Chlorine bleach is well known for killing bacteria, and it has no rivals when it comes to removing color. But is bleach effective in killing mold? Not really. Here's why: It is too diluted and thus too weak to permanently kill mold unless the mold is simply sitting on top of a hard surface like a counter top or sink. What little killing power chlorine bleach does have is diminished significantly as the bleach sits in warehouses and on grocery...
Read More1. Poor ventilation in the attic. Often mold in the attic isn't found until the house hits the market and a home inspector pokes his (or her) head up there and sees the black spots or white fuzz. This is usually results of poor ventilation, and can be compounded by inadequate insulation or a bathroom ceiling fan vented into the attic. 2. Damp and wet basements. We all love to finish our basements, don't we? Even if we live in...
Read MoreOther gentle alternatives to bleach include full-strength white vinegar or a tea-tree oil solution. "Tea tree oil is my favorite mold-killer because it's such a broad-spectrum fungicide," says Annie Berthold-Bond. Ms. Berthold-Bond mixes two teaspoons of tea-tree oil and two cups of water in a spray bottle, and then applies it directly to the surface, with no rinsing. Its very strong odor lingers for a few days, she told Well Journal, but "I've never had a mold problem that tea...
Read MoreMold in attics It happens to countless homeowners around the end of the year – you make the annual visit to your attic to collect the holiday decorations and what do you find? Spots and blotches covering the bottom of the roof sheathing. Worse yet – it turns out to be attic mold! Although mold growth in attics is generally black it most likely is not “black mold” What is most commonly referred to as “black mold” is Stachybotrys chartarum....
Read MoreYou might not ever think of this as a mold generator, but the laundry room could be a problem! An un-vented or improperly vented clothes dryer is a virtual incubator for mold - since it's moist and very warm -- an ideal environment for mold to grow! Where does your clothes dryer vent to? Are there holes in the duct? Are there many bends in the duct restricting airflow? Check your dryer vent it, if it is a problem it...
Read MoreMold Fact #1 Sadly, the answer is no. Mold CAN be successfully cleaned and removed from hard surfaces, such as glass, metal or stone. But, once mold has taken hold of a porous surface - for example: sheetrock or carpet padding - then there is nothing to be done except to remove the porous surface. Mold Fact #2 Did you know that you can react to mold in your home or work environment - whether it is ALIVE or DEAD?...
Read MoreTo minimize exposure and/or potential health risks from conducting a mold remediation project, take the following precautions: Wear respiratory (nose and mouth) protection when handling or cleaning moldy materials. The minimal type of breathing mask, or respirator, that should be used for protection from mold particles is an "N-95" particulate respirator approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Wear protective clothing that can be laundered or discarded after the project. Wear gloves and eye protection. Follow...
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