Mold Testing: What To Do If The Test Is Positive

If you watch the news or read the papers, you have likely noticed more and more stories about the dangers of molds in homes, workplaces and schools. Mold testing is a good way to find out if your home is at risk or already under attack by these tiny little spores. While molds are impossible to completely eliminate, you can take measures to prevent their spread and infestation if a test comes back showing that you have a problem. However, there are times when you can see the problem and a test is not necessary (except to investigate further damage or spreading of spores).

If you can see black spots are blotches in your shower or bath, you know you have a problem without having to have any mold testing performed. There are a few commercial cleaners on the market that advertise the ability to rid your bathroom of this problem. If you do use a commercial preparation, be sure to follow the directions and adequately ventilate the area. Many of these products have noxious fumes and can be caustic, so take necessary precautions to ensure that you do not have an adverse reaction to the product. If you want to clean the area without the use of a commercial cleaning product, try using undiluted vinegar. Vinegar is an effective cleaner for this type of problem. Cleaning the moldy area is just one part of the solution. You will need to take steps to reduce growth by making the environment unfavorable for growth.

To make your home unfavorable for moldy growth, you will need to control the humidity in the air. Excess moisture causes your home to act as a giant Petri dish, so reducing the humidity is vital to combating the problem. Also, you need to eliminate any excess water or leaky pipes. In the winter, you may find that combating the humidity is much easier, since you are running a furnace and heating the air. In the summer, try using fans and air conditioners to circulate the air and reduce humidity.

Another way you can make your home unfavorable for moldy growth after mold testing has yielded a positive result is by pre-cleaning. Fill a spray bottle with undiluted vinegar and use it to mist your shower walls each day. Also, you can mist basement walls or other damp areas to reduce the growth of spores. Undiluted vinegar can also be applied to a sponge or cloth and used to wipe down areas where mold testing has indicated there may be a problem.

In general, being proactive after mold testing is the best way to reduce the problem and eliminate excessive problems. While you may not be able to completely obliterate the moldy issue, you may be able to at least reduce the effect it has on your home and your health.