How to Control Mold in Your House

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow on surfaces, food, clothes and other places. They can be used to create antibiotics and food products, such as cheeses. Molds, however, are often dangerous to people because they can cause allergies, asthma and infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In homes, molds often form in damp areas. There are a number of methods that you can use to control mold growth in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Detergent or chloride bleach
• Water
• Fans or air conditioners
• Gloves
• Brush
• Goggles
• N-95 respirator
• Moisture or humidity meter
• Dry mop or rag

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Instructions

• 1

  Once mold spores have entered areas of your home, they are impossible to completely remove. It is possible to keep them from spreading by limiting moisture in your home. When you have a water spill or leak in your house, use a dry mop or rag to clean it up within 24 to 48 hours, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Keep the humidity in your home lower than 60 percent. After you take a shower, open windows or use fans to air out the room.

• 2

  If you have appliances, such as a washer or dryer, that create moisture, keep them in a room that is outside your home, if possible. If you have indoor appliances, such as a dishwasher or oven, that produce moisture, open your windows or turn on a fan when you are using them.

• 3

  Use fans or air conditioning or open your windows to allow clean air to circulate in your home. Move objects that are near your windows so that air can flow to different parts of your rooms, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

• 4

  If you have mold in your home, you will smell an odor or see white or black growths in certain rooms, such as your bathroom or attic. If your carpet, wallpaper, ceiling tiles, clothing or furniture have mold growths on them, throw them out because they will likely cause more mold to grow in your home.

• 5

  If you have mold growths on surfaces of your home, use water and detergent or bleach to clean them off. Scrub surfaces thoroughly with a brush, making sure to clean off dead and living mold spores, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.