Dispelling Common Mold Myths in Your Home

By:    |   Published August 28, 2019

Mold has become a “four-letter word” when it comes to homes in the last several years. Although the trend is toward “going green” and mold is natural and sometimes greenish, it is not a part of nature you want in your home no matter what color it is! read more

Tips for Cleaning Mold Off Walls in Your Home

By:    |   Published August 4, 2017

When you find mold, it’s more than just an eyesore. It’s a health risk for you and your family. Your first instinct may be to clean it, but it’s important to know the proper way to handle it. In addition to the potential dangers mold and its spores, improperly cleaning mold off walls in your home will likely allow it to come right back. Read our guide on cleaning mold off walls like concrete, brick and drywall to learn the safest solutions for removing these invasive growths.

Safety First

Before you tackle your mold problem, you’ll want to wear some protective gear to prevent illness. Not all mold is inherently dangerous, but identifying which type of mold you have is usually more difficult than simply looking at it. Inhaling mold spores can cause anything from simple allergic responses to severe sickness – for you or your pets.

Your mold-busting gear should include:

  • Breathing mask
  • Goggles or protective eyewear
  • Waterproof gloves

All of these will help you prevent unnecessary contact with your mold. In addition to protective equipment, we recommend opening windows and improved ventilation as you will be working with chemical cleaners.

How to Clean Mold off Walls

Before you clean the mold off your walls, make sure you know what type of wall you’ll be cleaning. You don’t want to cause more damage, and how you clean drywall will be different than how you clean a concrete wall:

Cleaning Mold Off Concrete or Brick Walls

If mold appears on concrete or brick walls, it’s very simple to clean it off, though it might be an indicator of a crack in your foundation. You will need to use a cleaning agent that is antimicrobial, which you can purchase at almost any hardware store or even make yourself. Once you’ve put on your protective equipment, simply scrub the moldy surface with the cleaner until it’s completely wiped away. Some specialized cleaners will have additional instructions – if you’re purchasing a cleaner from the store, make sure to follow its directions closely.

One way to reduce your chances of dealing with moisture problems in your stone or brick basement is DuraShield. These panels create a barrier against moisture, insulating your basement walls and giving it a finished look with no maintenance required.

Cleaning Mold Off Painted Walls

Mold is common in rooms that have a lot of moisture – like your bathroom or basement. Ideally, these rooms should be painted with water-resistant “wash-and-wear” type paint that will prevent mold from growing deeper than the surface. It also makes it easier to clean when you do spot growing mold.

If you plan to use store-bought mold remover, make sure the formula is mild enough to minimize any damage to your paint. It’s possible, based on the severity of the mold, that you may have to repaint or even replace part of the wall. With the mold remover and a rag or towel, spray the affected area and scrub the mold. You may have to do this multiple times. Afterwards, spray water on the area and wipe it with a new towel or rag to clear the surface of any remaining mold remover.

Cleaning Mold Off Unsealed Drywall

Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to clean mold off unsealed drywall. Drywall is porous, which means the mold may be visible on the surface, but it’s also growing inside the pores.  Without water-resistant paint, it’s very likely that by the time you notice the mold, it’s already inside the drywall too. You can look for mold by cutting inspections holes into the drywall. Remove the insulation and use a mirror to inspect the other side of the drywall.

If mold is growing on the insulation, it will need to be removed and replaced. Likewise, if you find that your drywall has mold beneath the surface, you will need to remove and replace it as well.

Unless you’re trained in mold remediation, the most you can do is temporarily reduce the overall mold growth by using a mold removing cleaner and scrubbing the visible mold away. You will need to contact your local mold experts for an inspection to discover the full scope of your mold damage. Even if you clean away all the mold, if it still has a source and some mold remains, it will continue to grow back.

Mold Encapsulation

Sometimes with porous surfaces, you will have trace amounts of mold that you can’t remove. If that’s the case, your only option may be mold encapsulation. To encapsulate mold, purchase a mold sealant and apply it to the mold after you’ve done everything to clean and scrub it away. This should be used as a last resort if the mold can’t be removed and the surface the mold is on cannot be replaced. If you think you need to do this, you should first contact a mold professional to make sure you don’t risk making the problem worse.

It’s often surfaces like brick or wood that will require encapsulation. Non-porous surfaces, or those that can be easily replaced like drywall should never need to be encapsulated.

DIY Mold Removal Cleaner

If you only see a small amount of mold and don’t want to purchase a mold remover, you can also create your own mold removal solution from common household products. The most common solution is simply a mixture of ¼ cup of bleach with 2 cups of warm water. Pour this combination into a spray bottle and it functions similarly to a store-bought cleaner.

Identifying the Source of the Mold

After you clean away any visible mold, it’s critical that you backtrack and find the source. Without correcting the cause of the mold, it’s guaranteed to come back.

