stores, and can be used to resolve small areas of infection. However, mold removal should never be done by homeowners with mold sensitivities or allergies and protective apparel should be worn when tackling this problem to avoid inhaling mold spores that can be released into the air as the area is scrubbed. A dust filtering mask is necessary, and rubber gloves are recommended to help prevent skin irritation. Many mold cleaners are very effective, containing fungicidal ingredients to remove existing mold and help prevent recurrences in the area.

If mold growth has spread over a large area in your home, or is in an inaccessible area such as under flooring or inside walls, professional mold cleaners may be your best bet to solve your problem. Mold can become deeply rooted in these areas, growing into wood and wallboard. A mold removal expert with experience in these matters can assess the damage to determine whether materials such as wallboard and wood flooring can be cleaned effectively or must be replaced.

Regardless of the method you choose to resolve your problem, household mold should be removed as quickly as possible. Mold can grow very rapidly, producing ever higher concentrations of mold spores in the air your family breathes. Addressing the problem immediately with effective mold cleaners is the key to protecting your family against the risk of mold related illness and allergies.

Toxic Mold exposure can result in lung infections, skin infections, flu-like symptoms and chronic fatigue.  If you want to prevent theses conditions from affecting your family then you need to make sure there is no toxic mold in your home.  Toxic mold exposure is not only from mold spores that you can see but can come from mold spores that are hidden in your walls. 

If you have Toxic Mold exposure that you can see then it will be very easy for you to get rid of it.  You will need to quarantine off the room where the mold is growing, dry it out and wipe away all of the mold.  You can use a disinfectant cleanser or bleach to kill off the mold spores.  You may also want to run an air purifier to trap any airborne spores from getting into your lungs.  If you have Toxic Mold exposure that you can not see then you will want to call in a Mold Remediation Analyst and a Mold Remediation Specialist to make sure the mold is removed from your home.

To prevent Toxic Mold exposure you will want to keep a close eye on your home.  If you ever have a flood or increase in humidity in your home you want to watch for water damage.  Water that has built up in your home will provide the best breeding ground for mold spores.  You can simply prevent Toxic Mold exposure by keeping your home dry.

Toxic Mold exposure can be prevented by keeping an eye on your home and having regular mold inspections.  Keeping your family safe should be your number one priority in your home.  Keeping Toxic Mold away is relatively easy and will help prevent poor medical conditions with your family.

Mold can enter a home very quickly, and can spread even more rapidly once it’s been established.  If you find yourself with a mold problem, remember that there are effective mold cleaning methods available to you that should not only kill the mold, but allow you to remove it completely from your home.  The first thing you should do when performing a mold cleaning is check and stop all leakage or wet areas in the home.  Since mold thrives on moisture, you should locate the source of the problem and then try to stop it.  Dehumidifiers can be a big help in this process.  Next you’ll want to keep the mold spores from spreading to other areas of the home, so seal off the perimeter in order to prevent that from happening.  Otherwise, the mold may move through the air into other rooms without you realizing it. 

During the mold cleaning process, try not to stir up too much dust if possible.  This can push the mold into cracks or through holes and allow it to settle down and spread in new areas.  Also, protect yourself from breathing it in by wearing a mask and gloves.  It is also recommended that footwear stay sealed and covered, otherwise the mold may be transferred to flooring from your shoes.  Once you’ve finished the mold cleaning, simply dispose of the mask and any other protective covering.  Some items you can use during the mold cleaning include strong disinfectants, bleach, and other potent detergents.  All of these should kill any mold spores that are thriving.  Once you remove the mold, try to get it out of the home though a window if possible so you do not transport it throughout the house in case there are any surviving spores.  The key to a successful mold cleaning is making sure that all spores are dead, and that the problem has been identified and can be prevented in the future.

If you have several cold-like symptoms and have been recently working around a mold-breeding environment you may be experiencing the symptoms of toxic mold. Oftentimes these symptoms are misread as feeling under the weather or catching a cold when they are in fact related to mold exposure. It is best to know the symptoms of toxic mold so you can recognize when you are dealing with ailments from exposure to mold and avoid situations that would make the symptoms worse. Some of the symptoms are less severe, like a sinus headache or dizziness but sometimes the symptoms get as serious as bleeding in the lungs.

One of the early signs of a health problem related to toxic mold is a headache. If you have been working in a basement area for a long period of time for example you might find yourself feeling dizzy or have pain or pressure in the sinus area behind the eyes. These are both symptoms of toxic mold and if you notice these symptoms you should contact your doctor and take care to avoid situations which require further exposure to the area or structure where you were originally affected by the mold. Although it may seem like common sense, the symptoms can become worse with increased exposure.

