What Cleaning Companies Need to Know About Mold

When someone mentions mold it brings to mind visions of green bread or cheese that has been left in the refrigerator too long - things you just throw into the trash without much thought. However, molds are an essential part of our environment. They break down trees, leaves and other types of organic matter; and mold is responsible for some of the foods and medicines that we have today. But inside buildings mold can be unsightly, smell, and cause health problems to the buildings occupants. Cleaning staff may be responsible to either remediate mold that already exists or to prevent mold from growing inside buildings. Knowing the basics about mold can help to put preventive measures into place.

Molds can grow almost anywhere as long as moisture (water), an organic food source and oxygen is present. There are roughly 1,000 species of mold spores in the United States and more than 100,000 species worldwide. Mold is generally not a problem unless the spores land on a damp spot and begin growing. There are varieties of mold that grow on wood, paper, carpet, insulation and even everyday dust and dirt.

There is no way to remove all the mold spores that are inside buildings. However, mold is usually not a problem unless the spores land on a damp spot and begin growing and multiplying. If left unchecked, mold can grow on furniture, carpet, building materials, and in extreme cases have even caused structural damage.

Mold thrives in buildings that have excessive moisture. The tightly sealed buildings of today have resulted in decreased ventilation, which can lead to increased moisture levels inside buildings. In addition, moisture problems can result from leaking roofs, over-watering plants, gutters that direct water inside a building and improperly maintained appliances.

Controlling moisture is the key to keeping mold from growing and thriving in buildings. Quickly clean up any water leaks and dry thoroughly. Following are additional mold prevent tips:

* Look for any condensation areas and wet spots in buildings. Pinpoint and fix the source of the moisture.

* Fix any plumbing leaks as soon as possible.

* Prevent moisture from condensing on to surfaces by increasing the air temperature, increasing air circulation and reducing the moisture level in the building. Reduce the moisture level by repairing any leaks and use a dehumidifier if necessary.

* Keep the HVAC system properly maintained. Change filters regularly and keep drip pans clean.

* Appliances that produce moisture (such as dryers) should be vented to the outside.

* Cooking and bathroom areas should be properly vented.

* Quickly pinpoint areas where any leaks have occurred. Then identify what has caused the leak and take the right preventive measures to prevent the leak from reoccurring.

If a building has a mold problem one of the following reasons may be noticeable:

* Furniture, carpeting or other building materials may have water damage

* Musty or moldy type odors

* Building occupants may be experiencing health problems that they feel are related to mold: sneezing, headaches, nausea

* Existing moisture problems or standing water in areas of the building

Buildings that have a mold problem will need a remediation plan to identify and correct the conditions that have allowed the mold growth. The plan will also include steps to remove or clean any mold damaged materials. However, the first step is to clean up the current mold problem and then work with a specialist to decide how to correct and prevent the problem from reoccurring.

When cleaning up the mold it is important to remember that killing the mold is not enough. The mold itself must be removed. There are chemicals that exist even in dead mold spores that can cause a reaction in humans. There are several cleanup methods available. The specific method or combination of methods to use depends on the material that has the mold damage:

Wet Vacuum or ShopVac. These are vacuum cleaners that collect water. These vacuums work on floors, carpets, and other hard surfaces where water has collected. Do not use a wet vac to remove water from porous materials, such as insulation or gypsum board. Only use wet vacuums on wet materials. Mold spores may be released into the building if there is not enough liquid present. Thoroughly clean and the equipment, tanks, hoses, and attachments after use to prevent the mold from growing in the vacuum.

Damp Wipe. Clean nonporous surfaces by damp wiping or scrubbing with water and detergent. Dry the surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage further mold growth. Remember to read and follow any specific instructions for special surfaces.

HEPA Vacuum. A high-efficiency particulate air vacuum is recommended for the final cleanup in any mold infested areas. Make sure that all materials are thoroughly dried and remove any contaminated items. You should also use a HEPA vacuum to cleanup any nearby areas where dust may have settled. When it is time to change the filter, employees should wear a respirator and suitable personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to any of the captured mold. Place the filter and any collected material in impermeable bags and then dispose of the bags appropriately.