The best way to fight mold is to prevent it read more

Black Mold Identification & Stopping It at the Source

By:    |   Published August 1, 2017

House molds are a growing concern in the minds of homeowners across the nation. Regardless of your area’s climate, leaks and cracks can promote mold growth in any nook or cranny of your home. Often, these growths go unnoticed for days, weeks or even months, allowing them to become health hazards and even damage your property. Certain molds are more dangerous than others; black mold identification in particular has become an important topic for property owners.

But how do you know which molds are dangerous and which are benign? It starts with knowing the properties of mold and understanding the symptoms they can cause. Read on and learn about house molds that could be affecting your family right now!

Stachybotrys Atra: Infamously Known as the “Black Mold”

Stachybotrys atra, or Stachybotyrs chartroom, is a specific type of toxic mold. This is what most people refer to when they say, “black mold.” While sometimes found in grain or soil, it’s much more frequently found in building materials that are rich in cellulose – often following water damage. High moisture content is a requirement for black mold to grow, so it is unlikely to be found in homes that are properly inspected and have been protected through waterproofing services.

This species of mold appears black or dark green, and has a unique shiny looking surface. Some would describe it as slimy-looking, but if it dries it often becomes gray and powder-like. The problem is when it comes to black mold identification, the only real way to confirm if it’s the dangerous, toxic species is with a microscope. Many different molds have similar appearance to Stachybotrys atra. Only with careful examination by an expert, practicing caution, can the species be accurately identified.

Low levels of Stachybotrys atra tend not to have any effect, though if you’re immuno-compromised it’s more likely to cause symptoms. Larger volumes of the mold lead to higher exposure, which can cause a variety of symptoms sometimes referred to as Toxic Mold Syndrome:

  • Chronic coughing or sneezing
  • Throat irritation
  • Rashes
  • Sinusitis
  • Asthmatic Attacks
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Persistent Headaches

These symptoms usually diminish or clear completely soon after removing the mold and its source.

Black mold affects animals too. While you may not notice a small spot of mold growing in that dark corner of your basement, you can be sure your pet will! Their curious nature may lead them to direct contact with the mold, causing illness or other reactions. If you have pets, keep an eye out for symptoms and take them to the vet immediately! Then,

contact a professional to inspect and locate the source of your mold problems. read more

5 Tips for Preventing Toxic Mold Syndrome

By:    |   Published August 17, 2016

Mold is everywhere – it’s in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and on almost every surface we touch – and most types of mold are relatively harmless. But one particular type of mold, Toxic Black Mold, has been identified as a dangerous strain. Exposure to this variety of mold can lead to Toxic Mold Syndrome, a cluster of symptoms that affect mental as well as physical health.

Mold loves damp, dark places, which is why your basement needs to be checked for water seepage, cracked foundation, and visible damage regularly.

What is Toxic Mold Syndrome?

Toxic black mold produces neurotoxins – chemicals that damage neurons in the brain and impair a person’s mental ability. Exposure to these neurotoxins can cause symptoms such as:

  • muscle pain, cramps, burning, unusual shooting (ice pick-like) pains
  • headaches
  • fatigue, weakness, flu-like symptoms, fever, chills
  • shortness of breath, cough
  • abdominal pain, diarrhea
  • chronic sinusitis, sore throat
  • burning eyes, red eyes, sensitivity to light
  • difficulty with thought processes, anxiety, memory loss, loss of concentration, confusion, disorientation, “brain fog”
  • dizziness, balance problems
  • metallic taste in mouth
  • numbness and tingling
  • night sweats
  • temperature regulation problems
  • excessive thirst and urination
  • rash
  • excessive menstrual bleeding
  • flushed face
  • chest pains
  • kidney disease

In rare, but extreme cases, Toxic Mold Syndrome has even been linked to death!

Toxic Black Mold grows naturally in our environment, usually out of doors. But when conditions are right – dark, warm, and humid – it will thrive indoors because the cellulose contained in many building materials is an excellent source of food.

Since Toxic Black Mold cleanup can dangerous and costly, it should only be done by professionals. However, with a few simple preventive measures, you can save yourself and your family a lot of headaches (both literally and figuratively).

How Can You Prevent Toxic Mold Syndrome? Follow These 5 Tips!

Keeping your family safe from Toxic Black Mold isn’t difficult; it’s a matter of making your home inhospitable to molds of any type. Here are 5 ways you can accomplish that:

  1. Check water pipes for leakage and sweating on a regular basis.

Sweating pipes can be easily eliminated with an inexpensive insulation kit available at most hardware stores. If you’re remodeling rooms that need a water exchange, make sure that pipes are wrapped in insulation and that there is absolutely no leakage before the wall is sealed. Consider wrapping basement pipes, as well; sweaty basement pipes are easily overlooked, making them a frequent contributor to mold growth.

