Rid mold
The best way to find mold is to
look in dark, damp, warm environments. It can grow almost anywhere: on
sheet rock, carpet, wood panels, garbage cans and basement walls. Mold can
even grow in areas that are not easily visible, such as inside walls and
furniture. Excessive indoor humidity, resulting in water vapor
condensation on walls, plumbing leaks, spills from showering or bathing,
water leaking through foundations or roofs, may lead to growth of many
types of mold.
Mold exposure can trigger
allergic reactions in people who have allergies. Symptoms include
wheezing, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, nasal and sinus
congestion, irritated eyes, a dry, hacking cough, irritated nose or throat
and skin rashes or irritation.
Controlling indoor
mold
According to the American
Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), taking the following
steps to rid your home or business of molds can lead to a decrease in
allergy symptoms and lessen the potential burden on your
pocketbook:
- Use a solution of water and dish detergent to
clean the moldy area.. Then wipe off the mold. Remember to wear rubber
gloves and use a protective mask if your symptoms are severe.
Remove the source- If mold or mildew is visible in carpeting or on
wallpaper, remove them from your home. Also, if you have a leaky pipe or
roof, quickly repair and seal these moisture sources.
Dry it out- Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and wipe down the shower after
use. Periodically clean the bathroom and other mold-promoting places
with a product that kills mold and mildew, and throw away shower
curtains at the first sight of mold.
Lower humidity- Try to maintain a humidity level of 30 to 40
percent in your house. DampRid
Disposable Room Freshener is the answer to
this problem
Stay above ground- In general, it’s not a good idea for people with
mold allergies to have a bedroom or a family/work room in the basement.
Air it out- Ventilate damp rooms, attics and even crawl spaces under the
house to try to keep them dry. If you use a dehumidifier, empty and
clean it regularly to prevent mildew from forming. Also, air filters may
help control airborne mold spores throughout your house.
All rooms, especially basements,
bathrooms and kitchens, require ventilation and consistent cleaning to
control mold growth.
Toxic mold
There are 100,000 types of mold, however, only a few
are toxic. These molds produce chemicals called mycotoxins that can cause
rashes, seizures, respiratory problems, unusual bleeding and severe
fatigue in people.
One form of toxic mold is
stachybotrys chartarum (stack-ee-BOT-ris), a greenish-black mold that
occurs where there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity,
water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. This mold
requires very wet or high humid conditions for days or weeks in order to
grow. Stachybotrys grows only on wood, paper and cotton products and can
be found in 2%-5% of American homes.
SUMMARY
We at Damp Rid hope the information in this guide helps you prevent
mildew, mold and other musty odors in your home. We always like to hear
comments or suggestions from our customers, and we invite you to call us
on our toll free customer Help Line 1-888-326-7743. We also make our
products available via our e-commerce website. Just call or write us, and
we will be happy to help you.