Disposing of Mold Damaged Materials. Dispose of damaged materials like construction waste. Place the materials in impermeable bags or closed containers or cover large materials with polyethylene sheeting and seal them with duct tape.

Use of Biocides. Using biocides like bleach, is not a recommended practice for removing mold. If a remediation expert does recommend using a biocide, only use the chemical in a well ventilated area. Bleaches and other biocides are toxic to people and animals and should only be used according to the label's directions.

Clean the affected area when the room or building is not occupied. Any contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed first. Workers should wear the proper personal protective equipment -- respirators, gloves and goggles. Once cleaned, dry the areas quickly and thoroughly.

After cleanup, make sure the underlying cause of the mold has been addressed or mold growth will reoccur. Building owners must place emphasis on preventing contamination by making sure that any water leaks or excessive moisture problems are fixed. Keeping mold at bay is essential for a healthy indoor environment. Remember, mold spores will always be present, but removing the standing or excessive water that molds need to grow, will prevent the spores from becoming an unsightly and unhealthy problem.

Steve Hanson is co-founding member of The Janitorial Store (TM), an online community that offers weekly tips, articles, downloads, discussion forums, and more for anyone who would like to learn how to start a cleaning business. Visit The Janitorial Store's blog and get inspired by reading cleaning success stories from owners of cleaning companies.

Creative Soap Molds

If you are interested in making your own soap then you will need to find soap molds. There are many different types of soap molds including character molds, simple molds, silicone molds, and wood molds. The type of soap molds that you use will depend on the soap making process that you use, the type of wax that you use, and your design preferences.

The first type of soap molds that you can buy are basic soap making molds. These molds are generally rectangular in shape, and are made from either wood or silicone. Wooden molds will need to lined with wax paper, plastic wrap, or greased to prevent the soap from sticking to the mold. Some silicone soap molds will need to be lined to prevent the soap from sticking to the mold, however, some are designed for quick release even without the liner.

If you are interested in more intricate soap molds then you can choose from several different soap mold types. First there are holiday themed soap molds such as Halloween, Christmas, and Easter soap molds. If you don?t want a holiday themed soap design, but you still want an interesting soap mold shape, then you can choose from a modern or contemporary soap mold design.

Your final choice for shaping soap is to hand-roll the soap into soap balls. To do this you will need to mix up your soap and then allow it to cool slightly so that you can handle the mixture. Next you will need to scoop out the soap and roll it between your palms to form the soap ball.

For more information on how to make homemade soap as well as soap making recipes visit the PureandNaturalSoaps.com

Check out the soap making message board to discuss techniques, share ideas and post your favorite soap and candle making recipes.

Is Mold Hazardous To Your Health - Common Mold Related Health Problems

Mold is everywhere. Check under the carpet, behind the walls, on the shower tiles, in the coffeepot, and there it is. It?s an unavoidable part of life that can be controlled, but never totally eliminated.

Since we have to live with mold, it is important to be aware of mold related health problems. How can the presence of mold in your home adversely affect you?

While some types of mold contain toxins, most mold is non-toxic and not life-threatening. However, our natural reactions to mold cause many minor irritating problems, and there is some risk for potential long-term trouble.

If you suffer from asthma or any other breathing disorder, mold may be a very serious health risk for you. You should try to keep your home free of mold as well as possible, and talk to your physician about ways to limit the danger.

Here are some common mold related health problems:

Nasal Congestion. Most people are mildly allergic to mold. The most common symptom is a stuffy nose. Even though you do not have a cold, you may get a stuffy nose when you enter certain rooms or houses. If you suddenly get congested in certain parts of your home, this may be an indication that you have some mold growing somewhere that you can?t see.

Headaches. Along with the stuffy nose, many people get headaches. Have you ever gotten a headache when you are in a dusty place? Mold works in the same way. If you have constant headaches for no apparent reason when you are at home, you may have a mold problem.

