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There is only one way to know if what you have is mold. Simply put, it must be sampled and tested. There are a number of different ways to sample for mold. Once samples have been collected they must be sent to a laboratory for identification. It is especially important to know what species of mold is present in your environment as well as the level of contamination. Because of the health risk associated with mold it is important to hire a trained professional for anything related to mold.
" An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Take the extra step of prevention. The following list comprises suggestions for keeping your home clean so mold will not have a chance to get a foothold. Some of these may seem “extreme measures” but have proven to be invaluable in maintaining a mold free environment. Use these, as you will.
- Keep the premises clean and regularly dust, vacuum and mop.
- Air duct decontamination.
If your family is having allergies, its a good idea to clean and sanitize your air ducts. And have them checked every two years by a Normi trained professional.
- Install an approved and effective air purifier in the home or office to maintain good indoor air quality and reduce the risk of mold growth.
- Use hood vents when cooking, cleaning and dishwashing.
- Keep closet doors ajar, where possible, to increase airflow in the closets or install vented doors.
- Avoid excess amounts of indoor plants.
- Use exhaust fans when bathing/showering.
- Leave exhaust fans on long enough to remove moisture from the room.
- Use ceiling fans.
- Water all indoor plants outdoors, if possible.
- Wipe down any moisture and/or spillage.
- Wipe down bathroom walls and fixtures after bathing/showering. There are some good products out there for this very purpose.
- Wipe down any vanities/sink tops.
- Avoid drying clothes by hand drying indoors.
- Avoid air-drying dishes.
- Open blinds/curtains to allow light into premises.
- Wipe down floors after any water spillage.
- Hang shower curtains within the bath when showering.
- Securely close shower doors, if present, when showering.
- Leave bathroom and showers door open after use.
- Use dryer if present for wet towels.
- Use household cleaners (we prefer biodegradable enzyme cleaners
- on any hard surfaces.
- Remove any moldy or rotting food.
- Remove garbage regularly.
- Wipe down any and all visible signs of moisture.
- Regularly scan the ceiling for evidence of roof leaks.
- Periodically check the air conditioning vents to be sure they are clean.
- Change the air conditioning filter regularly.
- Perform scheduled maintenance on your air conditioning system, including, but not limited, to cleaning the evaporator coil.
- Wipe down windows and sills if moisture is present.
- Regularly, inspect for leaks under sinks and around the base of water closets, around the washing machine and water heater.
- Check all washer hoses and outside garden hose connections.
- Regularly empty dehumidifier.
- Clean behind the refrigerator and around air conditioning air handler if possible.
- Empty the refrigerator condensation pan where possible.
- If possible, pour a small amount of biocide in the drip pan of the air conditioning air handler to decrease the potential for mold growth.
- Answer the question regularly and check for the signs of mold: "If I were mold and liked moisture, where would I feel most comfortable to set up a home and build a family?"
It is our opinion that these recommendations will substantially improve the indoor air environment of your home or office and, in addition, reduce the potential for mold or other IAQ problems in the future. There is no “over-night” solution but we believe the improvement will be significant and, over a relatively short period of time, the occupants and visitors in your home will feel better about their environment. If we may be further service to you in the future, please do not hesitate to call. We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing a NORMI Certified IAQ/Mold Inspector.
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