How to Kill Mold Spores in the Air and Prevent Mold Growth

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Reduce moisture in your house to get rid of mold spores
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For many homeowners, mold is an absolute nightmare. Not only is it difficult to spot early and tough to eradicate, but spores in the air can also wreak havoc on people’s allergies and bring about a wide range of unpleasant symptoms. Luckily, there are several easy ways to reduce, remove, and prevent mold spores in the air. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to reduce mold spores in the air, prevent mold growth, and recognize signs that you might have mold. Plus, learn if mold is dangerous and other answers to common mold questions.

Ways to Kill Mold Spores in the Air

Use mold remover to kill visible mold and prevent the production of more spores. Place air purifiers throughout your home to eliminate existing spores, and install HEPA filters on windows and AC units. Prevent mold by reducing moisture in your home, including fixing leaks, cleaning up wet areas, and using exhaust fans.

Section 1 of 5:

How to Get Rid of Mold Spores in the Air

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  1. Mold spores in the air are often directly caused by mold growing inside your home. By eliminating spots of visible mold, you will significantly reduce the amount of invisible mold spores in the air. [1]
    • To identify visible mold , look for fuzzy stains that are black, green, or white in color, in enclosed spaces and rooms with a lot of moisture, such as the basement.
    • Use sprayable mold remover to kill mold on hard surfaces, such as glass or tile. For mold on surfaces that are more difficult to clean, such as drywall, consider seeking professional help.
    • Chemicals like bleach and hydrogen peroxide can also eliminate mold spores. Bleach can be harmful to health, though, so use it with caution. Always wear protective gloves and a mask and work in a properly ventilated area.
  2. The only way to directly kill mold spores in the air is to use an air purifier. For best results, place purifiers in each room of your house to ensure maximum efficiency in killing the spores. [2]
    • Purchase a quality air purifier at any home improvement store and at most mass retailers. Closely follow the instructions on the air purifier for effective results.
    • Be sure to use air purifiers with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters, as these capture more than 99% of particles in the air.
    EXPERT TIP

    Amy Mikhaiel

    House Cleaning Professional
    Amy Mikhaiel is a cleaning guru and the CEO of Amy's Angels Cleaning Inc., a residential and commercial cleaning company in Los Angeles, California. Amy's Angels was voted Best Cleaning Service by Angie’s Lists in 2018 and was the most requested cleaning company by Yelp in 2019. Amy's mission is to help women achieve their financial goals by establishing empowerment through cleaning.
    Amy Mikhaiel
    House Cleaning Professional

    Start by cleaning visible mold and then use an air purifier. You can use Bar Keeper's Friend on any visible mold you find. Once you've removed the mold, set up an air purifier. Mold is very dangerous, so you should always take care of visible mold and the source of the mold.

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  3. If mold spores in the air aren’t being caused by mold growth in the house, they are likely coming in from outside. Place HEPA filters on your air conditioners and windows to prevent outside spores from getting into your house. [3]
    • Be sure to also keep the air conditioner’s drip pans and drain lines clean and dry so that mold does not grow in them.
    • Pay special attention to your windows if you live in a humid area. Poorly insulated windows can pick up a great deal of condensation, which makes them very hospitable for mold, while open windows allow easy indoor access for mold spores from outside.
  4. Natural remedies are environmentally-friendly ways to eliminate mold spores without resorting to harsh chemicals. Vinegar’s acidic properties break down mold spores and prevent growth, tea tree oil is a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent, and baking soda helps eliminate moisture in the air. Here’s how you can use each to get rid of spores: [4]
    • Vinegar: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spray areas with mold growth. Let it sit for an hour, then wipe away with a cloth.
    • Tea tree oil: Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with a cup of water in a spray bottle, then spray areas with mold growth. Let it sit for a few hours before wiping away with a cloth.
    • Baking soda: Mix 1/4 tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Apply it to areas with mold growth and let sit for a few hours before wiping away with a cloth.
  5. If you’ve experienced extensive or recurring mold spore infestations and nothing seems to work, consider professional mold remediation. Mold experts have professional equipment and techniques that allow them to detect hidden mold and ensure all spores are eliminated. [5]
    • Experts may use air scrubbers and dehumidifiers to remove spores and specialized cleaning agents to disinfect areas to prevent future mold growth.
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Section 2 of 5:

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home

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  1. As mold thrives in humid environments, eliminating excess moisture in your house goes a long way towards preventing mold and reducing spores in the air. [6] Place dehumidifiers in problem areas or rooms with visible mold to reduce or prevent mold growth.
    • If you’re unsure which rooms the mold is coming from, use a whole house dehumidifier linked to your central air system.
    • Set dehumidifiers to 50% humidity or lower; anything higher will encourage mold growth.
  2. In addition to treating large spills, leaks, and floods, take steps to get rid of excess moisture following everyday activities like bathing or dishwashing, as even small amounts of water can enable mold growth. For example, wipe down bathroom floors and walls after taking a shower, and don’t leave wet clothes in the washing machine after they’ve been cleaned. [7]
    • Make sure any spills or leaks you come across are dried within 24 to 48 hours. Mold can grow quickly in spaces with even slight amounts of excess moisture.
    • Keep your eye out for condensation on windows; dry them immediately and determine the cause of the condensation to prevent mold growth.
  3. If your air ducts are the wrong size or have buildup from lack of regular cleaning, it can lead to trapped moisture and blockage, which in turn can cause mold. To avoid this, get your ducts inspected and schedule regular cleaning. In general, it’s recommended that air ducts be cleaned every 3 to 5 years. [8]
  4. Damper areas of your house are more likely to see mold growth than others. Monitor these areas for signs of excess water, such as leaks and flooding, and take rapid steps to address these issues to prevent mold growth. [9]
    • In the kitchen, mold is particularly likely to grow in refrigerator drip pans, door seals, and garbage pans. [10]
    • Watch out for mold growth on bedding, clothes, and old papers, as these are common places to find mold.
    • Regularly check under sinks for leaky pipes, as these will create wet environments amenable to mold growth.
    • Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to vent moisture in these problem areas, making sure to place the fans so that they vent outside of the home. Clean exhaust fans once every 3 months, and make sure appliances that produce moisture, like dryers and stoves, do not vent into your attic. [11]
  5. Basements are often one of the dampest rooms in the house and as such are a consistent problem area when it comes to mold. Keep carpeting out of the basement to prevent moisture build-up and mold growth in the flooring. Instead, consider using linoleum or concrete flooring, as these materials don’t hold as much moisture as carpet does. [12]
  6. Organic materials like dead branches and leaves are particularly favorable for mold growth. Clean and inspect your gutters regularly, especially after big storms, to ensure the water can flow freely through them. This will prevent the organic materials from accumulating and spreading mold into your house. [13]
  7. If you’re entering your home after walking in the rain or through wet grass, don’t place wet shoes or clothes in the closet. Leave them outside until they’re dry, then make sure they are clean and mold-free before bringing them into the house. For best results, hang them to dry in areas with good air circulation. [14]
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Section 3 of 5:

Signs You Have Mold Spores

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  1. Some people may experience allergy-like symptoms when there are excessive amounts of mold spores in the air, while others may develop more serious health issues. Here are some common signs there is mold in your air: [15]
    • A lingering musty scent and stuffy environment
    • Sneezing
    • Watery eyes
    • Headaches
    • Coughing
    • Throat and skin irritation
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Mood changes
Section 4 of 5:

Are mold spores dangerous?