Itchy or Watery Eyes. Mold produces airborne spores which can irritate different parts of our bodies. Most commonly, these spores get into our nasal cavities or lungs, but they can also irritate your eyes. The symptoms include itchy, red or excessively watery eyes.

Difficulties Breathing. In very severe cases, you may experience a shortness of breath. This would only be the case if you have a serious mold problem. If you are working in an old building or in an exceptionally humid environment, you may experience shortness of breath due mold. In this case, the room needs to be aired out and it may be hazardous for you to spend time there until the mold is under control.

Skin Irritation. In some cases, mold spores may irritate the skin and cause a rash. This is not common, but it does occur.

Asthma. If you have asthma, constant exposure to mold can be a serious health problem. Mold spores will bring on asthma attacks and cause you breathing trouble. If you are asthmatic or especially sensitive to mold, you must keep your environment as mold-free as possible.

It has not been scientifically proven, but many medical professionals believe that continual exposure to mold in childhood may be a factor in developing asthma. For this reason, be extra careful about mold in your home if you have young children.

Mold grows all over the place, but especially in warm, humid environments. Your house may have a mold problem that you can?t see, so it?s important to pay attention to these symptoms and get rid of the mold!

For more resources on Toxic Black mold and for mold inspection and testing advice, please visit our website, where you will also learn about the symptoms of black mold

Break the Mold!

A rut can lurk underneath even the most comfortable lifestyle. Sometimes, it can be easier to stay with what feels familiar, rather than take the initiative to make adjustments. Change can seem a lot harder when things are going well. Indeed, such comfort can add to the unease, as we are likely to feel guilty and critical of our dissatisfaction, appreciating how fortunate we are compared to many others.

Are you finding reasons to DO instead of not to do? One of the reasons people choose (and everything is a choice) to stay in situations they do not like is because they are afraid of losing something or someone. They do not specifically fear change, but they fear what familiarities they may have to let go of. You may have an image of yourself that will be shaken if you make different choices. You may have 'investments' in time, money, energy, relationships that you don't want to let go of. What are you afraid of losing, or who, if you take a risk, and make different choices.

The good news is, getting out of a rut can be as simple as getting a new haircut, or as involved as going back to school. But both start by taking that first step. If you start your sentences with, "Someday, when," you're putting your life on hold. What you have is NOW.

You can't focus on all the things that aren't right in your life and expect to fix them over night. Aim for small achievable goals, this way you can't fail. AND, try to remember to have some fun on the way. Otherwise, why bother? So call your hairdresser. Apply for college. Begin a workout routine. Sign up for music lessons or write that book you?ve been thinking about. NOW is a great time for new beginnings, so take that first step today. Get up, get going and get out of your rut. When you face your fears, experiment with new approaches, and then take consistent action, no matter how small the steps, you will feel a sense of empowerment and increase your confidence.

Feeling like you are stuck in a rut can suck all of the energy out of you. Don?t stay in it. Just make some simple changes to bust out of the mold and then be on your delighted, invigorated way! You can do it!

Mary Kay Buttery, 2006

"I wanted to live deep, and suck out all the marrow of life."

Henry David Thoreau

Mary Kay is a natural healer, passionate that people discover simplicity and fulfillment in their everyday experiences. She facilitates live events and is available for private and phone consultations. Be sure to visit her website and sign up for her *FREE* Monthly Newsletter, which is filled with inspirational, motivational and helpful information on creating a life you truly love. If you want Mary Kay to speak at an event in your area or you want to contact her: call 702-239-5451 or e-mail marykay@sfgtd.com

A Guide to Making Your Own Stepping Stone Molds

A 'mold' is a hollow or matrix which is generally used for shaping a fluid or plastic substance. It is a frame or model which is used to give a shape.

Have you decided yet what would be the shape and size of your stepping stone? If not don't rush to your local market to buy the mold. You might get your mold in the form of a plastic saucer, an ice cream bucket or an ordinary pizza box which is of no use. Mold, in order to give a perfect shape of your, plays an important role and gives an appearance which you have imagined.

