Mold and Spring Cleaning

In the air,
You can smell it coming,
On the trees,
Leaves are green,
Caterpillars sunning.
Spring is here!

Spring is here and that means spring cleaning. So grab your feather duster and quit your moaning – it’s time to get to work!

But a thorough, heavy duty cleaning of every nook and cranny of your house can double as a mold inspection. Many spring cleaners are often surprised to find mold dwelling in places they don’t usually check throughout the year.

You might find mold in growing in dark, damp, poorly-ventilated areas like bathrooms, closets, basements, laundry rooms, and crawlspaces. Mold could be found under sinks, around tubs and showers, and on windowsills. Mold is pretty easy to identify; check for any wet, spongy, discoloration – usually white, green, or black.

If you do find mold, please, please, please do not use chlorine bleach to kill it unless it is on bathroom tile. Even with everything we know about mold and bleach, there are many current websites out there that still recommend a bleach/water mixture to kill mold. Did you know when the water (that’s mixed with bleach) seeps into porous material like wood, it actually causes the mold to regrow within a week? It’s completely counterproductive.

Instead of using bleach or any kind of chemical, use an all-natural mold remediation product, such as an enzyme-based cleaner.

You should probably wear a filter mask or respirator while cleaning. This will protect you from inhaling dust, mold, and other airborne particles, as well as cleaning chemicals. You may not feel bothered by it, but long term exposure to mold and chemicals can cause Multiple Chemical Sensitivity – a permanent condition where exposure to ordinary chemicals causes a hypersensitive reaction.

And while you’re spring cleaning, you should use this time to check your plumbing and air vents. Leaks are usually the culprit behind most home mold problems, so look for signs of previous leaks or current wetness. Make sure your air vents are cleaned so fresh air is ventilated into your house.

With some determination and a little elbow grease, you can endure spring cleaning. Until next year!

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