Mold-Focused Cleaning Instructions (Weekly & Quarterly Cleaning) 

Cleaning is one of the first, most powerful actions you can take to lower mold counts and help you feel better, which can enable you to take even more steps toward health. Start by tackling the items or places in your home that are most susceptible to mold. Pay attention to how you feel after each effort, and don’t hesitate to use a mold plate test to track whether the mold counts in your home are increasing or decreasing. Clean environments are the backbone of health, and the attention you invest now will pay off with huge benefits for your long-term well-being.

You can listen to Catherine, from Micro Balance Health talk about this mold focused cleaning in our podcast, Critical Conversations. This is a one of a 5-part-series all about mold sponsored by Micro Balance Health. She learned this cleaning strategy first-hand in her own battle with toxic mold exposure from a friend who was a toxicologist. You can support our podcast and get 10% off your order by using the code: SHECHANGES.

Note: this article contains affiliate links to help support our podcast. Your support is so appreciated. 

Supplies Needed:

• HEPA vacuum cleaner (with bag for a closed system)

• Mold-specific fogger (optional, if affordable. Here's the one we got.)

• Mold candle (for regular air purification)

• High-quality air filters (for HVAC and rooms you spend the most time in)

• Anti-mold cleaner (non-toxic, safe for health)

• Mold spray (for upholstered surfaces, rugs, curtains, and blinds)

• Laundry mold additive (non-toxic options) for pillows, clothing, bedding, and blankets

Note: When choosing cleaning products, avoid introducing toxins to clean toxins. Look for safe, health-affirming products that support a clean home without harmful chemicals. You don’t need to approach mold cleaning with the mindset of "how do I kill it." Instead, focus on creating an environment that makes your home inhospitable to mold growth.

Important: Despite popular belief, bleach does NOT kill or remove mold. Mold spores are present everywhere—coming in from outside, on your pets, or in the air—so your goal is to build a routine that reduces its ability to thrive inside your home.

Three-Pronged Approach:

This cleaning method targets three key areas to make your home inhospitable to mold:

1. The Air: Clean the air you breathe using purifiers, mold candles, or foggers.

2. Hard Surfaces: Regularly wipe down and clean hard surfaces like counters, tables, and windowsills.

3. Soft Surfaces and Fabric: Treat upholstery, rugs, and clothing to remove mold spores and prevent buildup.

Weekly Checklist:

1. Vacuum with a HEPA Filter:

• Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture using a HEPA vacuum cleaner with a bag to keep mold spores contained.

• Places not to miss: Air Returns and Air vents throughout the house (bedrooms, bathrooms, etc). Be sure to vacuum them off. 

2. Wipe Down High-Touch Surfaces:

• Use a non-toxic anti-mold cleaner to wipe down kitchen counters, sinks, bathroom surfaces, and frequently used tables.

3. Air Purification:

• Burn a mold candle or run air purifiers in the rooms where you spend the most time to continuously clean the air without releasing harmful chemicals.

4. Treat Upholstery:

• Lightly mist upholstered furniture, rugs, curtains, and blinds with a non-toxic mold spray. The nice thing is you can spray it and leave it. 

5. Laundry Care:

• Wash sheets and pillows and regularly worn clothing with a non-toxic mold additive to keep fabrics free of mold spores.

Quarterly Checklist:

1. Full Surface Wipe Down:

• Wipe down all hard surfaces with an anti-mold cleaner (windowsills, baseboards, shelves) using non-toxic products to prevent mold buildup.

2. HVAC Maintenance:

• Replace or clean HVAC filters to ensure the air circulating in your home is clean. Use high-quality filters designed to trap mold spores.

3. Deep Fogging (if available):

• Use a mold-specific fogger (non-toxic) to treat the air in all rooms. This is especially helpful in high-humidity areas like bathrooms or basements.

4. Upholstery Refresh:

• Deep mist upholstery, rugs, curtains, and blinds with a mold spray to keep them mold-free.

5. Laundry Deep Clean:

• Wash pillows, blankets, and seasonal clothing with a non-toxic mold additive.

6. Mold Test Plate:

• Purchase a mold test plate to check the mold spore levels in your home. Without lab testing, you can use the plate to observe whether there are more or fewer mold spores in the area over time. This can help gauge the effectiveness of your cleaning routine.

Additional Tips:

• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to reduce humidity levels, which can support mold growth.

• Monitor Humidity: Keep your home’s humidity levels below 50% using dehumidifiers where necessary.

• Mold Growth: Mold spores are part of the environment, but by maintaining this cleaning routine, you can keep your home inhospitable to mold growth.

By following this safe and non-toxic routine, you'll support a cleaner, healthier home environment without relying on harsh chemicals or methods that could compromise your health.

Mold can feel overwhelming at times, especially when it impacts your health and home. But remember, every small action you take toward cleaning and maintenance is a powerful step toward improving your environment and your well-being. Mold spores are a natural part of the environment—they’re everywhere, and while you can’t completely eliminate them, you can make your home an inhospitable place for mold to grow. By sticking to a simple, consistent cleaning routine, you're creating a space where mold has fewer opportunities to thrive.

Take it one step at a time. With each cleaning session, you're actively making your living space safer and healthier. And the best part? You’re doing it in a way that’s safe for you and your family, using non-toxic methods that protect both your home and your health. You don’t need to rely on harsh chemicals that can cause harm; instead, you're choosing solutions that promote long-term wellness.

Every effort counts, and as you continue this routine, you’ll be supporting a cleaner, healthier home where mold has no room to settle. In the long run, this not only protects your living environment but also contributes to better health for you and your loved ones. So, keep going—you’re creating a home that supports lasting well-being, and that’s something to be proud of!