The shape and size of stepping stone is a pre-defined decision, so you will be benefited and can save your time. A stepping stone mold can be of different types and can take any shape given by you. Let us discuss the different types of molds for better understanding.

Types of Molds

Before preparing the stepping stone it's very important for you to determine the shape and size of your mold. A mold of your choice decides the shape and appearance of the stepping stone you are making. A stepping stone is of multiple types, and in order to give the perfect look to your stone you have to decide your favorite one.

a) Plastic plant saucer: Plastic plant saucer is a rounded mold which is often used by us to give a round shape to the stone. This mold is a made of plastic.

b) Clear bigger mold: This kind of mold is used for bigger stepping stones. It can be of any shape like that of an octagon, square, heptagon and pentagon. This mold is also made of plastic. Besides this they are almost identical to the plastic planter saucers in all other aspects. They are available at a low cost of $3 or $4 and can even be reused.

c) Attractive stepping stone molds: They are quiet expensive and are of different sizes, shapes, colors and are beautifully designed. In order to get the best designed and fancy mold you may visit any website which sells these molds or a local home improvement store.

d) Old pans and utensils: Old cake pan is your daily utensil which you use to prepare your cake. People often try this option to save their money and can decorate their own stepping stones using this mold. In order to get the perfect design, please use petroleum jelly or cooking spray.

Other options that can be used as moulds are small ice cream boxes, pizza boxes, aluminum pans or plastic storage box can be used as a mold and can give them your shape. You may also make different molds using woods. The Shape of your stone is determined by the mold which you have decided and designed before shaping the stone. Therefore it is very important that the mold you choose is of your liking and suits your style.

Scott Byers is the owner of Stepping Stone Info, a complete stepping stone mold resource with articles on stepping stones and directions on how to make them.

Bread Mold Science Fair Projects Ideas

If you're looking for an interesting science fair project, then you may want to read more about bread mold science fair projects that you can do.

It helps to first understand a little about mold. Mold is another word for fungi whose bodies gather and congeal together to form cottony vegetative bodies. Not all mold is cottony, however. Types of slimy mold are more like amoeba than their cottony cousins and leave a moister, slicker mass on the molded surface. However when it comes to bread, you will most always see the drier, threadlike mold.

Mold commonly grows on bread faster in warm, dark, moist conditions. However, mold can grow in light, and some molds can even grow on frozen foods. Molds grow in varying conditions, at varying speeds, in every color you can think of.

Not just a disgusting addition to old food, mold can be beneficial in many ways. One of the most common ways mold is used positively is to make antibiotics such as penicillin. In 1928, Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered penicillin when he found mold growing on a discarded petri dish. The mold itself was not the miracle.

Fleming discovered that the mold that had grown had killed the Staphylococcus aureus that he'd been growing in that particular petri dish. The rest is history!

Now that you know a little more about bread mold, you can use the ideas below to help you find potential bread mold science fair projects.

Does sodium have an effect on the growth of bread mold?

How and why does mold form on bread?

Is bread mold harmful to the human body if consumed? Why?

What are the optimal conditions for growing bread mold? Why?

Does light have an effect on the growth of bread mold? If so, what kind?

Do certain types of breads mold faster than others?

How to grow bread mold...

Take a cotton swab and collect some dust. Wipe the dust over the bread slices you want to experiment with. Place them in a bag with a few drops of water and seal the bag so the slices don't dry out.

Now you know a little more about bread mold and the types of experiments you can do. You may have an idea of what you would like to try as a project. Simply by asking questions about things that interest you, you can come up with great bread mold science fair projects that can be fun to do!

Doug Nicholson is a nuclear engineering technician, science hobbyist, and amateur inventor. Visit his site for lots more Science Fair Projects ideas and articles.

