Various studies suggest a prevalence of mold and dampness in US homes, to the tune of about 47% of all homes.
Asthma, acute bronchitis, and allergic rhinitis are just some of the potential medical conditions that mold can cause or worsen. And it’s all the more worrisome if there are children in the house.
So, what can you do about it? Do mold bomb foggers work?
The simple answer is yes, they do. However, their effectiveness may depend on several factors.
Removing Mold with Foggers
Mold bomb foggers and certain mold aerosols are effective at eradicating the accumulated spores. In addition, the fogger is great for treating areas that are hard to reach. If you only have a mold problem, a smaller mold fogger in the form of an aerosol spray may do the trick.
However, you might not be able to mold that invades a large area of your home with commercial mold foggers. Serious mold infestation usually requires a cold fog machine. Don’t hesitate to contact a mold removal company if you suspect that some materials in your house have been damaged beyond repair.
For mild invasions and mold prevention, feel free to use over-the-counter mold bombs in any room of the house. They are also a good solution for removing spores from different types of furniture, wooden decks, and walls (drywalls included).
In addition, regular mold bomb foggers work great for killing spores that appear in your car, RV, and window sills. And besides eradicating the spores, they also aid in killing the bacteria and viruses that may come with mold.
Different Types of Mold
Mold bomb foggers are known to be effective against a few different types of household mold.
Aspergillus
One of the most common types of mold, Aspergillus usually doesn’t pose a significant danger. But it doesn’t mean that you should leave Aspergillus untreated.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium thrives in both warm and cool areas. You can often find this type of mold on old fabrics, carpets, and wooden cabinets and floorboards. Unlike Aspergillus, Cladosporium may cause some respiratory problems and infections so it should be dealt with immediately.
Stachybotrys Chartarum
Commonly known as black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum is one of the most toxic species of mold. It can cause a few respiratory infections, depression, and fatigue. This mold is hard to miss. If you don’t spot it right away, you will surely pick up its distinct musty smell.
Depending on the severity of the infestation, common mold bomb foggers might not be enough. This is why you should call in the pros, especially if you suspect the presence black mold in your ventilation and air conditioning ducts.
Penicillium
This type of mold is characterized by its blue-green color and it usually occurs as a result of water damage. Penicillium is notorious for its ability to spread rapidly throughout the house. It can infest carpets, insulation, and furniture. It’d be a good idea to set off a bomb fogger as soon as you see the first signs of Penicillium.
Fusarium
Typically, Fusarium can be found on carpets and similar materials. This mold prefers cold and wet areas where it can quickly multiply. Fusarium is also linked to allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
If you are not sure about the type of mold in your home, you can remove a sample or a portion of the contaminated material and have it tested. Once you know the exact type of mold, it’s easier to choose the appropriate mold bomb fogger and take the necessary steps to eradicate the spores.
How to Use a Mold Bomb Fogger
Using a mold bomb fogger is not as easy as it might seem. It requires some preparations before and after fogging to ensure there are no spores left in your home.
The fogging itself usually takes about thirty minutes, depending on the product. And you should vacate the premises for at least a couple of hours, but this may also vary from one manufacturer to another.
As for the preparation, all the surfaces inside a room need to be cleaned. This involves thorough vacuuming and protecting the sensitive surfaces. You should also know the exact area of the room since bigger rooms might require multiple cans or applications
Once you have everything ready, place the fogger in the middle of the room and set it off according to the instructions. The fog will start coming out of the bomb in 10 to 60 seconds.
The last step is to scrape all the infected areas, sanitize them, and do another thorough cleanup. Remember, mold spores can be quite dangerous so you’ll want to wear protective gloves and a rebreather mask during the final cleanup.
Mold Prevention
When it comes to prevention, mold bomb foggers can be an effective tool if you know a particular area in the house is susceptible to mold. But there are other things that you can do to prevent spores from forming.
The first line of defense is proper ventilation. This means you need to properly air all the rooms in the house, especially the kitchen and the bathroom where dampness can’t be avoided. Dehumidifiers and air conditioners also help especially if you live in a humid climate.
Repairing all leaky pipes and gutters wouldn’t hurt either. In addition, consider using mold-resistant paint and other materials when redecorating to minimize the chances of mold.
The Bottom Line
Do mold bomb foggers work? Yes, and they actually work quite well, so you shouldn’t hesitate to use them at the first sign of mold. They can kill various types of mold to give you home an all-encompassing protection.
However, mold bomb foggers are just part of the solution. After the fogging, all the moldy places need to be treated further to prevent mold from reappearing.
References:
http://www.apsnet.org/publications/apsnetfeatures/pages/stachybotrys.aspx
https://www.healthline.com/health/cladosporium
https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/aspergillus
https://iaqscience.lbl.gov/dampness-prevalence
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