Is That Mold? Now What?

JW Biava

April 29, 2024

Mold is a reality in our world and homes. Since biblical times, people have needed to find a way to deal with it. Here is a guide to the types of mold you’ll see in your home and what to do about it.

On Your Food

White, green, or yellow blotches on food. Give food enough time and it will grow mold on it. It is normal, in fact natural, but altogether nasty.

IMMEDIATE STEP

Throw mold contaminated food away. The exception is cutting away isolated mold on hard cheeses.

CAUSES:

Humidity in the air, refrigerator.

LONG TERM:

Keep foods sealed in air tight containers. Freeze food.

MOLD TESTING:

Not needed: If the mold is isolated on food and able to be disposed of, mold testing is not needed.

Isolated on a Surface

Colored spots (e.g. – black, brown, green, yellow, pink) and blotches in a contained area. In areas of high humidity, mold will grow. Bathroom showers and tubs are common places to find surface mold. In climates where humidity is high, you may find mold on baseboards.

IMMEDIATE STEP

Remove the mold with a cleaner. Use an appropriate mold cleaning solution such as Hydrogen Peroxide with PPE (i.e. – gloves and a mask).

CAUSES:

Excessive humidity in the air.

LONG TERM:

Remove the humidity with a fan or dehumidifier.

MOLD TESTING:

Optional: Find out exactly what mold this is and if it could be affecting your heath with a Mold Check Up.

Widespread on a Surface

Significant areas of black, brown, yellow, or white that are deeply embedded into a building materials. This points to a systemic mold problem in your home, and it is not something to ignore.

IMMEDIATE STEP

Rip, remove, and replace contaminated materials. DIY or call a Mold Remediator. Also, use gloves and a mask.

CAUSES:

Water leaks, excessive rain, systemically poor ventilation,

LONG TERM:

Turn to a professional mold inspection or use a high-quality fog or mist treatment.

MOLD TESTING:

Essential: Find if mold is hiding and affecting your health with a Mold Check Up.

You Just Smell It

You smell damp, musty and stale. Like old books in a basement, or indoor plants. Mold can be hidden behind walls and ceilings, or even in clothes.

IMMEDIATE STEP

Test the room where it smells for mold. Customize a Mold Check Up to get a lab report on those rooms.

CAUSES:

Water leaks, excessive rain, systemically poor ventilation.

LONG TERM:

Turn to a Professional Mold Inspection or use a high quality Fog or Mist Treatment.

MOLD TESTING:

Essential: After treatment, test regularly with a Retest Kit to discover if the mold has returned.

ImmunoLytics Lab is Here to Help

We work and live mold at ImmunoLytics, and we can help you navigate your mold issue. With the Mold Check Up we can analyze what’s happening in your home, and our reports and consultation can help you know what to do next.