The buyer of the settle plate kit is advised to keep the kit in a warm place for 48 hours and observe the kit for mold colonies. What the sellers of this test kit for mold in the air are not telling you is that since mold is everywhere, their kit will show mold colonies all the time. To a person without microbiology background these results can be very misleading and cause panic for nothing. Having mold colonies growing on exposed media does not mean there is a mold problem, it’s just telling you the obvious, that is, mold spores are found everywhere.

Recommended test kit for mold in the air

As microbiologists we recommended mold test kits used by mold inspection professionals. These kits have 2 components. An air sampling pump and a unit into which the air is forced through by the pump. There are 2 commonly used types of pumps for air sampling and it’s important to know the differences between them. One type will force the air into a dish (the same dish we discussed earlier) and the other type forces the air into a cartridge in which there is a sticky surface that traps the mold spores. When air is forced into a dish, the samples have to be incubated for 7-15 days for for mold colonies to grow. However when the air is forced into a cartridge the results can be obtained within a few hours from the time the samples reach the lab. Each of these 2 kits have advantages and disadvantages. For the kit that impacts air onto the dish, the detection of molds depends on the ability of the mold spores to grow on the media. There are 2 problems with this. One, if the media used (there are different types) is not suitable for the type of mold in the house or office, then you get false negatives. Two, if the mold is dead, it will not be detected with this kit yet we know even dead mold is a health hazard. The advantage with this method is that if the molds grow, the lab is able to identify them to species (i.e., identification to individual level) which sometimes is important especially if we’re interested in detecting toxin producing molds.

For the kit that impacts the air into a cartridge, the detection of mold does not depend on the ability of the mold to grow. Therefore, the lab is able to identify mold spores whether dead or alive. This mold testing kit is the best to use if you’re interested in determining accurately how much airborne spores people have been inhaling in your home. It is very easy to use and it is the one we recommend to the homeowners or property managers. The decision to buy a test kit for mold in the air should not be based on price but on the ease to use and the accuracy.
 

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How get rid of mold on windows by controlling moisture

The cause of mold growth around windowsills is condensation on windows. Condensation occurs on window glass because of the temperature difference between the inside and the outside. This happens when the outside temperature is cold and the inside temperature is warm. If you have mold growth on windowsills, you may have seen moisture running down the window and collecting on the windowsills. This moisture is sufficient to cause mold growth. Some molds require very little moisture to grow. Moisture condensation on windows, walls or pipes is an indication of high humidity. It is recommended that when you see moisture condensation on windows you dry it quickly within 24-48 hours so as to control mold growth.

According to EPA, the following steps can help reduce humidity in the house and hence reduce moisture condensation:

1. Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible.

2. Use air conditioners and/or dehumidifiers when needed.

3. Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, or running the dishwasher, etc.

How to get rid of mold on windows if it had already grown

If mold had already grown on windowsills it can be removed. You can clean mold areas that are less than 1 square meter. If the area covered by the mold is greater than 1 square meter, consider hiring a qualified mold removal contractor. To clean up small areas of mold growth, Health Canada recommends the following steps:
•Wear suitable protective clothing including a long sleeve shirt, appropriate and properly fitted dust mask, safety glasses or goggles and rubber gloves. These items are generally available in local stores.
•Clean the mold with water containing a bit of detergent and then rinse with clean water. If you are cleaning drywall, you can use baking soda instead of dish detergent.
. Do not allow the drywall to get too wet. After clean up the mold, dry the place completely otherwise the wet conditions will promote further mold growth.

To ensure mold does not grow again, fix the moisture problem. That is how to get rid of mold on windows and other areas in your home.

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Causes of mold growth

Mold will grow if moisture is available. Like any other living organism, mold also requires a source of nutrients to grow. While mold can grow over a wide range of temperatures, most of the molds that we encounter in indoor environment grow well at 20^o to 25^o.

How to check for mold in your house

Mold is likely to be found growing on damp organic materials. It is therefore common to find mold growing in damp finished basements, under kitchen sinks, in the washrooms, ceiling tiles and on the windowsills. Mold can also be found growing in the wall envelop. The following are some of the areas where to check for mold.

Perform a careful walkthrough of the suspect areas

• Check for visible mold growth. Mold may appear as solid patches or discrete colonies of many textures and colours.
• Check for signs of excessive moisture or water damage:
  Leaks, warping, standing water, staining, condensation, efflorescence, corrosion of metal, and dampness to the touch.
• Use the sense of smell to locate sources of odors.
  Mold odors are “earthy” or “musty”.
  Not all mold growth produces noticeable odors. Dormant or dead mold may not be odorous.
• Check for mold in your house in such areas as:
  • Behind, under, and within cabinets, shelving units, storage lockers, and other furniture or furnishings;
  • Under carpet and pad, especially when covering, or installed over, an on-grade or sub-grade slab;
  • Above ceiling tiles;
  • Behind wall coverings such as wallpaper and paneling;
  • Within duct work, chases, risers, tunnels, plenums;
  • Within wall cavities; and
  • Inside appliances and mechanical systems.

That’s how to check for mold in your house.

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