What should I do to treat mold?

If you discover mold and mildew in your house, first find the source of moisture and stop it. Mold and Moisture control go hand in hand. It's pointless to clean mold if it's only going to return! Moldy books, pillows, stuffed animals, etc should be thrown out. Textiles should be washed in very hot water. Rugs can be dry-cleaned. Depending on how invasive the mold has become, you may need to throw out carpet and furniture (or strip it back to the wooden frame and then re-stuff and upholster).

For surfaces and items that can be cleaned, remember to wear gloves and a face mask since mold spores can be inhaled. Use a stiff bristle brush or toothbrush, a non-ammonia detergent (such as borax, hydrogen peroxide, or tea tree oil), and hot water. Or try spraying with vinegar (which has been shown to kill 90% of molds). Regardless of their toxicity levels, cleaning products should always be kept out of reach of children. For larger areas or mold that just won’t go away, professional help may be required. Contact your local Department of Health for information on contractors trained in mold remediation. The EPA Website’s Mold Guide is also full of useful information.