The more serious symptoms that can result from this increased exposure are bleeding of the lungs and an increased risk of tuberculosis. Thankfully if you know the symptoms and can recognize their effect symptoms like these can be treated quickly or avoided all together. The most important thing is to look out for symptoms of toxic mold early and not confuse those symptoms for other possible ailments. Keep in mind that mold of all kinds usually occurs in moist and warm areas and thus these kind of areas are the most likely to cause any symptoms of toxic mold. Staying informed about the symptoms and monitoring your personal health are some of the easiest personal prevention solutions.

Cleanup or Throw Away

Mold cleanup can be accomplished if the mold is thriving on a hard non-porous material such as ceramic tile.  If however, you find mold on carpet or ceiling tiles you may have to dispose of and replace the item.  Wood items can survive a mold cleanup if the problem is caught early on. Mold damages and rots wood so the longer the exposure the more extensive the damage.  Valuable or sentimental pieces that are exposed to mold growth for a long period of time should be taken to a restoration expert for any chance of salvage. 

Cleanup Techniques

Hard non-porous surfaces should be scrubbed with detergent and water, and then dried completely.  Chemicals are not generally recommended for mold cleanup or prevention because a minute level of mold spores will remain anyway, just waiting for the right conditions to grow again.  Correcting a moisture problem, such as a dripping pipe, by repairing it immediately and regular scrubbing should be enough to control household mold. There may be instances when a professional will recommend a chemical solution to cleanup large infected areas of mold.

Unseen Mold

Some mold may be partially or completely hidden from view.  You may only smell a sour odor or see a slight water stain outline to tell you something is not right.  The mold maybe growing inside the wall, just under the wallpaper on the sheetrock or both.  In cases such as this a professional is required.  Mold cleanup of this type can be extensive and can be dangerous to people with allergies.  The spores can be blown into the air if the mold cleanup is not done properly.

Some mold maybe found growing in windowsills under a leaking window.  The leaking maybe slow and go unnoticed for some time, causing the wood to rot and the paint to chip.  Fix these types of problems as soon as they are noticed to stop mold from growing in these places.

During the past two decades, the health problems associated with mold have been getting a great deal more media attention, increasing awareness of the potential health risks of mold. While mold is very common, there are certain strains that can be more problematic than others, particularly for the very young and the very old, making it important to familiarize yourself with toxic mold symptoms. That way, there’s a good chance that medical intervention can prevent lasting health problems.

The inhalation of mold spores is often the source of health problems and conditions related to mold. Thus, it is not surprising that many toxic mold symptoms have to do with the respiratory system. These symptoms include asthma, sinus headaches and nasal congestion, pulmonary hemorrhage, and chronic cough. An assortment of flu-like symptoms and an increased risk of tuberculosis have also been reported as being associated with exposure to toxic mold.

There are a variety of other symptoms that are also associated with exposure to mold. These toxic mold symptoms include fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, such as memory loss, hearing problems, skin rashes and other skin problems, and frequent or constant sore throat. Some studies have indicated that long-term cognitive problems can result.

Treating health problems relating to mold exposure can be complex and challenging. It is far easier to do your best to prevent them by getting rid of the mold. The basic way to get rid of mold is to clean the affected area with bleach and make the necessary changes to reduce or eliminate the moisture, whether condensation or an actual leak, that creates a hospitable environment for mold to grow.

If you are experiencing what could be toxic mold symptoms, it may be a good idea to do a thorough inspection of your home, checking for mold, and to seek medical attention. Toxic mold has been associated with a range of health problems, and some studies indicate that certain types of damage from toxic mold can have lasting effects on health and overall well-being.

If you have a very mild case of mold, clean up may not be too much of a problem.  However, severe mold clean up can be very challenging, and may necessitate professional help. 

First, examine your mold carefully. Note if there seems to be more than one type of mold present (a visual inspection can sometimes tell you this) or if the mold is blackish-green and slimy.  If so, you may have conditions that are especially favorable to mold, and it may have spread to places you can’t see.  In this situation, it is best to hire a professional mold remediation company, which can tell you how bad the problem really is and provide options for dealing with it.  Mold clean up sometimes demands additional precautions such as masks and tyvek suits, if the mold is particularly toxic or widespread.  Since it can cause severe respiratory problems or skin rashes, it’s best to avoid cleaning up a severe mold problem without professional help.  Your family may even be required to evacuate, depending on where the mold is located and how prevalent it is.

If you have a minor mold problem (just a few spots on a bathroom or basement ceiling, for instance) it is possible to attempt mold clean up yourself.  Scrub the surface with a diluted bleach solution, carefully scraping the mold away.  Then, consider re-priming the area with a mold and mildew-killing primer. (Wear a mask for this, as you may inhale mold spores, bleach fumes, or primer fumes).

Be sure that you aren’t creating a playground for mold. Mold clean up includes preventing future mold cases with dehumidifying the area, especially if you live in a humid climate.

If the mold reappears after this, it is an indication of a potential health hazard. Call your local mold professional for evaluation and treatment.