Mold: How to treat your home before it is taken over!

Got mold growing on your walls, windowsills, bathroom, or that random dark corner in the closet? Not sure what to do about it? Well, we may have a solution that can help get rid of those tenacious fuzzy spots before it eats you out of house and home! 
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Mold is not only ugly, but it can have serious negative effects on the integrity of your home and, more importantly, your health! Some of the many symptoms of co-habitation with the toxic fuzz are:

• Confusion
• Brain fog
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulty breathing - breathlessness or shortness of breath
• Runny nose
• Itchy nose
• Headaches
• Cold or flu type symptoms or recurring colds

• Irregular heartbeat
• Eye inflammation and soreness
• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Crawling skin
• Immunosuppression - immune system not functioning properly
• Chronic fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Weakness
• Aches and pains

If you think you have some of these symptoms and do have mold, please do not panic! Start with this simple step-by-step procedure to help you on the way to a more clean and healthy environment:

1. Find out how much mold is in the home and how widespread it may be. If it is growing thick enough or spread throughout the entire building, you may need consider removing those parts of your home or contact a mold removal specialist to come in and help.
2. After finding all the compromised areas, do what you can to consistently reduce any wetness or dampness so the affected area can dry out (mold LOVES dark, damp areas).
3. While waiting for the areas to become consistently dry, figure out which cleaning method you are most comfortable with: chemical based solutions or natural solutions. 
4. ​Apply your cleaning method, follow all listed instructions, and wear appropriate protective gear. 

Since I have less than favorable reactions to bleach and borax (as many do), I cannot personally vouch for the chemical based solutions. However, I have used a more natural step-by-step solution of essential oil blend, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide to help scrub off mold and to prevent it from spreading. Here is how I did it:​

1. Vinegar + Tea Tree Oil: I start by combining distilled vinegar, a naturally antimicrobial substance, and tea tree oil (I used a mix of Oregano, Cinnamon, and Clove because my client didn't like the smell of Tea Tree Oil) in a glass spray bottle. Give it a little shake and spray the mixture directly on the moldy area. Let it sit (don’t touch the mold or try to scrub it away) for 30 minutes. The vinegar will kill the mold with its acid, while tea tree oil is naturally anti-fungal and one of the best natural mold killers (so are Oregano, Cinnamon, Clove, and Thyme).
2. Baking Soda: Then I take some baking soda and add it to slightly warm water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well until the baking soda has dissolved (or it will clog the sprayer). And then spray this mixture on top of the moldy area. Let it dry on the mold–so don’t touch it for at least half an hour. In addition to killing mold, baking soda will absorb moisture to help keep mold away.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide: Finally, take some hydrogen peroxide, an anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial solution, and pour it into a glass. Dip a clean toothbrush into the peroxide and scrub the moldy area with the toothbrush, rinsing and dipping the toothbrush as you go. (Wear appropriate eye protection to avoid peroxide burns in your eyes!)

I found that this method was great for the space it was used in. It not only killed the mold in the area, but effectively reduced the discolored spots, smelled wonderful, and didn't hurt my lungs! 


If you are interested in buying essential oils to create your own DIY mold remover, feel free to browse DoTerra's collection from my personal link: my.doterra.com/lynnburnett 

OR

Find essential oils at other reputable companies like:
Young Living, Plant Therapy, Aura Cacia, Edens Garden, NOW Foods, or Mountain Rose Herbs. Many people often use Amazon.com, however, please do your research as quality essential oils are usually worth their higher cost!