Types of Mold

Most types of mold can grow in almost any place just as long as they have a source of water and organic food. Two of the most common molds found in homes are Penicillium and Stachybotrys.

Penicillium is a fungus most commonly found on growing on foods, while Stachybotrys is a toxic fungus that can really cause damage to both your health and your home. And that can be very bad news since many homeowners don't even realize they have mold growing in their home until it's too late and there's nothing they can do about it.

What's worse is, some molds can cause a wide variety of health problems that never go away. And those health problems can lead to medical bills and can even result in death in some people.

So take a good look at your home. Is it susceptible to mold? Do you have ventilation or exhaust fans installed in your bathroom, kitchen and laundry room? Do you change all of the air filters in your home which can eventually be a breeding ground for mold? Do you have carpeting in your bathroom or maybe your kitchen that could use a good dose of mold removal?

Next, it's time to correct any problems that can lead to mold.

=> You need to fix any water leaks or pump out any standing water.
=> Remove any wet carpeting or insulation and other materials that cannot be saved.
=> You should consider replacing your washing machine hoses with steel mesh lines.
=> You may want to consider having a professional clean the air ducts in your home unless you're able to do it yourself.
=> Keep large appliances and other big items away from the walls to provide good air flow.
=> Be sure to install exhaust fans in your bathroom, kitchen and laundry room.
=> Keep humidifiers in good shape and make sure you change their filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
=> Check air conditioners for condensation and replace filters if needed

And remember, Penicillium and Stachybotrys aren't the only types of mold that can grow in your home, so be alert and be prepared to attack the problem on the spot. Otherwise, that problem can turn into a very serious issue.

Dig in the back of the refrigerator and you may find a fungus known as Penicillium. Penicillium is generally found on foods that are decaying and can make people sick if ingested. However, the very same decaying foods that make us sick can also heal us thanks to the brilliant scientists who have discovered a way to use it as a medicine.

So you see, while some funguses like shower mold can make you ill, others can treat your illness. And while it's interesting to learn how molds can work, we must remember that it's better to remove as many molds from our home as possible to avoid becoming sick in the first place.

Most over the counter cleaners can remove general fungus such as mildew stains. However, black molds (stachybotrys) are more stubborn and cannot be removed with just any cleaner. They also cannot be removed using bleach as many people have been led to believe. Bleach doesn't penetrate most surfaces where molds tend to hide, so while it may appear that the toxic fungus is gone, it's still there and can resurface at any time.

Instead, the best solution is to purchase a product (preferably organic) that is designed to permanently kill the toxic fungus. And remember, while it's easy to purchase products that will remove just about any fungal problem, it isn't that easy to remove all of the different types of mold that may be lurking in your home. It's a never-ending battle and one that should only be fought on those that are havoc reeking.