Sabrina Rocca

Learn How to Properly Clean Mold



Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010

by Sabrina Rocca
bodypower

Mold is a common problem in many households, even those that are supposedly well run and which are kept very clean. But cleaning mold all the time won't necessarily eliminate your mold problems not, that is, unless you take the time to get to know mold a little better.

Mold is a type of microscopic fungi that lives in colonies of varying sizes. There are a large number of species of mold and every single one of these species lives on dead or decaying organic matter. They reproduce by sending out spores into the air, either through their own processes or when disturbed sometimes both. As mold spores drift through the air, they can come to rest on our clothes or shoes, the bodies of our pets, or just about anything that we can bring into our houses. This can help mold gain a foothold inside our houses.

Many species of mold are not dangerous; they can simply look distasteful. However, the spores produced by some species can set off or aggravate some respiratory conditions such as colds, asthma or bronchitis, and can result in skin rashes and allergies as well. Those with immune-system problems may be particularly prone to this. In addition, others, like some species of black mold, can be toxic these species produce a toxin known as mycotoxin and can thus be dangerous to children and pets that might consume them. Molds require dampness to develop, grow, thrive and reproduce, so damp or wet houses are much more likely to experience mold outbreaks. Areas that usually get infested include areas that see a lot of water usage like bathrooms or kitchens, and places where warm air can condense like certain walls.

Many species of mold can be smelled before they actually manifest in the form of growths a musty or old smell is a giveaway that you have a mold infestation. Also, some molds like to grow away from the light and may become established in hidden areas like those under floorboards or behind wallpaper, for instance, and thus may not be easily visible.

Short of cleaning your clothes and everything on your person every time you enter your home, and also installing seals on your windows or doors, there is no way you can keep mold spores from entering your home. When cleaning mold, what you can do instead is to dry your house and make sure that you keep your moisture levels to a minimum.

Dry your house out by eliminating water leaks. Scour your house from top to bottom and see if you can find water leaks from indoor pipes, leaking roofs, or water damage. Look for any of these telltale signs of water leaks and eliminate them.

Next, improve the circulation in your house. Open windows and doors to improve airflow. You may also want to put in exhaust fans to ensure that airflow really is improved.

Finally, make sure you work to keep your house clean. Vacuum and/or sweep up dirt regularly, and don't allow old food or garbage to accumulate. If you do see any mold patches, clean them up yourself if they are still small (use protective clothing) or call in a professional if they are large.

Sabrina Rocca

Author: "The Ultimate House Cleaning Checklist Book"

For more FREE cleaning tips and a FREE speed-cleaning course, visit http:/www.housecleaningchecklist.ca.



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