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Barring any long-term exposure to high mold concentrations at home, Apfelbaum explains that he rarely sees significant health problems arise in clients. Some stories that are published [about significant problems from mold growths] go for the drama, but those are not the most common occurrences, he says.Where is mold often found in the home?Some mold growth hot-spots in the home are fairly obviouslike cabinets under leaky kitchen sinks or along the sides of bathtubs and showersdue to the moisture and difficult ventilation in such spaces. But other spots arent as evident. Its not that hard to find mold in an attic, because its unprotected up there, you have all this exposed wood and things get dusty, Apfelbaum says, adding that garages, laundry rooms, and other unventilated areas are also prime locations for mold spore breeding grounds.Molds need a food source to grow and thrive, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The agency lists wallpaper glue, some paints, greases, paper, textiles, and wood products as common organic materials that molds will feast on, as well as dust.Can you remove mold from fabric?Apfelbaum says that its possible, but whether killing mold on fabric is worth the effort depends on the situation. For example, in a household where no one suffers from respiratory problems and tests show that mold growth is restricted to low-to-slightly elevated levels of merely allergenic molds, a mold remediation expert can use a vacuum outfitted with a HEPA filter on any affected fabric furniture or decor, like curtains.Following that, a professional can use a broad-sprectrum microbial disinfectant to wipe down the affected area. Apfelbaum says he would use a commercial fogger to apply a biomist, essentially smoking out the house but not leaving things dripping wet.That smoke is practically ubiquitous, Apfelbaum says. It gets into everything and anything porous and disinfects the mold.While Apfelbaum says its possible for a homeowner to go through the steps of applying a vacuum with a HEPA filter on affected fabrics, spraying them with a broad-spectrum disinfectant, and then fogging their home themselves, he doesnt think thats best. He explains that the upfront cost of a commercial-grade fogger for a (hopefully) one-time job does not appeal to most people, and that homeowners may unintentionally skip over important areasfor example, forgetting to treat the underside of rugs and couches.Apfelbaum adds that a lot of the big box store mold disinfectants are water-based. To me, thats a non-starter, because such disinfectants kill the visible mold but dont treat the underlying problem. He recommends using peroxides (like hydrogen peroxide), vinegars (like white vinegar), and other non-water-based, broad-spectrum disinfectants.Nonetheless, Apfelbaum notes there are times where it simply doesnt make sense to try to remove mold from fabric. If air tests come back positive for toxic species of mold, Apfelbaum says he encourages clients to throw away any affected fabrics.How can I be proactive about preventing mold?Mold spores can thrive in moist areas, so the key is to minimizewetness or humidity and increaseair flow. Ensure pipes and anything else constantly conveying water is in good working orderthat means no drips or leaks! Dont let anything soggy build up, whether thats a pile of damp clothes, a stack of spilled-on papers, or a heap of wet towels. Apfelbaum notes that moisture can also come up from the foundation of your home and accumulate under carpets.
