I'm allergic to molds, what can I do?

1. Avoid excessive humidity in the home:

• Do not use humidifiers in the bedroom (encourages mold growth)
• No indoor plants except for succulents or cactus plants which do not require a lot of water.
• Avoid cut flowers in the home (move plants outside after one day)
• Avoid squeezy toys for the kids in the bathtub, which are difficult to drain of all moisture, therefore creating a perfect area for mold to grow, then be sprayed out into the air when the toy is squeezed.
• Avoid leaving wet towels or clothing in the hamper or on the floor, as this encourages mold growth.

2. Remove mold by killing it with bleach (Ajax or other sodium hypochlorite product would be fine). Scrub it on, leave for 20 minutes, then scrub off.

3. Particularly stubborn mold regrowth walls should be painted with a mold resistant additive, and any leaks repaired.

4. Keep a 40-watt light bulb on at all times, shining on areas of recurrent mold growth (closets, behind dresser, etc.), and/or a dehumidifier which also needs to be cleaned frequently to avoid this becoming another source of mold.

5. Avoid storing leather items in closets that tend to be moldy (especially in the bedroom):

• boots
• jackets
• briefcases
• leather skates

6. Avoid having many bottles and containers in the shower stall, as each will tend to support mold growth underneath, especially if not frequently used.

7. Check the refrigerator and pantry weekly for old food or mold growth on foods. Also, mold on bread may contribute to symptoms by inhalation of the spores. Be sure to also check the water and ice dispenser for mold growth.

8. Cut flowers become moldy within a day or two (on the stems); frequently change water, and expect to throw them out after a week or less.