Tag: mold

If you have mold in your home or office, you will need to make sure that you remove it thoroughly.  Mold is a fungus and it is spread through the air and when mold spores land on clothing or animals.  As the spores are carried through the air, they land, and then multiply.  The only way to stop this cycle is to clean mold and prevent it from returning.

Mold thrives in moist areas, so you should pay close attention to areas in your home where water is present.  If you discover mold in these areas, you will want to remove it.  To clean mold you can use household bleach.  Always follow the instructions on the bleach bottle and wear gloves.  A breathing mask (available in home department stores) is a good choice as well.  This will help prevent breathing in any mold spores and becoming sick.  When you clean mold, you should also open a window and make certain that there is plenty of ventilation in the room.  An open window serves two purposes.  First, it will help dry out the environment, preventing the mold from spreading and it will help air out any fumes from bleach.  Bleach is a very powerful substance and should be used with caution.

To prevent mold from returning, you should take steps to locate the moisture and correct the problem.  It will not be beneficial to simply clean mold only to have it return again.  You will need to locate the source of the moisture and either repair it or use some type of water sealant to keep the area dry.  Showers and bathroom areas can be wiped down with a dry towel daily to help prevent mold growth.  Basements should be checked regularly to ensure that there isn’t excessive water present, causing mold to grow.

Mold can be a toxic visitor in your home that you may not even know is there. Home inspections are one way of combating mold and keeping your home clean and healthy for everyone who lives in it.

There are some forms of mold, like toxic black mold, that can be very dangerous to the health of the people inhabiting the home. If mold infestation gets too severe, the home may need to be evacuated for a period of time. It can be detrimental to one’s health to be exposed to certain types of mold for too long. Young children and animals may be more likely to directly ingest mold because they are more likely to put things in their mouths. Homes with pets and children especially benefit from home inspections.

Once a home inspection is done, you must have the mold removed if it has been found, both for your own health and for your house’s structural integrity. There are a number of mold removal companies in areas across the country. Mold removal companies will come into your home and remove the mold from the infested areas. Mold removal companies can charge a variety of prices so it may be a good idea for you to do some research on mold removal companies before choosing one.

Some mold removal companies may be more popular and therefore may be booked when you need them. To be serviced by these companies you may be required to wait for a period of time. In some cases this is not acceptable and the mold removal must be done right away. Many mold removal companies will do their best to accommodate you and your needs to get your mold removed as quickly as possible. You can find a variety of companies that will inspect your home for things such as mold infestation just by looking in you local phone book. Some types of mold may require special protection, so be sure to get professional advice before you attempt large-scale mold removal by yourself.

Slime mold, on a certain scientific sort of level, is absolutely fascinating. However, on another level, the practical, day-to-day living in your home, garden or lawn level, the interest is pretty firmly centered on how to get rid of it.

What makes slime mold so interesting on a scientific level is the way it blurs the line between plant and animal. Once classified as a fungus, slime mold has a life cycle that moves through a phase in which it is more animal like – that’s when it is growing and eating – before moving to the phase in which it reproduces. During the reproductive phase, it is more akin to a plant.

However, intellectual interest in this fascinating organism can wane when it is invading your lawn, garden, or – in some cases – your home. Then the matter becomes one of how to get rid of it. Slime mold flourishes in moist, damp, shady areas, and comes in a variety of colors, some startlingly bright, others a bit less dramatic.

Fortunately, for the most part, there’s no need to break out the strong, harsh chemicals to deal with a slime mold outbreak. Eliminating slime mold is a fairly simple process. It wants to be where it is wet, so all you really have to do is change to conditions – dry it out.

Scraping or shoveling up the slime mold, allowing it to dry out and then disposing of it will take care of the immediate slime mold problem. To prevent further outbreaks, you’ll have to investigate the possibilities involved in drying out the area that the slime mold appeared in, such as better drainage.

Slime mold is a fairly simple problem to deal with in most cases, one that doesn’t usually require the use of harsh chemicals to resolve. If it’s the result of an unusual amount of rain, then just drying up and disposing of the slime mold will probably be all you need to do. If the slime mold is a more frequent issue, then making the area it grows in a bit drier and free of decomposing plant matter will most likely resolve the matter.

High mold spore levels have become a serious problem for many homeowners, causing a variety of health issues ranging from mild allergic reactions to life threatening illnesses and infections. Mold will grow in any moist area, such as damp basement floors or around leaky pipes. As the mold grows, it releases mold spores into the air of the house that are then inhaled by its occupants. Any mold found in the home must be removed thoroughly to put an end to such contamination, and damp areas must be dried to prevent a recurrence of mold growth.

For those with mold sensitivity, mold spore contamination can be very irritating, causing sneezing, congestion, and even skin rashes. Asthma sufferers often react to mold spores, making breathing more difficult and attacks more frequent. A few mold varieties can cause health issues even in people who are not allergic, releasing toxins into the air as they begin to grow and multiply. Some mold varieties are capable of producing toxins that are extremely harmful, causing chronic bronchitis, heart related problems, hearing loss, and bleeding in the lungs.

