Mold spores can be a nuisance and a health hazard, but there are ways to get rid of them. Hydrogen peroxide is a great option for cleaning mold on surfaces, while ionized hydrogen peroxide can kill mold spores in the air. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can directly remove mold spores from the air, and dehumidifiers can help reduce or prevent mold growth. Bleach cannot penetrate porous materials, so it cannot eliminate mold that grows below the surface.
The most effective way to dramatically reduce the amount of mold spores in the air is to exchange the air and keep the airflow clean. Hydrogen peroxide is a good alternative to using bleach to kill mold because it's safe and doesn't harm the environment, and it doesn't leave toxic residues or produce toxic fumes like bleach does. Dry, polluted air passes through a rotating water tray and is enriched with moisture, while mold spores and other contaminants are eliminated in the water. For many people, while doing it yourself may be an option for eliminating mold, it is often done incompletely, providing only a temporary solution to the mold problem.
If you live in a humid place, your home is likely to have some type of mold growing on its surfaces. Mold spores can pose a threat to your health and that of your family, so it's important to get rid of them from your home. While it's toxic if you ingest it, it doesn't emit chemicals or hazardous fumes like other mold removers. These are two methods you can use without professional help to prevent mold spores from settling and forming a home in your space.
Repairing any potential water damage in the basement and other areas will also help prevent mold spores from growing in your home. It's always best to hire a professional mold removal company when you see mold; however, if the mold in your home is non-toxic and the area where the mold grows is small (less than 10 square feet or the equivalent of approximately a 3 by 3 foot area), you can try to get rid of the mold on your own. Every home and building has mold spores, and it's impossible to completely get rid of all mold spores. Even so, setting your dehumidifier to 50% humidity or less and placing it in problem areas or rooms with visible mold can help reduce or prevent mold growth. Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can be an effective way to directly remove mold spores from the air.
Air purifiers work by using a HEPA filter to clean the air of any mold spores. One purifier per room is usually the most optimal number for really good indoor air quality. Both tools use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that can help remove up to 99.97% of mold spores and other particles from the air.