  1. Monitor indoor humidity levels.

If areas of your house tend to be humid – particularly in the basement – keep an eye on the humidity levels. Mold likes to grow in humidity levels above 60%. If you don’t have a thermostat with a humidity gauge, you can purchase an inexpensive one for about $30. In rooms with high humidity levels, add a dehumidifier to help keep them comfortable and mold free.

  1. Check the attic on regular intervals, especially during the damp months.

Although mold cannot eat attic insulation, it loves the backing attached to it. Check for signs of moisture and keep the air in the attic circulating to prevent mold from taking up residence. Use a flashlight to look for signs of moisture. If your attic seems more humid than it should be, install an attic fan.

  1. Look outside the house, too.

Piles of leaves, trees and shrubs, and other landscaping around the home can harbor black mold. Check these areas on a regular basis and remove any accumulated organic debris. While you’re there, you can multitask and check your foundation for cracks and settling.

  1. Don’t forget your roof.

After a bad storm or high winds, take out a pair of binoculars and scan your roof for loose shingles. When shingles become loose, it’s easy for moisture to get in and set the stage for mold growth. Repair any loose shingles as soon as possible.

Concerned About Mold in Your House?

If you suspect that mold may be invading your home, Team EverDry is here to help! Contact us online or give us a call at (419) 469-5833 to schedule 

a free 20-point basement inspection read more

Is Household Mold a Threat to Your Pet?

By:    |   Published July 13, 2016

We know household mold is bad for humans. It can cause mild allergic reactions, such as itching and sneezing, to life-threatening reactions, such as those seen in black mold exposure. But can your pet be harmed by mold, too? The answer is a resounding yes!

Mold loves damp, dark places, which is why your basement needs to be checked for water seepage, cracked foundation, and visible damage regularly.

Just like you, your dog, cat, or even bird can have a reaction to household mold exposure. And, just like you, their reaction can range from mild to devastating. In fact, pets are actually much more susceptible to the effects of mold because they tend to be smaller, and their respiratory systems are usually more sensitive than most people.

Pets & Mild Mold Exposure

Pets are curious, plain and simple. They’ll explore every nook and cranny of your house, and that’s exactly where mold likes to grow – in the unseen nooks and crannies.

Unfortunately, your pet can’t tell you if he or she is suffering from an allergy to indoor mold. But you can interpret their symptoms. Allergies related to mold exposure cause similar reactions in dogs and cats, and include:

  • Itchy, red, moist, or scabbed skin
  • Increased scratching
  • Itchy, runny eyes
  • Itchy ears and ear infections
  • Sneezing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Snoring caused by an inflamed throat
  • Paw chewing/swollen paws
  • Constant licking

Cats will often show increased anxiety if they suffer from allergies. Birds with allergies will typically pluck out or damage their feathers as they try to relieve their skin irritation.

If your pet shows these symptoms, make an appointment with the vet for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Then do a little detective work and to find out where your pet might be finding the mold. Prime areas to search are basements and crawl spaces, attics, and drain areas around your sink, shower, or bathtub. Also, check around window areas, which quickly turn into a mildew haven if the humidity level in the house is above what it should be.

Pets & Black Mold

Toxic black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, made headlines in 2007 when a veterinarian diagnosed it as responsible for the death of two cats. The cats had undergone routine dental work under anesthetic, only to die from fatal lung hemorrhages.

Black mold produces a mycotoxin (a toxic chemical produced by a fungus) that, when circulated in the bloodstream, causes cell death and damages the liver. The damaged liver has difficulty in producing the proteins necessary for blood to clot, resulting in uncontrollable nosebleeds, blood in bodily waste, or fatal hemorrhages from the lungs.

Like typical household mold, toxic black mold grows best in warm, damp conditions and is found in many countries throughout the world. Outdoors, it grows in soil and on plant debris. Indoors, toxic black mold thrives on material high in cellulose and low in nitrogen. This means toxic black mold can grow on many common indoor building materials such as wood and drywall.

When toxic black mold does grow in the home it’s usually in a place out of sight. Toxic black mold needs a lot of moisture for a long time before it can begin to grow. This is why it often grows where there has been a water leak hidden from view. Leaks inside walls, above ceilings, or under floors are common causes of toxic black mold.

The symptoms of black mold infection in pets range from allergic type sniffles to joint pain and blood clotting problems. They include:

  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Nosebleeds
  • Lameness (because of bleeding in the joints)
  • Skin rashes and sores (on thin-furred areas such as the belly or armpits in pets)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Trembling

If you see these symptoms in your pet, take them to see a vet immediately!

What You Can Do

After you’ve taken your pet to the vet, it’s time to call in an expert for your home. If you suspect that mold may be invading your home, Team EverDry is here to help! Contact us online or give us a call at (419) 469-5833 to schedule 

a free 20-point basement inspection read more