How to Prevent Mold Growth, or to Get Rid of It

Molds like dark, damp areas such as under sinks, in closets, behind refrigerators and beneath laundry rooms.

The California Department of Health Services does not recommend professional testing as a first step to mold detection--it’s expensive, and no standards exist to determine what is an acceptable quantity of mold.

To avoid mold growth, or to clean it up:

* Keep kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms well ventilated.

* Place furniture away from walls.

* Place planter boxes away from outside walls and aim sprinklers away from the house.

* Check closets, basements, any airtight areas for signs of mold.

* Identify and immediately eliminate sources of moisture. Mold can grow 24 hours after a leak.

* Clean up small areas of mold with a mixture of three parts water to one part bleach (undiluted bleach is less effective). Allow the bleach to stand on a surface for 10 minutes, then scrub the area with a brush, rinse with water and allow it to air-dry.

* To clean larger areas such as floors, wet area first.

* Use a mask and gloves when removing mold.

* Call professionals for large jobs.

* Bag and dispose of all material that may have moldy residues, such as rags, paper, leaves and debris.

* For further information, visit www.cal-iaq.org/iaqsheet.htm.

Diane Wedner