Mold Is Ubiquitous

There are only four things that is required for mold growth. Moisture, temperature, food and oxygen must be present. If just even one of these elements is removed from the equation you will not be successful in growing toxic mold.

Mold needs a moist environment such as water to grow.

Mold also needs oxygen to survive. Sure, mold needs moisture to live but, like us, they will drown if you cut off their air supply. To be sure, removing oxygen from the equation would likely cause you more discomfort before it has any effect on mold growth.

Not unlike humans, molds prefer comfortable temperaturesfrom which to proliferate. Unfortunately, the temperature range conducive to mold growth is the same range of temperatures that humans feel the most comfortable. You can control your indoor air temperature with a thermostat. However, changing the temperature to stop mold growth is also not an ideal solution as the temperatures that mold growth is inhibited are temperatures that humans are also uncomfortable with.

The only element that we can reasonably control, thus becomes, the mold’s food source. By removing the mold’s food source, there will be no mold growth.

By reducing the dust from surfaces, you are also reducing the amount of mold food.

The most common method used to remove mold (or, more accurately, the mold growth medium) is via the use of cleaning sprays.

However, one needs to be aware of certain issues that may arise. Using too much or using cleaners improperly may leave you worse off than when you started.

Cleaners on contaminated surfaces will likely kill any mold growth that the cleaner touches but the residual moisture may assist in promoting more mold growth. Completely dry the surface after cleaning to prevent future mold growth.

Carpets that have been shampooed that are still wet, can also retain enough moisture for mold to grow on.

Laundry hung in the closet, before it has been thoroughly dried, is in danger of becoming moldy. Most closets do not have enough ventilation and this may account for the musty closet odors.

Painted or plastic surfaces can be scratched by harsh cleaners. From this, water or humidity can seep in. Dirt, dust or dry wall, can combine to provide a nice environment for mold spores to grow on.

Even when growth does not occur, damage to walls can result as evidenced by warping. Once the surface is damaged, it will be easier for mold to proliferate there the next time.

Sometimes, allergy symptoms from chemical cleaners can cause coughing, etc.

Make sure that you have adequate ventilation when using chemical cleaners. Also, use gloves and eye shields where appropriate.

Bear in mind that thousands of mold spores are typically inhaled by each of us daily. Mold is ubiquitous. It is close to impossible to remove all of the airborne particulates from your environment but you can prevent the proliferation of toxic levels of mold growth in your home or workplace.