No matter who you are, or where you live, everyone needs to reduce the amount of mold and mildew in the air they are breathing in. If you smell a musty odor in your home or workplace, there is a good chance that it’s probably mold or mildew.

Eye Opening Statistics About Mold:

• A groundbreaking report from 2007 stated that scientists found a direct correlation between a high presence of mold in households and depression.
• The EPA has estimated that over 100 million Americans live in toxic indoor air environments.
• Even more shockingly, studies have shown that the air inside our homes can be worse than the air outside. The average American spends around 90% of our time in enclosed buildings, and over 60% of our time in our houses.
• Scientists have identified over 1,000 types of mold and mildew inside houses in the United States.
• More than 100,000 types of mold exist!
• “Stachybotrys” is a highly-toxic type of mold that has been related to human death

Of course, if you actually see mold in your home or office, then you know you have a problem. The bad news is, most of the toxic mold floating around in our air is actually invisible to the naked eye, but it still may be seriously affecting your health.

So, I wanted to share my personal tips that I use at my home, as well as here in the office. Please feel free to drop your tips in the comment section below.

How to Get Rid of Mold:

1. Investigate your home or office for moisture leakage. If you find any moisture leaks, clean them up with a dry towel immediately and find the source of the leak. Consider hiring a professional if the leak does not stop or if you are dealing with a plumbing issue. Controlling moisture leaks in your home or place of work will reduce the mold’s ability to thrive.

2. Mold loves warm and wet places. If you live in a place with humidity levels of 70% or more, you must particularly take heed to prevent toxic moldy air. Invest in a high-quality dehumidifier and test your home for mold over-growth.

3. Temperatures above 75° F, as well as poorly lit rooms and unmoving air, can actually create more mold. Keep fresh air moving in your home, as well as bright sunlight coming in through your windows. This will help reduce toxic mold.

4. Open a window while you take a shower, if possible.

5. Change air filters regularly in heating and air-conditioning vents.

6. Invest in a good quality air purification system that employs both a HEPA filter and UV & negative ion technologies. In my opinion, this will give you the best results when cleaning your air.

7. Keep your home at a moderate temperature, at around 69-73° F and keep the humidity level at 54% and below.

8. Make sure your clothes dryer has an anti-humidity vent.

9. Check closets for mold growth. This is especially important if you have ever placed wet or damp clothing in your closets. If you find mold in your closet, wash your clothes immediately to help clean any possible mold spores. (I personally use Soap Nuts. Check Google for more information if you’re interested.)

10. Protect your breathing passages when removing active or dead mold. Wear a mask, eye protection and protective gloves that filter mold.

11. When cleaning, slightly wet the mold to lessen the amount of airborne spores in the breathing atmosphere while you are cleaning. This can be done with a wet cloth.

12. Scrub hard surfaces infested in mold with a non-ammonia soap. Non-toxic, organic soap is best for the environment.

13. Porous surface cannot be cleaned of mold. Things like moldy carpeting, drywall, wallpaper, fabric, or other porous surfaces, must be completely removed and replaced from your home or office.

14. If you have mold on the structural support of your home or office building, it may not be cleaned out by scrubbing alone. It may have to be sanded. Don’t forget to wear the appropriate protective coverings.

15. Remember, the best prevention for mold is to KEEP THINGS DRY and always use a good air purification system!

Do you of any other ways to get rid of mold? Please add them in the comment section below.

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