I am a Moldy Dirty Dumpster Diver and Lovin It

When I was born they threw out the mold but I fooled them ...I grew back. Some say I was born born a dumpster diver. I will always be a dumpster diver. I love waste. Especially in Doylestown Pa my hometown. I'd rather go without most things, than buy them new, because I will wait until someone near my home will throw it away for me to find, first. I have even collected toilet paper and soap, new of course.. But I get my shoes, housewares, clothing, linens, furnishings, cleaners, paints, nuts and bolts, tools, tractors, lumber, computers...you get the idea why I am a dumpster diver.
Now what I can do with all these treasures. Some end up at Milan Hirst Nursery and Treasures which is our store at our nursery located in Milan Pa. along rt. 220 in Bradford county. Some I use as freebies.

The net is a free market at is best. I have merged my dumpster diving with my farm. I try to use and recycle as much as possible. I just love free stuff. I have found that so do a lot of other people. So we try to give them what they want. Free items. This is a lesson that I learned many years ago. I always try to offer a customer something that is free. Customers remember the free item more than items that they buy. Of all the different types of adds that I have run over the years, its the free offers that people cut out and save. After all think about coupons that people save. They don't collect product adds they will collect coupons. That is why I like to always advertise my free items. I even plan days around free give aways. When customers are at nursery I will even make up a free offer on the spot many times such as when I ask the customer, " Do you know what day it is? Do you know its free Lilac day? Let me show you a Lilac that is free today". I will then give them a lilac and say such things as every landscape needs at least one lilac. I can them show them all the different lilacs that we have and promote many different lilacs. I never give away a teaser. I make the free plant a quality gift of real value. This is what is remembered by customers.
This is a copy of my most recent email newsletter. This was an overwhelming success. We had an estimated 600% weekly sales gain by using this newsletter add.
January 2006 The Early Bird Gets the Worm---Don't Delay Free Tree Day Jan. 28Th is a Free Higan Weeping Cherry Tree Day Greetings! January 28, 2006 is free Weeping Higan Cherry Tree Day.....All members of our email club can receive a free Higan Weeping Cherry when you bring your pickup to our 5275 West Swamp Rd. Fountainville Pa. location. These trees are 10-12' tall and in 24" baskets. These trees must be picked up on the 28Th, before 5pm. sorry, no rain checks. There is a limit of one per family and you must have been a member on or before January 27, 2006 of our email club. Sincerely, Bill Hirst Free Tree Day Jan. 28Th, 2006 is Free Tree Day 5275 W. Swamp Rd. Fountainville, Pennsylvania 18923 January 28, 2006 8:00AM-5:00PM Reasons to Come to this Event We are selling 150 acres of our nursery and we must liquidate many trees and plants. Some of of plants are in quantities that would supply us for many years of sales. But we can't move that number of trees. Thus they will be either sold at a discount, destroyed, or given away. I like the last option. Thus if you bring your pickup to the farm today, Saturday the 28Th, we will give away 1 free Higan Weeping cherry to each email newsletter subscriber to Highland Hill Farm that picks up the tree by 5PM. Sorry you must be have be signed up by Jan. 27Th, to qualify. There are no rain checks. These trees are in 24 and 28 inch baskets and are app. 10-14' tall. We will help load them in your pickup. We have a total of 75 trees ready to give away while the supply lasts. All other trees and plants are 20% off today. Driving Directions to the Farm Highland Hill Farm 5275 W. Swamp Rd. Rt. 313 Fountainville, Pennsylvania 18923 myhirst@yahoo.com HTTP://www.seedlingsrus.com We will have other free tree offerings each month. So keep in touch. Within 15 minutes of this email being sent people started to arrive to make selections. We would have had no customers on this day. Yet we sold enough other stock to make this offering possible. We gave away 52 trees and this was even covered by the press showing up and giving us exposure in local papers.

Bill likes to dumpster diver and is Americas most sucessful Urban miner - farmer. His web sites include http://www.seedlingsrus.com http://www.highlandhillfarm.com http://www.huntingrelics.com and http://www.zone5trees.com