A homeowner who is confronted with a small area of mold growing in the home can often remove it safely with common household detergents and chlorine bleach. Hard surfaces can be thoroughly scrubbed and dried, effectively putting an end to the mold spore contamination. Often, moldy wallboard or ceiling tiles will need to be discarded and replaced. A protective mask should be worn while removing mold to prevent the inhalation of spores, and rubber gloves should be used.

Mold can grow in areas that are not accessible for cleaning, such as inside walls or under cabinets or flooring materials. Generally, a musty odor will become apparent in the home as these hidden problems develop. This type of problem can be the source of significant mold spore contamination within the home, and may require the assistance of a mold removal specialist to resolve.

While serious mold problems can be quite a chore to handle, getting rid of this fungus in your home is essential. Avoiding the health risks that can be the result of high mold spore levels in the home are well worth the investment of your time and money.

Mold spores tend to form in areas that tend to be humid and damp and they are formed from dead and decaying vegetation and other natural plant materials and soil. Once a mold spore forms they can travel through the air until they find nice wet and warm place to land and begin to form mold. Mold is one of the leading causes of allergies and certain molds can even make some people extremely sick if they are very sensitive. Usually mold spores do not get into people’s houses but they can if you have open windows and somewhere wet for them to begin breeding. Once mold spores are found it is important to remove them immediately to avoid becoming sick and some things will probably even need to be thrown out if they become covered in mold or mildew. A lot of times you might be able to get rid of it fairly easily but sometimes it might be best to hire a mold specialist, especially if the mold keeps coming back.

Indoor mold can also have a really bad effect on people with asthma and it can also cause many other health problems. When mold spores and mildew begin to grow indoors you can usually smell the strange odor it gives off and you can usually see it unless it is hidden behind a couch or in a closet. One thing you can do to help battle against mold and mildew in your home is using a HEPA vacuum cleaner when cleaning your rugs and also make sure you always put dry clothing in your closet, because damp clothing can attract mildew as well. Mold is a natural occurrence though and it is quite common for mold to find a breeding ground in your home, whether it gets on damp clothing or furniture as just mildew or if it starts to get on your bathroom walls due to the humidity. Bleach and water can take care of the walls but many times the furniture and clothing can be totally ruined, unless you catch it immediately. Most of the time you are not going to have to worry about your carpeting and furniture getting soaked, unless you live in a high flood area and if that is the case you want to be sure to have flood insurance.

Mold is one of the most common causes of allergy. In fact, mold allergy is prevalent, however without proper testing it may go undiagnosed.    Mold is a fungus that thrives on decomposing organisms.  It breeds by sending spores through the air and relies on moist conditions.  Therefore, any area that is damp, warm, humid, or muggy is a potential breeding ground for mold.  Unfortunately, many of these areas are located in homes and office buildings.  Mold could be growing in your home and you may not realize it.  Many people suffer from a mold allergy, without ever knowing that mold is present in their homes.

Mold can grow in places where it is clearly seen, such as in tub or tile grout or on basement walls, however it can also grow in areas where it cannot be detected.  This can contribute greatly to a mold allergy.  For instance, mold may be present in walls, air conditioning vents and ducts, or even in pillows.  This is why if you suspect that you may be allergic to mold, you should have your home tested.  In addition, you will need to have your health care provider give you a test to make certain that you have a mold allergy.

The symptoms of mold allergy include having a runny nose, sinus headache, sneezing, watery eyes, rashes, sinus pain, pressure, and headaches, difficulty breathing, and constantly coughing.  Since these signs are very similar to the common cold or flu, it is imperative that you have a test performed to determine whether or not you are allergic to mold.

If you are allergic to mold, you will need to take certain steps to remove mold from you home. Some of these steps include removing moisture, preventing more mold from occurring, and removing the mold that is already present.  A great way to remove moisture is to use a dehumidifier.  Make sure to keep the dehumidifier set at or below 40% to prevent mold growth.

Serious mold problems in the home require that the mold be eliminated entirely. Black mold can cause severe health problems for your family, and can do a great amount of damage to your home. Mold spores that are allowed to dry and become airborne are an irritant to skin, lungs and eyes. Because of this you will want to find an effective mold killer to eradicate the threat.

Mold killers come in a variety of forms. Vinegar is a natural and effective mold killer. Use undiluted white distilled vinegar applied with a spray bottle, applied directly to the affected area. Do not rinse immediately, allow the vinegar to penetrate and do its work for a few days, and then clean the dead mold with soap and water, and dry the area completely. Failure to dry may allow the mold to grow again. 

