How to Control Mold in Your Home

Most mold poses no threat to humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold spores are everywhere. In fact, the miracle antibiotic of the 20th Century, Penicillin, is a mold derivative. However, some molds can produce hay fever-like allergic reactions and dermatitis. The growth can be unsightly and smelly. Since mold is a major agent of decay, it will eat away anything that it's growing on. But take heart, there are several steps you can take to control mold in your home.

Instructions

- 1
  Identify that you have a mold problem. A musty smell is good indicator. You can frequently see concentrations of spores which appear as clusters of small black specs. White organic threads are a clue as well. Look along surfaces where warm moist air can condense on a cold exterior wall. Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms are good places to search for mold. Avoid carpeting these areas.
- 2
  Control your home's humidity to between 40 and 60 percent. Mold spores need moisture to begin growing. A leaky roof, seeping basement or overall high dampness are perfect environments for propagating molds. If the spores settle on wood, wallpaper, ceiling tile, carpet, organic insulation or dry wall, just a trace of water can cause the spores to grow. Stop all water leaks. Repair ceilings, plumbing, and cracks in the wall. Increase the air circulation especially along exterior walls by moving large objects like dressers a few inches away. If your carpets should get wet, clean and dry them promptly.
- 3
  Increase the circulation of air in your home by installing exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and attics. Insulation will limit the potential of condensation as warm inside air meets cool outside air.
- 4
  If you find a major problem with mold, you can call a professional for cleaning up, but if you have to do it yourself take steps to ensure that you aren't exacerbating the problem by stirring up mold spores. As much as possible, seal off the affected area from the rest of your home, covering ducts and opening a window to let fresh air circulate. Be sure to wear an OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) approved particle mask so that you don't inhale spores. Goggles and gloves are recommended. If your furniture is badly damaged, be prepared to discard it.
- 5
  Most sheets, towels and the like can be salvaged simply by running them through the laundry with borate-based detergent and bleach. If the affected material is permeable but not readily washable--like a mattress--you should consider discarding it. Be sure to bag it up carefully before throwing it away to avoid spreading spores.
- 6
  Scrub all affected surfaces with a mild detergent, such as laundry soap. Then go over the surfaces with a solution of bleach in warm water in a 1:8 ratio. Do this up to 3 times, waiting 20 minutes between applications. Finally apply a borate-based detergent and let it sit. Material with a porous surface might have to be discarded.

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