Both mold and mildew result from water invading a dark space. This space provides an environment where mold and mildew can grow.

Molds multiply by producing tiny spores. These spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When they land on a damp spot indoors, they begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive, such as wood, paper, carpet and foods.

When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur. It is thus important to dry water-damaged areas within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If they area remains undiscovered long enough for mold to grow, follow these steps to conquer the problem:

1. Treat the source of the water invasion. Getting rid of the mold and mildew without first solving the water problem is a waste of time, effort and money. So before you treat the problem, treat the root of the problem by fixing leaky plumbing or other sources of leaks.
   

2. Wash the mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, then dry completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet that become moldy, may have to be replaced.
   

3. Spray the area with OdorXit solution (2 ounces per gallon of water). Because OdorXit is a contact chemistry odor eliminator, it must come in direct contact with the source of the odor to eliminate it. So be sure to directly spray the mold spots and the spoors around the area.

Now that you have eliminated the mold growth, you can prevent it from returning. Ways to do this include reducing indoor humidity by venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside. You can also use air conditioners and de-humidifiers, and prevent condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roofs and floors) by adding insulation.

Another helpful method is to use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning. Finally, do not install carpeting in areas where you have a perpetual moisture problem.

If you follow the above steps and the moisture-prevention tips, mold and mildew will no longer be a problem for you.
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Martin R Meyer is the President of Listening Systems, Inc., and OdorXit is the registered trademark of Listening Systems. Their mission is to provide the highest quality, safest odor-control products at a reasonable price and to offer the best available advice on solving odor problems, even if you don