Another effective mold killer is an ozone-generating machine. You need to shock the area with a very high application of ozone. The ozone concentration levels needed to be an effective mold killer are so high; that it is not safe for humans to be present while the room is being treated. If multiple areas of your home are affected, begin in the basement, and work your way up. Allow the treatment to go for several hours, then return, shut down the machine, ventilate the area, and vacuum up the dead spores using a HEPA vacuum. It is recommended you repeat the process the following day. This method is also effective removing the odor associated with mold.

Another natural, and effective mold killer is hydrogen peroxide. This mold killer works almost immediately by depriving the mold spores of the basics need to grow. As with the other mold killers, apply directly to the area, and allow it to work for several days. Clean the mold spores with soap and water rinse and thoroughly dry the area. Large or stubborn areas may require a second treatment.

If you look carefully, you’ll find mold both indoors and out.  This is why mold allergies are a large threat to some people.  All of us are exposed to small amounts of mold each day with no ill consequences. We may breathe the spores that exist in household air or eat foods where mold is just beginning to grow.  Mold is very common and can be found nearly everywhere.

Some people, those with strong mold allergies, are more vulnerable to becoming ill from mold than others. This means that for certain people more susceptible to mold spores just breathing the air around them could spur their mold allergies and they would than begin to feel symptoms of the allergy.  Likewise, eating food could cause mold allergies to flair if it contains mold spores.  Some foods; for example mushrooms and yogurt, are more likely to contain the spores, and those with serious mold allergies should avoid eating these foods. 

Mold allergies have a stronger effect in the warmer months of the year and have many symptoms.  These symptoms have a range and can include headaches, congestion, runny nose, itching watery eyes, wheezing and others.  Mold allergies can be avoided however by taking precautions and preventative action.  In order to avoid them in eating, research foods to discover which foods contain high levels of mold spores and remove these from your diet.

Around your home actively search your home for mold growing, which is usually in bathrooms and near water pipes, and disinfect and remove the mold.  And in the air listen to the mold allergies forecast on the news or web.  If taking the proper precautions to avoid being around excessive amounts of mold, even those with severe mold allergies can greatly dampen the blow dealt by their Mold allergies.

Mold is a specific organism that is classified as a member of the fungi family.  As a fungus, mold absorbs nutrients from dead and decaying matter.  Mold grows by spreading out branch like threads that are used to absorb decaying matter. However, mold can spread via the air or by attaching itself to another object and spreading.  Though mold can spread and grow anywhere it lands, there is one nutrient that is vital to ensuring that mold thrives, moisture.  Mold must have moisture as well as oxygen to grow, thrive, and spread.  Without moisture, mold will die.  Understanding the situations that are conducive to mold growth is essential if you want to effectively kill mold.

It is very important to kill mold and to prevent it from growing and spreading.   Though mold may serve a purpose in the environment, by helping to decomposed organic material, it poses a serious health benefit to humans as well as animals.  People who live in homes that have mold often experience a number of symptoms ranging from allergies to severe sickness.  Some of the symptoms of mold include rashes, coughing, allergies, fevers, running noses, sneezing, and in some people, the effects are more severe.  For someone with asthma, mold can cause a number of complications that can have serious health consequences.  There is no doubt about it, if mold is present in your house, you must effectively kill mold and prevent its regrowth.

To ensure that you kill mold effectively, you need to remove the moisture.  Finding the source of the moisture and treating it will ensure that the mold does not regrow.  Once you treat the moisture problem, you can kill mold effectively by using household bleach.  Bleach is a very powerful cleaner and will ensure that the mold is removed effectively.  Always use bleach according to the instructions, where gloves when treating mold areas, where a dust mask to prevent breathing in spores, and work in a well ventilated area.

Mold can grow in almost any dark and damp area, whether it is in someone’s basement, dark corners of a home, or even in places like the kitchen where you may not expect it.  It is important then, to be aware of various mold symptoms that can affect your health and well being.  Some people are more sensitive to mold than others, and may experience mold symptoms such as severe allergies.  These symptoms may help to discover mold before it spreads too far.  Persistent itchy and watery eyes and nose, constant sneezing, burning in the throat and/or chest, and difficulty breathing are just a few mold symptoms too look out for if you think you are allergic.  Of course, mold can be worse than just causing an allergic reaction.  Toxic mold can be dangerous, and these mold symptoms are much more severe and a lot more serious.

Some warning signs that dangerous mold may be lurking about include: nose bleeds, feeling dizzy quite often, skin rashes, coughing up blood, and unusual memory loss.  If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is imperative that someone check for signs of mold.  Of course, there are things you can do to not only kill and remove the mold, but also prevent it from reoccurring.  Education is the best weapon against mold, and the more you know, the more you can share with others who may be experiencing this pesky fungus.  Knowing what environments mold likes to grow in can help prevent it from happening.  Mold symptoms can range from mild to extreme, but no one wants to feel constantly sick in an environment they frequent often, so removal of mold is an absolute must.  Consult a professional if you have any doubts about the location or eradication of mold in your home or office.