How to Start Getting Better Even if You are Stuck Living in Mold
For my friends like Niki, still living in moldy homes…this one is for you.:)
Hello! Glad to have you back on the blog. I’ve got an important question for you today…
Are you living in a moldy environment and feeling stuck? Do you think that you can't start healing until you've remediated or moved? The good news is that you can start taking steps towards a healthier life, even if you're still living in a moldy space. I have more than one friend in this situation and with 50% or more of homes with toxic levels of mold in them, it’s no surprize if you find yourself here too.
Recognizing the Signs of a Moldy Environment
Before I dive into the solutions, it's essential to recognize the signs of a moldy environment. Some common indicators include:
- Visible mold growth (FYI mildew is mold)
- Musty odors
- Water damage, stains, or leaks
- High humidity levels
- Living on a lake, pond or near a stream
The Two Most Important Steps to Take:
Once you confirm that a moldy home is making you sick, there are two crucial steps to take:
1. Remediate: Have a professional come in and clean your home to make it safe for you to live in again. If you need one in the Southeast US let me know. I have the name and number of a good one!
2. Move: If remediation isn't possible, it may be necessary to move to a new home.
But What If I'm Stuck?
I know that remediation and moving can be overwhelming and sometimes impossible. But that doesn't mean you can't start taking steps towards a healthier life. Here are some simple things you can do to start feeling better:
- Drink clean water. I recommend and use a Berkey Water filter. Berkey Water filters can remove mold from water, and they are designed to remove a wide range of contaminants, including mold spores. I bought the travel sized Berkey used on Facebook marketplace and bought new filters to use in it from an authorized user. I was on a budget and that saved me over a $100. You can get a Berkey from Amazon. Once the water is clean keep it clean by using water containers with lids to keep mold spores from drifting in as you drink when your at home.
This is the travel size Berkey. Great for one or two people. A family will want a larger option: the Big Berkey.
- Keep food covered and stored properly: I recommend using glass containers. Plastic lids are fine but avoid putting them on while the food is still hot to prevent any other unwanted toxins in your food that would compromise your immune system or disrupt your hormones. The idea is that covering the food will help protect it from growing mold.
- Get outside for fresh air when possible. When the air quality is good outside this is very important. Even a short 10 minute walk outside can make a difference for your nervous system, mind set, and your lungs!
- Open windows and doors to air out your living space. Again when the air quality is good, getting outside can help air out your space and reduce mold levels in your home.
Walking during sunlit hours is even better. Get some sun in your peepers and enjoy soaking up the warmth and detox capabilities sunshine provides.
- Remove your shoes at the door. No good reason to track in more contaminants!
- Keep your home free of dust.
This is a BIG ONE: Dusting prevents mold spores and fragments from becoming airborne and being inhaled, exacerbating health issues. Regular cleaning and dusting can reduce exposure to these allergens. It also prevents mold growth: Dust and dirt can provide a nutrient-rich environment for mold to grow. Regular cleaning and dusting can help remove these nutrients and prevent mold growth.
Some tips for dusting and cleaning moldy environments:
- Use a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner to trap mold spores and fragments. I got a Shark vacuum similar to this one and it has worked well for me. This is the newer model Health Tip: empty it outside to prevent the release of mold spores back in the house.
- Wear protective gear, including gloves, a mask, and eye protection.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces, as dry dusting can spread mold spores. I like a damp microfiber cloth. If you must dry dust some areas try using a Swifter to quickly grab the dust. I like the one on the 6ft pole extender so I can get dust in high up spaces like windows or kitchen cabinets I can’t reach with a rag.
- Use a solution of water and a mild detergent to clean surfaces. I like the Thieves dish soap; it is pricey but I split it with 1/2 distilled water because it is ultra concentrated and one bottle last me well over 6 months. Thieves is antifugal and antiviral-win win!
- Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals, as they can damage surfaces and release toxic fumes.
- Put safety mats under your sinks to catch leaks before they can hit wood surfaces and lead to mold growth. I like the number one rate one on Amazon: WeatherTech SinkMat – Waterproof Under Sink Liner Mat for Kitchen Bathroom! And wish every home came standard with them.
- Use good air filters in your AC.
- Eat more beets and okra. They are natural binders. These vegetables possess bile acid-binding capacities, which can be beneficial in detoxification of mold.
Okra is great in a stir fry, stew or just boiled on it’s on with salt and ghee.
- Shower before bed to remove mold spores.
- Wash your bedding regularly. This will reduce your mold exposure at night while you sleep. My goal is once a week but as often as you can is best. I added Sky High Suds Washing soda to my low tox fragrance free Clean People laundry loads and had good results removing mold. BONUS Tip: For extra detox power hang your sheets on a line in the sunshine if your neighborhood still allows that!
Additional Tips for a Healthier Environment
- Keep humidity levels down, especially in high-humidity areas. I have a ThermPro meter for measuring the humidity levels in my home at all times. Any time it starts creeping up in the 50’s it means it’s time to run the dehumidifier! Mold loves to grow in humidity levels over 50% so keeping an eye on this can be a game changer..
- Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels below 50%. I like the TCL brand. Pay attention to how much space your want it to dehumidify when choosing yours. My place was small so I didn’t need a huge one.
- Use air purifiers that can kill mold, germs, and viruses. The best it the Air Doctor, but if you can’t afford that one Amazon offers some that will help keep the air clean. I bought this one for my parents:LEVOIT Air Purifiers for Home Large Room Up to 1800 Ft² in 1 Hr with Washable Pre-Filter
- Use products that can help kill mold and mycotoxins, such as those from Micro Balance EC3. I used this brand when cleaning my items before moving into my new home.
The Importance of Vitamin D3 + K2
Many people who are struggling with mold illness also have low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential for immune system function, and low levels can make it harder for your body to fight off mold adn all the side effects of mold exposure. I recommend getting your vitamin D levels checked and supplementing with vitamin D3 and K2. I take this one by Thorne. Check your levels yearly to make sure your levels aren’t too low or too high. I like to keep mine over 65.
These are easy to take and don’t have a strong taste.
You're Not Alone
I know that dealing with mold illness can be isolating and overwhelming. But you're not alone. There are many resources available to help you, including:
- My blog, which has articles on mold illness and detox. Subscribe cuz theres more to come!
- Facebook groups dedicated to mold illness and detox
- My Facebook page, (El is 4 Life) where you can connect with others who are going through similar experiences and using patches as part of their recovery tools.
- Check out the Mast Cell 360 website. They offer some great courses on overcoming mold including: MC360® Precision Mold Master Class. You can learn how mold exposure can disrupt your microbiome, leading to digestive issues, inflammation, and immune challenges. Also
✅ How mold affects the gut
✅ Strategies for gut support and healing.
Take Control of Your Health
Remember, taking control of your health is the most important thing you can do. These tips won’t get rid of all the mold, or be a magical cure, but I hope they will empower you to continue your healing journey in a positive direction. I don't want you to feel stuck or helpless. Start taking small steps towards a healthier life, and know that you're not alone. Taking my power back and making decisions to try new things was a huge puzzle piece for me to get started on my road to recovery.
Stay tuned for more information on detoxing and overcoming chronic illness. Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok for more tips and resources. (Links to all my socials below.) Hope to see you soon lovelies!
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