I think I have myself a new apartment all set to move into in a week or so. Down here in Florida mold is a big problem.
So as a precaution I want to treat the place and be pro-active about keeping mildew out of the place.
What's the best gadgets or tips to get rid of mold and avoid it in homes? Thanks.
Live somewhere with out all the huge humidity...is probably the best way, Bill. There is always * "U-haul" ...but probably like myself...you wouldn't want to move out of your state!
Places like Florida and where I live, Houston...basically add up to "We are screwed"...when it comes to mold.
What I have found for times when the 'ol bronchitis rears its evil head for me...is:
1. Seal up everything in the house tight.
2. Buy a good dehumidifier.
3. Curse real loud at any mildew growth around windows.
4. Listerine antiseptic is a good mildew killer that won't hurt things around it when cleaning any type of mildew.
I believe it is said that mold and mildew are two different things when it comes to growth, allergies, health risks, etc. I don't remember the differences between 'em. There have been whole homes re-done in my nieghborhood due to mold growth. Now, our home owner insurance policies, in my area, do not cover mold growth. So people is just stuck with what they got! Good Luck!
(* reminds me of a Sam Kinison joke from back in the day where he had suggested U-haul as a solution to World Hunger...i.e. "Move out'ta the damn desert!" was his way to help with the problem...!):
I think it's caused by poor or absent wall insulation, coupled with a damp environment and poor air flow.
There is an paint you can buy you put on your walls that will delay the return of mold/mildew (I don't know the difference - the stuff that is black)but it doesn't stop it completely.
Another thing that will help is to insulate your walls with a thin layer of polystyrene sheeting which you can then wall-paper over.
An outside wall air vent will help too.
The name for the paint is: Kilz...if anyone wants to know. Used it several times, myself. Helps control/delay growth...like IzzyM said.
Thanks for all the tips.
I love Florida so I am content with living with the mildew, I just want to control it. I know using the A/C a lot helps as it dries out the air.
I looked real close at the walls and ceilings and don't see any spots suggesting water leaks. Since it's a rented apartment I can't do anything physical to the paint or walls.
Basically I just want to know what I can spray on the carpet, around windows and in the bathroom to keep mildew out.
Maybe there is something you can put in your A/C unit to help also? Finally maybe even buy a machine, like a dehumidifier as someone said.
I also wonder if there is a device that tells you how much mildew spores are in the room? Anyway thanks for all the tips so far.
I will know later tonight if I have the apartment.
Found this site if it's any help http://www.howtogetridofstuff.com/house … of-mildew/
Definitely get a dehumidifier and also keep the air circulating (A/C fan, even if on a high-ish temperature). I had a very good experience with something similar recently. [PS - If you have access to the climate control unit, be sure to get the right kind of air filter for it and/or change the filter as often as recommended.]
I'm interested in hearing more about Kilz and any other products that can help.
From what I've read, when we need to get mold out of something porous like wallboard, we're supposed to use a solution of Borax (rather than a chlorine bleach) to wash down the wall. That, theoretically, kills the mold's "roots," whereas chlorine just kills the top of it that is on the surface of the wallboard. But in my own experience, I haven't had as much success with that as I would like.
I use Thieves Oil on mildew from a bathroom that doesnt have a window.
It smells good also and just diffusing it in the bathroom has made a noticeable difference in how quick it comes back. It works better than bleach
Borax is part of the solution we mix up as a household cleaner
Bill, here is a very thorough site about mold from the Florida Solar Energy group at UCF, http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/bui … growth.htm
Use your air conditioning and invest in good pleated filters.
You can measure the humidity in your home with a RH sensor found at Home Depot or Radio Shack.
With the weather we're having now, some keep the air off until it's so hot or humid that we can't stand it, but we've already allowed a lot of moisture to build up, at least keep it on at night when it's most humid.
I hope you hear good news about your apt.
OOhhh, thanks much for the info rebekahELLE! I'm going to get one of those RH sensors. Thanks to everyone else also.
As for if I will get it, I'm not sure yet. They just emailed me saying I would need another full month's rent deposit due to my self-employed status.
But due to how I need to pay one more month on my current lease, that would be 3 months rent, pet fees and all the other little fees!!!
So I said no. Now, they said give them till tomorrow as they are working on it. So I guess I will know tomorrow.
Let the sun shine in and increase ventilation by running a fan or opening windows during the sunniest part of the day. Clean mold with vinegar.
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