The best means to prevent or control the spread of mold growth is to deny the spores the moisture necessary for germination.  Therefore, regulating the environment, especially relative humidity is essential for preventing the deterioration of valuable property from microorganism growth.  Relative humidity levels should be routinely monitored.  Spore germination is less likely to occur if relative humidity is controlled between 35-45 percent.  When relative humidity levels rise above 65 percent, the use of portable dehumidifiers might be necessary to reduce the moisture content of the air.  A temperature between 68-72oF (spring/summer) and 70-740F (fall/winter) should be targeted.  These levels only decrease the potential of germination and growth; they do not eliminate it.  Therefore, other factors, such as adequate air circulation should be maintained; a fan will help to increase circulation.

The following guidelines for fungal invasion prevention:

1.       Place books/book shelves, and furniture at least 1-2 inches from the wall for airflow.

2.       Store books, materials, important documents, and collectibles in a room where there are no extreme temperature/humidity changes, and not in extreme light/darkness.

3.       Keep indoor plants to a minimum as they draw fungus, bacteria, and other microbes.

4.       Regularly inspect for mold infestation wherever water/moisture has been historical. 

5.       Open closet doors for air circulation.  Use a 40-watt light bulb to dry/heat closet air.

6.       Whenever possible do not use humidifiers and open a window for 20-30 minutes daily (on sunny days, but never on rainy days).

7.       Change air filters at least once every 30 days.

8.       In vacuum cleaners, High Efficiency Particulate Absolute (HEPA) filters are the best at taking fungus, mildew, and dust out of the air, and vacuum at least once weekly.

9.       Wash sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers frequently in hot soapy water. If someone is allergic to dust mites, buy special vinyl covers for the pillow/mattress.

10.   Remove stuffed animals/dust-collecting objects from moisture areas, e.g. windows.

11.   Some new products may help reduce dust mite populations.  Ask your medical doctor about control solutions for upholstered furniture and bedding.

12.   It is important to keep any area that maintains collectibles and other such valuable objects clean and free of dust, dirt, and other organic debris that can nourish spores.

13.   Wash cooking oil buildup off kitchen walls at least four times per year.

14.   Clean condensation moisture/dust particles from windowsills after storms/weekly.

General Indoor Cleaning Instructions:

Keep surfaces and household textiles clean.  Mold grows on materials contaminated with soil and grease.  A grease-cutting solution of detergent and water should be used to wash hard surfaces, e.g., walls and floors to remove contaminants that can support mold growth.  Tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) found in hardware stores is an effective cleaner for removing grease.  After cleaning, rinse with clear water to remove any cleaner residue. Dry quickly and thoroughly using fans.   CAUTION should be observed when using strong cleaners such as TSP.  Wear rubber gloves and avoid breathing/getting the powder in the eyes.

Store clothes for washing in a hamper with a black plastic liner.  Allow moist soiled clothes to dry first before placing them into a hamper. This discourages the growth of mildew.

During rainy or moist seasons, visually inspect periodically for any beginning evidence of fungi contamination, especially in closet areas.  If found, remove all clothing before cleaning the contaminated area.  A vinegar and hot water solution should be strong enough to safely remove minor fungi contamination (an area of approximately 2 feet by 2 feet) from walls.  A cleaning product, e.g., ZEP with an antibacterial disinfectant and fungicide for cleaning windowsills, bathroom tiles and toilet basins, other reachable areas is recommended.  CAUTION:  Always read the WARNING of cleaning products before use and never mix solutions.  This can produce very toxic mixtures with health hazards. Please take care to not get this material on carpet as it will discolor the carpet. 

Clothing observing any odor of contamination should be either washed in hot detergent water, then, rinsed thoroughly in hot clean water only, before being machine dried.  Any clothing that cannot be washed should be dry-cleaned (under special cleaning instructions which dry-cleaning management should be aware of).  Closets should not be overfilled, as this will reduce air circulation in the closet.

 Protect Bathroom areas.  Keep bathrooms as clean and dry as possible.  Wipe down shower walls with a towel, sponge, or squeegee after showering.  If available, use a vented exhaust fan to pull moist air out of the bath during and after bathing or showering.  Be sure that the fan is vented to the outside, not into the attic or crawlspace areas.

  Protecting carpets. The longer the carpet remains wet, the greater the chances of permanent damage, including shrinkage, color change, and soil staining.  Once the textile starts drying, the longer it remains damp, the more likely mildew will develop.  It is important to rapidly clean and dry the carpet.