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Mold and mildew are one of the most persistent problems in many households and facilities. One reason for this is because mold can be insidious and almost unnoticeable until it becomes a big problem.

Often we find people with coughs, colds, eye infections, rashes, or stuffy noses, and we think it's an illness unrelated to mold. But what we don’t realize is that all of these symptoms can actually be immunereactions to the presence of mold in your environment.

Now some people might think that since they regularly clean the house, it’s impossible for mold to grow. However, there is always some form of mold in any structure. Mold spores are ever-present in the outdoor environment and  can enter your home through the natural air exchange with that outside air, your clothing, pets, and even your HVAC system.

Once introduced to the indoor environment, mold only needs moisture, a food source, and some humidity, and warmth (although not much) to grow. And, once it takes hold, you’ll find it in your bathrooms, kitchen, and basement.

The good news is that, if you are vigilant, and mold aware, most mold growth is preventable. The key steps are knowing what to look for and cleaning to stay on top of it and hinder its ability to proliferate.

How to Know if You Have Mold

Check for a musty or earthy scent.

There are several ways to test to see whether or not you have elevated levels of mold growth in your home. One of the most common ways is to use your nose. Walk around your home to see if there is a musty or earthy smell anywhere in your house–and don’t forget your attic and/or basement! If an area or room smells dusty, heavy, or musty, there is mold somewhere.

Look for signs of water damage.

You can also do a visual inspection to see if you have signs of water damage anywhere in your home. Look for stained walls or ceilings, and walls that have a bubbling appearance. Often this indicates that water is inside the wall, and mold is probably growing under the paint. Also look under sinks and behind toilets for signs of discoloration or moisture. Water damage that gets into building materials and goes unfixed will create mold.

Check for greenish dust on furniture.

Clean your furniture and if you see green-gray dust on them, this is likely to be mold spores that have turned to dust. They can develop into mold colonies one exposed to humidity, heat or moisture, so make sure to clean them properly. If you are finding a lot of dust, it is always wise to have an indoor air quality expert evaluate your mechanical systems and ductwork to make sure all are in good working condition and sealed properly.

You can also use a lab-tested and effective mold spray to clean any surface or to fog your indoor air, which can reduce mold spores and other mycotoxins present.

Check for black or brown spots in wet areas.

If your bathroom, toilet, or kitchen has black or brown spots or matter, this is mold. Check for water intrusion or mold sources first, and then clean and maintain the area with our enzyme cleaner for continuous, nontoxic mold-fighting action. The cleaner will also get rid of any stains left behind by the mold.You can also use our EC3 Mold Spray on countertops and floors.

Check if your HVAC system filter is clear of mold.

Sometimes the HVAC system is the culprit. If it is not well-maintained or not cleaned regularly, it can grow mold  especially if you live in an area of high humidity. To prevent mold growth, make sure your HVAC system is sized right for your home and have your HVAC serviced and cleaned regularly.

Your filters should also be changed every 4 months, so they can remove microparticles of mycotoxins in the air. Always schedule a regular cleaning for your HVAC with a trained professional, so you won’t have to suffer from mold infections. 

Can You Prevent Mold in the Home?

There are many ways to prevent mold in your home. However, you need to do several things to ensure that the mold spores are reduced to a controlled number in your home. Here’s what you need to do:

Use a moisture meter.

If you live in an area where high humidity is normal, you need to keep your humidity level at 45 percent. Use a moisture meter to check the levels, and use a dehumidifier to control the moisture in specific areas.

Humidity can change depending on the weather and the time of day, so always check if you need to increase the ventilation in one area.

Make sure to improve the air circulation in your home.

Air circulation is another way to prevent mold in your home. Mold spores will likely be carried away by the wind, and the air in your home will constantly circulate and change. This is especially needed in areas that are high in moisture, such as bathrooms and toilets.

If your rooms have small windows, use fans and open the doors so the air will move around and circulate through the air. Make sure that exhaust fans are also in your kitchen and bathrooms and pointed to the windows.

Control Mold, Control Your Life

Your home is the center of your life, and making sure it is free of mold is the best way to live a life that is healthy and happy. Visit Micro Balance Health Products and look for all the mold solutions that can help you make the most of your home.