Eliminate Health Risks With Mold And Mildew Remover

Are you having signs of mold or mildew in your home? Do you know what signs to look for to find out if you may have a mold and mildew problem in your home? If you do have a mold problem or suspect that you may have one, I think we sort it all out right here. There are many good mold and mildew removers on the market right now that can help you solve your problem. But first, let's hold on for a second and find out a little information. Are you with me? Good, because at the end I have provided some resources that will help you remove your mold and mildew problems.

First of all what is mold and how in the heck does it get into our homes? Mold is a fungus that is found both indoors and outdoors. It can be found on decaying matter such as leaves and plants, but also on clothes, block walls, water pipes, food, and just about anywhere moisture is present.

For the longest time I always thought mold and mildew were the same thing. Have you ever read the label on mold and mildew remover products? They are similar in that they are both a fungus, but mildew is more generally found in baths, showers and window sills.

Characteristics of Mold and Mildew

Characterisics of mildew are a white or gray color and will also looks fuzzy or powdery in form. Mildew is not toxic but can cause problems for people that are allergic to mold.

Mold on the other hand can be identified by it's color. It's not pretty, but colors can range from blues and greens to black and red. Mold will grow rapidly (24-48 hours) and can become a major health hazard if not taken care of right away. Even though most mold is harmless, some are toxic and can cause health problems, especially those who already have a weakened immune system. Still with me? Let's talk briefly about the health risks associated with mold. The main reason we are going to get rid of the mold in our homes.

Mold and Mildew Health Risks

Some types of mold can be a health risk for some people. Reaction to mold is highly variable and is dependent upon the type of mold, as well as how much of it exists in the home. It is clear that some people are allergic to mold. Further, some of us are more susceptible to negative effects from prolonged exposure to mold. Those who have allergies, asthma, or pulmonary conditions may be more susceptible, as well as children and infants.

Symptoms of a mold allergy include itchy eyes, sneezing, scratchy throat and hives. In more severe cases, mold allergies can cause the airways to close, requiring medical intervention to reduce the swelling and regulate breathing.

Mayo Clinic Research

If some mold spores are inhaled, it can lead to lung infection. Symptoms of a mold fungi infection in the lungs include severe chest pain and wheezing. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the brain, heart and kidneys and may require hospitalization. The infection can be treated with oral medications if caught early enough.

Mayo Clinic researchers in Rochester, Mn., say they have found the cause of most chronic sinus infections -- an immune system response to fungus. Not an allergy response, but an immune system response. This also happens to be the most chronic disease in the U.S. They are presently working with pharmacuetical companies to have medication available in the near future.

So we know that mold can be toxic, and exposure to mold should be limited or if possible avoided all together. In the home, especially if small children are present, mold should be eliminated as quickly as possible and, if there is a large amount of mold, a professional should be contacted for mold removal instruction or services.

How Does Mold Enter The Home?

Mold can enter into our homes in many ways. The mold spores are so microscopic that the spores are not visible to the naked eye. They can cling onto clothing or simply enter through a doorway or window. The thing we do know is that mold needs moisture to grow. If we control the moisture in the home, mold will be unable to grow. So what are the signs that we may have a potential mold problem? Good question.

Signs of a Potential Mold and Mildew Problem

Anywhere there is moisture is the short answer. Flooding is notorius for mold problems. Dpending on the severity, clean up may require more than a good mold and mildew remover. Usually with flooding, it can take weeks for all the moisture to dry up.

Check around all of the water pipes and also look for signs of excess moisture on your windows. Crawl spaces in the home are generally cooler which leads to higher humidity levels meaning moist conditions.

Water seepage around the foundation is also a problem. Make sure the ground is sloping away from the home and install gutters on the house. Keeping them clean can be a pain, but you can install gutter guards for pretty cheap. Sure beats falling off the ladder and making a trip to the ER doesn't it?

Other signs to look for include your humidifier (I'll explain more in a minute), leaking roof, warped siding, cracking or peeling paint, or simply having too many plants in the house. All of these are signs and clues to moisture.

Prevention of Mold in the Home

"The only factor that can be controlled is moisture." National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) statement on controlling mold. "The way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

So the best thing we can do to combat our mold problem is to monitor and control relative humidity. Anything above 55% relative humidity (RH) is condusive to mold growth. Mold will thrive in these type of conditions.

Solutions to Your Mold And Mildew Problem

The only sure way to gauge the RH in the home is by the use of relative humidity sensors, also known as hygrometers or moisture meters. If you find that your home has chronic high humidity levels above 55%, you will need to use dehumidifiers.

Some dehumidifers have humidity sensors built into them. The best practice is to use more than one dehumidifier. Why? Because one will not effectively control the humidity throughout the entire house. Another tip is to periodically open your windows on dry days and air the house out.

Mold and Mildew Removers

If you already have mold in the home, and possibly the musty odor to go along with it, try these mold and mildew remover products to assist in your clean-up. For better indoor air quality and a clean, healthy indoor environment try using a quality air purifier in the home. These are especially useful for those that need relief from allergy and asthma sufferers.

Mold expert warns about using bleach to remove mold. Watch the short video.