Mold in Bedroom

[Anguschick1]

Ok, we've been using our humidifier for the last two nights and the mold problem that I thought we beat last winter is back in full force. And actually, I don't think that we beat it, but I must have blocked it out. So now ds is here and I don't want him breathing that in every night.

What non-bleach way can I clean with? The mold is on the old window wood parts and I'm afraid to strip the paint as it's cold now (hence can't open them for ventilation) and there is probably lead paint on them (but it's not peeling, so isn't a danger that way.)

Help!

[Missgrl]

Moving this to the Natural Home forum for you! You'll get more advice in that forum!

[Sustainer]

Try straight vinegar or diluted Tea Tree oil.

[mamaroni]

It's a long story, but I just attended a seminar this week, and part of the discussion was about mold in the home.

Is the mold area less than 10 square feet? If not, you really should consider having it professioinally remediated. You have no way of knowing how far/deep the mold goes if you can't see it. Can you go look in your attic? If it's a larger area than you can actually see, your heating system may be contaminated as well.

If you self-remediate, make sure you wear some protective gear (some sort of mask, rubber gloves, eye goggles). Be careful scrubbing too hard/too much. Airborne mold is more of a threat than surface mold. Turn your heater/AC off, cover all vents in the room. close the door to the room. Direct airflow outside if possible (open a windown, use a fan pointed toward the window). Dampen the area (so the mold is less likely to become airborne). Try a mild detergent mixed with some water. Scrub slowly and deliberately.

Is your humidifier digital? If so, set the humidity level to 40% or less.

If you do seek professional help, there are 4 general ways they will remediate (assuming the mold was caused by clean water and not sewer water). Wet Vacuum, Damp Wipe, HEPA Vacuum or Removal and Containment of Damaged Materials.

You can find most of this info on teh EPA's website. They will recommend bleach as a last step. I know it sounds extreme, but it's nasty stuff! And if you or someone in your family is sensitive or allergic to it, you can get really sick.

HTH

[rainbowmoon]

we are going through the exact same thing! (well might be) our home inspector says there's a chance we possibly might have mold in our bedroom wall. we defintly plan to get a mold specialist to check it out..

I am totally freaked out about this myself as a friend of mine found out she had mold in her house (this was after she lost a baby to SIDS mind you) the mold specialist said that it quite possibly could have been mold poisoning and not SIDS but that usually they will rule infant deaths as SIDS. I don't know how true this all is, but it sure scared me!

[madrone]

Okay, I'm going to have to figure out something for my place. The construction is cement blocks, so I don't think it can be in the walls really. Or at least I hope not. Must find someone to ask about the mold and our construction methods.