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  1. Mold spores are not always harmful, but they can affect some people more than others. Breathing in mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory symptoms, especially for those who have a pre-existing respiratory condition, like asthma, allergies, or emphysema. In severe cases, mold spores can trigger asthma attacks, worsen respiratory conditions, or even cause lung infections. [16]
    • Those with weakened immune systems, like children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, are more susceptible to these health issues.
    • People who have HIV/AIDS, are chemotherapy patients, or organ transplant patients are also likely to be more sensitive to mold.
    • If you do not have one of these conditions, you likely won’t have a strong reaction to mold, but it is still possible. For everyone’s safety, it is best to remove all sources of mold and mold spores as soon as possible.
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Section 5 of 5:

Mold Spore FAQs

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  1. Mold spores are the reproductive cells of mold, invisible to the naked eye. They float through the air, dormant, until they find a moist area to establish a new mold colony. Mold spores are a natural part of the environment, and small amounts are generally harmless to people who don’t have any underlying health conditions. [17]
  2. Mold spores come from mold, which thrives in damp environments. If you have excessive mold spores in your home, there’s likely a moisture issue of some sort. This could be something like plumbing or roof leaks, poor air circulation, high indoor humidity, or a malfunctioning HVAC system. [18]
  3. Mold spores can stay in the air indefinitely, especially when mold is present. Even if mold isn’t present, the spores can enter through ventilation or on pets. For this reason, regularly inspect for mold and maintain proper air circulation. [19]
  4. In general, it isn’t possible to remove all mold spores from the air, as they’re a natural part of the environment. However, if you’re experiencing negative side effects from the spores, use the tips in this article to remove excessive amounts and return to a healthy level of spores. [20]
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Common Questions: Reducing Mold Spores in the Air

How do you remove mold from the air without chemicals?

An air purifier is an effective chemical-free way to remove mold spores—including dangerous black mold—from the air. However, it will not remove mold that is already growing on surfaces. [21]

Do any essential oils kill mold in the air?

In controlled experiments, essential oils like clove, eucalyptus, and lavender oil showed some signs of being able to reduce fungal growth in the air. [22] However, running an air purifier is likely to be a more reliable method of treating mold growth.

Are there any plants that absorb mold spores?

Some people believe that plants like peace lilies, spider plants, and bamboo palms may be effective at absorbing and removing mold spores from the air. [23] But this hasn't been backed up by scientific testing—and if houseplants are kept too damp, they can actually contribute to a mold problem. [24]

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Tips

  • For the best results, use all of these methods at once to keep your home as mold-free as possible.
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  • It is much easier to prevent mold from growing in your house than to remove spores that are already in the air. Make sure to keep your home dry and mold-resistant.
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  • Opening a window when cooking or showering will also help to vent excess moisture to prevent mold growth.
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Warnings

  • Breathing in mold can be hazardous to your health. Wear respiratory protection, such as a mask that covers your nose and mouth, when handling and cleaning moldy materials.
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References

  1. ↑ https://yates.cce.cornell.edu/resources/mold-control-and-clean-up-basics
  2. ↑ https://ehs.umass.edu/air-purifiers-fact-sheet
  3. ↑ https://www.aafa.org/page/mold-allergy.aspx
  4. ↑ https://ehsc.oregonstate.edu/resources/mold-and-mildew
  5. ↑ https://ehsc.oregonstate.edu/resources/mold-and-mildew
  6. ↑ https://yates.cce.cornell.edu/resources/mold-control-and-clean-up-basics
  7. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
  8. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-i-have-air-ducts-my-home-cleaned
  9. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/moisture-and-mold-indoors/dealing-and-preventing-mold-your-home
  1. ↑ https://www.aafa.org/page/mold-allergy.aspx
  2. ↑ https://ehsc.oregonstate.edu/resources/mold-and-mildew
  3. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/moisture-and-mold-indoors/dealing-and-preventing-mold-your-home
  4. ↑ https://ehsc.oregonstate.edu/resources/mold-and-mildew
  5. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/moisture-and-mold-indoors/dealing-and-preventing-mold-your-home
  6. ↑ https://ehsc.oregonstate.edu/resources/mold-and-mildew
  7. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
  8. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
  9. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/moisture-and-mold-indoors/dealing-and-preventing-mold-your-home
  10. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
  11. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
  12. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24862-black-mold
  13. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6060867/
  14. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/houseplants-that-prevent-mold
  15. ↑ https://www.lung.org/blog/houseplants-dont-clean-air

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