What are molds?
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one
knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of
thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more.
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Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores.
Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry
conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.
Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.
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How can people decrease mold exposure?
- Keep the humidity level in the house between 40% and 60%
- Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months
- Be sure the home has adequate ventilation for showers and cooking areas, including exhaust fans
- Add mold inhibitors to paints before application
- Clean bathrooms with mold killing products
- Do not carpet bathrooms and basements
- Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery
If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and fix the water problem.
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Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a
bleach solution of 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.
If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:
Never mix bleach with ammonia. Mixing bleach and ammonia can produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
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Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation
in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types.
You can get it free by calling the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318, or by going to the EPA web site at
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Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using bleach
or any other cleaning product.
