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Category: Mold Information

prevent mold

The Importance of Clean Air to Prevent Mold

krystle Leave a comment

Clean Air Day 2018 came and went last week, but it got us thinking:  If mold thrives off elements present in the air we breathe, surely there must be a connection pertinent to our cause. And we were right.

One of the largest factors in mold survival is the amount of moisture in the air, as it can – and will – grow anywhere and on any substance that dampness is present.

But did you know that, as well as causing mold, excess moisture in the home can also contaminate the actual air, too? Just think of the cold, musty smell often accompanying it. And according to Global Action Plan – the organizers behind Clean Air Day – mold in the home is a source of air pollution itself. Yet the relationship is actually more complex, as if mold is present, toxic particles will emanate from it and infiltrate the air you breathe – not to mention the fact that damp itself causes water vapor, which in turn encourages microbial growth, leading to yet more mold in an ongoing vicious cycle. Thus, this two-way relationship emphasises how important – both for the cleanliness of the air and the actual, tangible things surrounding it – controlling the level of moisture is.

Monitoring the levels of humidity in the home, therefore, is extremely important, and most experts believe that erring on the lower side of the 40-60% recommended bracket will help to prevent the build-up of mold – thus keeping the air clean, too.

But there are many other things you can – and should – do to reduce the growth of mold and – by extension – keep the air around you clean. You can breathe a (toxin-free!) sigh of relief, as we’ve done the hard work for you:
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what is black mold

Black Mold Symptoms

thewife Leave a comment

What is Black Mold?

“Black mold,” or stachbotrys as his mycologist friends like to call him, is actually a dark green mold, but not only did “Dark Green Mold” fail miserably at striking fear in the hearts of the public, Penicillium mold pretty much held the copyright to all-things-green. “Killer Mold,” too, fell short of fear-mongering. And “The Notorious B.M.” didn’t quite have the effect mycologists were going for, which could be why a dark green mold was given the nickname “black mold.” Or, more specifically, “toxic black mold.” But, what causes black mold? And why is it considered so toxic?
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I ate moldy bread

Help! I Accidentally Ate Moldy Bread (or Moldy Cheese)!

thewife Leave a comment

Is Moldy Food Dangerous?

I know why you’re here. There can only be one reason why you now find yourself reading an incredibly informative and superbly written article on moldy cheese.

You’ve bought into the American Dream, haven’t you? What was it? Student loans? A new car? Don’t tell me–the new iPhone? Look, it’s none of my business. We’ll just say you “fell on hard times.”

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green mold, green mold removal

What is Green Mold and How Do You Get Rid of It?

thewife 1 Comment

What is Green Mold?

Some mistakenly believe that any and all green molds are penicillin. Penicillin, however, is not a mold. Penicillin is an antibiotic derived from the mold known as penicillium chrysogenum. Many times over, a common statement is made in regards to foods that have mold growth: “Ah, it’s just penicillin. It won’t hurt you.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, contact with penicillium chryosogenum–like any mold–can cause serious health issues. For instance, penicillium molds often cause chronic sinus infections and inflammation within the lungs.

The truth is, there are several types of green mold–thousands, actually–and none of them are friendly. So, what exactly makes green mold, green?

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most dangerous molds

The Most Dangerous Molds

Melissa 3 Comments

If you’ve discovered or suspect you have mold in your home or workplace, the next most common question is “is it dangerous?” Not all molds are created equal. Some are considered toxic mold while others are less of a hindrance. While no mold is good in the home or workplace, there are some types of mold that fall into the “most dangerous molds” category. That is what today’s blog post will cover. These are the molds that will cause the most harm to your home and/or your body, especially with long term exposure.
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rubber mold

How to Remove Mold from a Washing Machine

thewife Leave a comment

Whether top-load or front-load, new or used, every washing machine provides an ideal habitat for mold. The high moisture content in both the machine and the resulting atmosphere, the typical poorly-ventilated laundry room with its stale warm air, and the continual supply of decomposing organic material provided by soiled laundry all contribute to an environment conducive to mold growth and its accompanying mildew smell.

Don’t wait until you experience that distinct mold odor. Because of such steady, mold-welcoming conditions, it is important to be consistent in regular maintenance. Cleaning a machine that appears to clean itself during each use might seem a little superfluous, but even washing machines could use a good wash from time to time.

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white mold

What is White Mold?

Melissa 2 Comments

We’ve all heard of black mold and the associated horror stories of how it destroys your home, your wallet and your health. But what about white mold? What is it? What are the effects on your home if it gets infected with white mold growth? How is your health compromised if you are around white mold? Is white mold as dangerous as black mold? Today’s blog post will give you all the answers you need should you end up with white mold in your home.
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the smell of mold

What Does Mold Smell Like?

krystle Leave a comment

What is that smell?

