Mold allergies are a common problem, and may cause mild to severe respiratory issues such as a cough or difficulty breathing. Even if allergies are not an issue, mold can cause household deterioration and should be dealt with promptly. While a medical professional should always be consulted in the case of a mold allergy, there are several ways to reduce mold around the house. These tips can help to eliminate mold and mold allergy symptoms.
Cleaning to Get Rid of Mold
Regular cleaning is an important part of mold control. Extra care should be taken to clean in damp places, such as the bathroom and kitchen, and these areas need to be completely dried afterward. Clean mold-prone places with a disinfectant. If kitchen cabinets, shower stalls, and the like are badly infested with mold, they should be replaced.
Anyone attempting to clean a substantial amount of mold is advised to wear eye, nose, and mouth protection, to fight against respiratory problems.
Use a Dehumidifier to Fight Mold
Because mold grows quickly in damp spaces, it is important to get rid of household humidity as much as possible. A dehumidifier will extract excess moisture from the air, which will then collect as water in a removable container. Empty the dehumidifier regularly to dry out the house and make it less inhabitable for mold. Dehumidifiers come in a variety of sizes for the different rooms in the house.
Use a HEPA Filter to Fight Mold
HEPA air filters draw mold spores and other allergens out of the air and into their compact filter systems. They are meant to run continuously for several years, and are sized accordingly for large to small rooms. A filter for a small room costs, on average, about 40 dollars.
Use Anti-Allergen Bedding
Many mold allergy sufferers find relief from allergen-fighting bedding, which can be purchased in stores such as Wal-Mart or Target, or online. Anti-allergen bedding includes mattress pads (which encompass the entire mattress), sheets, comforters, pillows, and pillow covers. Allergy relief bedding is usually a bit more expensive than regular bedding, but is well worth the added comfort at night.
Allergy sufferers on a budget are advised to purchase anti-allergen pillows first, since pillows will be the closest object to the person’s face during sleep.
Freeze Leftovers
This is a simple but effective tip. Leftover food is an excellent breeding ground for mold, even if it is refrigerated. Freezing the leftovers will keep mold from growing, as well as keep the food fresh for longer.
As a bonus, many of the tips above will also help fight against allergies that come from pet dander, pollen, or other allergens. If allergies are not an issue, these tips are still bound to create a healthier household environment.
Sources
- Remove Mold for a Healthy Home
- Mold Allergies: Mayo Clinic
Ursula Wheeler - Ursula Wheeler holds a B.A. in English with a concentration in writing from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Her work has been ...
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