To prevent mold in walls, indoor relative humidity should be kept below 55%, ideally sitting between 30% and 50%. When relative humidity exceeds 60% for extended periods, mold spores can easily germinate and colonize drywall and wood.
Sometimes, humidity or dampness (water vapor) in the air can supply enough moisture for mold growth. Indoor relative humidity (RH) should be kept below 60 percent -- ideally between 30 percent and 50 percent, if possible.
These particles often contain allergens, irritants, and sometimes mycotoxins — toxic compounds produced by certain mold species. Breathing mold-contaminated air daily can overwhelm the immune system, disrupt hormones, and contribute to chronic illness — including autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's.
In A Nutshell: Misconceptions About Mold
Your home can be 100% mold-free: No, there are always mold spores in the air. Anyone can effectively remove mold: No, you need professional services for that.
Recognizing the warning signs of mold toxicity is crucial for early intervention and prevention of potential long-term health problems.
If you have a stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, shortness of breath, wheezing or other bothersome symptoms that persist, see a healthcare professional.
Bleach or dish detergent can be used to clean mold in your home. What you need to do to clean up mold will depend on how much water damage your home suffered and where the mold is growing. Open windows or doors to let in fresh air when using any cleaning products. Use no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.
To effectively kill mould at its roots, invest in a specialised mould remover. Our GLASSGUARD™ Miracle Mould Removal Gel is a fantastic choice as it penetrates surfaces deeply to kill mould at the root and restore stained surfaces with no scrubbing required (and no harsh chemicals in sight).
Summer: Peak Mold Growth Season
Summer is by far the worst time of year for mold growth. Warm air holds more moisture, and when combined with poor ventilation, it creates an ideal environment for mold colonies to thrive indoors.
While air filtration can help reduce airborne mold spores, an air purifier alone will not eliminate indoor mold growing on or beneath surfaces, such as walls and floors. Dr. Fineman emphasizes that effective indoor mold control requires managing moisture and humidity to prevent conditions that promote mold growth.
Inflammation: Mold spores act as irritants, which can trigger the body to mount an immune response. This can lead to inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation in the brain can impair cognitive function, and in the case of chronic inflammation, this can lead to long-lasting cognitive impairment.
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid can include:
Mould produces mycotoxins, which can disrupt immune function and trigger inflammatory responses. Chronic exposure to these toxins can overwhelm the immune system, leading to an autoimmune reaction.
Research has shown that English Ivy can eliminate up to 78% of airborne mold within 12 hours. This makes it particularly useful in humid areas like bathrooms and basements where mold growth is more common.
It should be noted that freezing does not kill mold. It suspends mold growth for as long as the material is frozen. Therefore, mold-affected papers would still need to be treated after freezing and vacuum freeze drying are completed.
That's why experts recommend you keep humidity levels in your home at 55% or lower. Mold needs 55% or higher humidity in order to grow. Also, remember that reducing humidity below 30% isn't a good idea, either.
Specifically, air purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters work great at removing mold spores. HEPA filters are considered to be rated MERV 17 or above, which means that the filters can trap more than 99.7% of air particles as small as 0.3-1.0 microns in size.
If you want to stop mold from growing, a dehumidifier is essential. By keeping humidity levels below 50%, it eliminates the conditions mold needs to thrive. If you want to reduce airborne mold spores, an air purifier is beneficial. It helps maintain cleaner indoor air and prevents the spread of spores.
Mold Particles
In a standard-sized room, a powerful air purifier can significantly reduce mold levels within 24 to 48 hours. This time frame depends on the air purifier's clean air delivery rate (CADR), the airflow rate, the size of the room, and the air purifier.
Additionally, spraying a solution of equal parts vinegar and water or a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution into the air can help to kill airborne mold spores.
Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include: Nasal and sinus congestion. Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes. Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
But one thing it can't do is kill mold. It can help prevent mold, but once it exists, your air conditioner can't kill it. If you find mold exists somewhere in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, particularly in your air conditioner or ductwork, call Sutton Brothers for assistance.
Spraying bleach on mold doesn't kill the mold; it simply discolors it and leaves spores behind. Not to mention, removing mold with a solution of bleach and water can allow mold to regrow even faster.
The acidity of vinegar isn't enough to destroy the mold root system or deactivate airborne spores. Pro tip: Even if the surface looks cleaner, mold can still grow underneath, and come back fast without proper remediation.
Painting over mould does not kill it. You'll need to apply specialist mould removers to address the problem, eliminating any spores that could cause regrowth. Then, once the area is mould-free, clean and dry, you can redecorate.