Whether it’s in the nooks and crannies of your home, leaky window sills, walls, carpet, or air duct vents, bacterial mold can spread to any natural surface if you allow it.
Mold growth in your home isn’t just inconvenient or bad for indoor air quality; it can be dangerous to your health. You’ll need to know a few tips for keeping your home mold free.
Superior Air Duct in New Brighton, PA., explains.
Watch for recurring symptoms and allergic reactions
If you’ve been exposed to mold for a while, you might have some stand-out symptoms, like sneezing, nausea, headaches, or allergic reactions.
Here are some signs you have mold spores growing in your duct system!
- Musty and moldy odor in the whole house or individual rooms
- Odors strengthen when AC runs
- Black mold spots are visible around the vents, in the ducts, or on the AC drip pans.
Not all mold is black, however. Some may have a white cotton color or a murky green hue. Here are some of the most common mold types found in air ducts.
Once mold spores are stuck in the ductwork, your HVAC unit will circulate warm or cold air, blowing mold spores in the air all over your home.
That alone should be reason enough to make sure you get professional, high-quality duct cleaning services from a NADCA-certified company.
Mold can grow in any place that has enough darkness and moisture. It’s important to keep a watchful eye on certain appliances for unexpected mold growth. That way, you can stop it before it spreads. Read more about the 5 household appliances that cause mold growth HERE!
Tips for Naturally Getting Rid of Mold Spores
You can’t get rid of 100% of mold spores.
However, you can prevent further growth:
- Use a dehumidifier and an air conditioner in humid areas
- Keep indoor humidity below 60%
- Use a standing fan or ceiling fan to air out stuffy, humid rooms
- Regularly inspect your HVAC and duct system to ensure no leaks or damages are present (this can lead to moisture buildup and, of course, mold)
How to Clean Out Mold From Your Air Duct Vents
DISCLAIMER: If you have extreme quantities of mold growth, call a professional duct cleaning contractor. It’s safer for them to take on the challenge of removing and deodorizing the air ducts.
1. Use a mold inhibitor and a mold removal cleaning agent
According to cleaning experts, there are many non-toxic, all-natural at-home cleaning methods for mold (using vinegar, lemons, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or essential oils).
One tablespoon of detergent, ½ cup of baking soda, and 1 cup of water. For steel and metal surfaces, like air duct vent grills and ductwork, use 1 part bleach to 16 parts water.
Pour the mixture carefully into a spray bottle for easy cleaning.
2. Wear PPE (personal protective equipment)
Mold can be deadly. Wear protection. Experts recommend you wear an N95 mask, rubber gloves, coveralls, and protective eye gear.
3. Turn OFF your AC and furnace
You do NOT want mold spores flying around while you’re cleaning. You’ll have safe access to all parts of your HVAC system (drip pan & evaporator coil) and duct system.
4. Choose a removal method that works for you
– Rent or buy a fogger machine from a hardware store. This method involves a fine mist of mold-killing solution that applies across surfaces.
– Scrubber and vacuum. Soak the mold-ridden parts of your ducts with the sponge for five minutes.
Use a bristle brush or scrub rag to remove the mold. Soak up any excess liquid with paper towels. You can also vacuum it up as needed. Remove the mold and air filters by putting them into a thick, black trash bag and sealing it tightly.
5. Apply a mold inhibitor per package instructions
Once cleaned, follow the instructions on your old inhibitor pack and apply it to all of your HVAC components to mitigate the chances of new spores popping up.
6. Place new air filters
You’ll need a fresh set of air filters. Make sure the old, contaminated ones are properly disposed of.
7. Stay vigilant for new mold growth
If mold starts coming back, you’ll have to repeat the process (again). If it continuously reemerges, you haven’t addressed the root cause of mold growth. That’s where a professional duct cleaning company can help.
Get Whole Home Cleaning Services From Superior Air Duct
We offer whole-home surface sanitization and comprehensive air duct cleaning services that protect you and your family from harmful contaminants that might be lingering in the air (eg: mold). Contact us today for a free quote: 1-800-803-3828.