There are numerous aromas our olfactory organs are subjected to each day. Whether it be the smell of food cooking or baking, the distinct aroma of herbs or essential oils, or the unpleasant reek of yesterday’s trash, our nose encounters a host of various scents, both appealing and unappealing. While our sense of smell has many purposes, it is often overlooked as an alarm system. In fact, when it comes to personal safety, our nose is an excellent source for warnings against danger—not just burnt toast. Are there smells that can alert us to potential health hazards or signal that the environment we are in is not safe? Certainly. Aside from the distinct smell of smoke or gas, mold’s pungent odor is a helpful indicator that your health, as well as the health of those living with you, is at risk.

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mold in your walls

Is There Mold in Your Walls?

Melissa Leave a comment

At some point you may find yourself wondering if you have mold in your walls. Perhaps you have been through a flood or identified a leak in your home that has been there for awhile. Now, as you start the cleanup, you may wonder what the least destructive (and least expensive) method is for determining the extent of the damage and if there is indeed mold in your walls.
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attic mold

How to Deal with Attic Mold

Melissa Leave a comment

How often do you spend time in your attic? Perhaps once a year to retrieve Christmas decorations? If you are like most homeowners, you probably don’t visit this non-living space very often. Because of that, attics are often left out of regular home inspections and maintenance. The bad news is that attic mold (along with a multitude of other issues) can easily be overlooked. It is important that you take the time to periodically visit your attic space and give it a thorough once over. Mold attic can quickly become dangerous because it often goes unnoticed until it begins to penetrate the rest of your house. By the time that happens, there is likely quite a bit of mold and may already be affecting the health of your family.
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mold

10 Facts About Mold That You May Not Know

Melissa 3 Comments

Do you know all the facts about mold that you should? The average person isn’t educated about mold, and most people don’t seek answers or do their research until they have found mold in their home or have been affected by mold in some way.

Mold affects more people than you might think. Mold is everywhere. It surrounds us. In one way or another, mold affects us all! You may even be exposed to it right now whether you know it or not. Because it is so predominant in our world, there are some basic facts about mold that everyone should know. Here are 10 facts about mold that you may not know … but should!
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mold sickness

Recovering from Mold Related Illnesses

Melissa 1 Comment

Mold related illnesses may be one of the most prominent health issues that doctors are missing today. They can be a true hidden illness that goes undiagnosed for years. What a scary thought!

There are potentially millions of people who are currently suffering from a mystery illness, and their doctors don’t have a clue what is causing their ailments. They are often referred to doctor after doctor, repeatedly being turned away.

Mold toxins are so unique, and their effects are wide and far-reaching. Symptoms of mold related illnesses are complex and they can be mistaken for many other illnesses. All of this makes it difficult for doctors to find the correct diagnosis.
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mold in fish tank

How to Clean Mold from a Fish Tank

thewife 1 Comment

Is Your Fish Tank Growing Mold?

The health of fish and their owners depend on tank hygiene. This is because every fish tank provides the perfect environment for both submerged and airborne forms of fungi. General tank cleanliness, water quality, filtration, decor material, and the initial health of the fish all contribute to the growth and dispersing of mold spores. A dirty tank allows a film to build both underwater and in contact with the air above. Decomposing organic material, such as wood decor, dead fish, excrement, or the open, seeping wound (infection or injury) of a fish can all provide nourishment to underwater fungus, as well as airborne mold.
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moldy clothes

How to Clean Mold Off Clothing

Melissa Leave a comment

Moldy Clothes

Wondering how to clean mold off clothing? Here are all of the answers you need.

Mold in the house is something every homeowner dreads and fears. Mold can be toxic and spread quickly and quietly without you even being aware of it. If you have mold in your home, you likely had water intrusion either from rain or flood water or a leaky pipe. Mold can ruin your belongings – from your flooring and walls to your furniture and even your clothing. Many times mold-damaged belongs must be discarded for your safety or because they have been permanently damaged.

If you have found mold on your clothing or there is a potential for mold growth because of a flood, you may be wondering if you can save your clothes or if you need to throw them away. The good news is that (depending on when you found the molded clothing), you may be able to save them. With a little bit of persistence and quick action, you can often rid your precious clothing of damaging mold and make them safe to wear again.
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mold prevention winter

Winterizing Tips to Prevent Mold Growth

Melissa Leave a comment

Mold in the Winter

As the cool weather blows in and we pack up our bathing suits until next year, our minds tend to turn to snowball fights and Christmas trees. Winter is a great season where we enjoy family and friends, hot cocoa and mold. Wait? Mold?!?

The cold, wet months of winter are some of the most opportunistic times for mold growth. Luckily there are some steps you can take in advance to prevent mold growth in your home throughout the winter season.
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