Talk Mold

When we think of allergies, most of us immediately associate that with animals. If someone is allergic to a dog or cat, he or she likely won’t be a pet owner. However, there is another culprit within the home that causes people with allergies to suffer on a daily basis if they are exposed to it.

Household mold is more common than most people think and it is the source of a great deal of discomfort for allergy sufferers. Household mold is found in even the cleanest of dwellings and how often the home is scrubbed may have little to do with it.

There are several places within the home where household mold can take residence. It is these areas that a person with allergies will want to be aware of:

* The basement or cellar: Many homes have rooms that were built below ground level. These rooms are prime areas in which household mold can grow. The reason is that they are generally damp and colder than other areas of the home. If you have a basement or cellar in your home inspect it on a regular basis for the growth of mold.

* The bathroom: It shouldn’t be surprising to learn that household mold finds a haven in the bathroom. The constant damp atmosphere is what mold needs to thrive. This is especially true in the bathtub and shower stall. If these areas are not routinely disinfected, mold can easily grow in them.

* The refrigerator: Most people don’t associate their refrigerator with mold. Although you may leave a container of leftovers for too long and mold will grow, that’s not the type of mold that causes allergies. Household mold can grow within the refrigerator if it’s not wiped down with a disinfectant occasionally.

* Air conditioners: Air conditioners need moisture to operate. In an effort to collect the excess moisture, most air conditioners come equipped with a drip tray. That drip tray is a perfect location for mold to develop. If your air conditioner is removed and re-installed each year, the drip tray should be cleaned when it is removed. If it a permanent model, a schedule should be in place for the drip tray to be cleaned.

Having allergies is an unpleasant experience for anyone, regardless of age. If you have allergies, you need to be proactive in ensuring that your home is free of all irritants. This includes household mold.

If you are sensitive to mold, you need to routinely clean all areas where mold can grow. This includes purchasing cleaning solutions that will kill any mold spores. It’s also wise for someone with allergies to wear a surgical mask when cleaning areas where there are mold spores. If the problem has progressed to the point where the mold is visible, it’s important that someone else do the cleaning. A person with allergies should never be exposed to a considerable amount of household mold because of the possible severe reactions that may occur.