Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement You might need to give your washing machine a good wash to get rid of that unpleasant smell CNETA quick look around Reddit threads suggests that more than a few people struggle with stubborn mold mildew and bacteria in washing machine door seals While some have experimented with using chemicals like bleach odd smells and stubborn particles in and around the door of their washing machines can be a recurring problem tackling mold and mildew in your washing machine just requires some elbow grease and your washer will be back to doing its job without mold along with allowing it to air out between uses can work wonders Not sure how to properly clean your washing machine?  We'll walk you through what you need to know about killing bacteria or mold in your washer and how to rid your machine of those awful smells.  Read more: Are You Washing Your Bath Towels Enough? Experts Doubt It The best way to remove a bad smell from your washing machineIf you have mold in your washer, here's how to get rid of it. Doing this monthly will help prevent mold growth. 1. Put on gloves and grab an old towel that you don't care about. 2. Mix a solution of either bleach and hot water or vinegar and hot water. (Never mix bleach and vinegar -- it creates toxic chlorine gas.) 3. Dip the towel in the mixture and start scrubbing away at any visible mold. Be sure to get the detergent dispenser and around the gaskets. 4. Front-loading machines have a gasket around the door. If you have a front loader, clean and dry it thoroughly, including all the folds. Be careful not to tear the gasket. 5. Run the wash cycle on the hottest setting your machine offers with a cup of bleach or vinegar. If using bleach, pour it into the compartment designated for bleach. If using vinegar, pour it into the detergent slot. If your machine has a self-clean cycle, you can use that setting. This should kill any hidden mold that you may have missed. 6. Use another old towel and wipe away all the moisture in your washing machine. This includes the drum, dispensers, seals and any other areas you can reach. 7. Leave the washer door open to allow airflow to dry any parts you missed.  Mold grows in dark, moist areas, which is what your washer becomes after you've unloaded the clothes. Whether it's a top or front loader, keeping the lid closed traps moisture, which can lead to built-up bacteria and a bad smell.  Leaving the washing machine door open helps ventilate the area and prevents mold from growing in the first place.  Damp clothes are another breeding ground for mold. If you're throwing in a load of laundry, make sure you'll be home to remove the clothes right when the wash cycle ends. Not only does this prevent mold from growing in your washer, but it keeps mildew out of your clean clothing, bedding and towels. After you're finished using your washing machine for the day, wipe down any part of the washer that's damp. This includes the lid, drum, door, rubber gaskets and detergent dispenser (if your machine has that feature). Keep an old towel on hand for this purpose. If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer use a powder detergent made for HE machines.  Liquid detergents can leave a residue in your washing machine the first thing to do to keep mold in check is to make sure you're using a laundry detergent made specifically for this type of washer (Look for the letters HE on the bottle.)Better yet steer clear of liquid detergent altogether and switch to powder detergent or pods make sure you're only using as much as you need to wash your clothes You're going to have to apply some elbow grease put on some cleaning gloves and break out the cleaning chemicals to clean out your washer A cleaning solution of hot water and bleach or hot water and vinegar is what you'll want to use to scrub out the inside of the machine but you never want to combine bleach and vinegar -- that creates chlorine gas which is toxic to you and anyone else in your home After you clean your washer and return to regular use you'll still want to prevent new mold or mildew from developing within the machine When you're done using your washing machine make sure to dry the inside of the machine to avoid the warm wet conditions that bacteria usually flourishes in Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Be recognized as an HR leader with your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations Give yourself the best chance to pass your SHRM certification exam Recertify your SHRM Credentials before your end date Stay up to date with workplace news and leverage our vast library of resources to streamline day-to-day HR tasks Follow breaking news and emerging workplace trends Stay informed on workplace legal updates and their impacts Explore diverse perspectives from your peers on today's workplaces Access member resources and tools to streamline HR tasks Register for the World’s Largest HR Conference being held on June 29 - July 2 Designed and delivered by HR experts to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to drive lasting change in the workplace Demonstrate targeted competence and enhance credibility among peers and employers Gain a deeper understanding and develop critical skills Customized training programs unique to your organization’s needs Make your voice heard on public policy issues impacting the workplace SHRM advances policy solutions in state legislatures nationwide SHRM is the go-to for global HR leaders and businesses on workplace matters Join SHRM’s A-Team of nearly 30,000 members to advocate for better workplaces and a better world Urge lawmakers to support policies that create lasting Access SHRM’s curated policy materials and content Easily find a local professional or student chapter in your area Find local connections from over 607 chapters and state councils and create your personalized HR network get crowdsourced answers to your questions and network with other HR professionals online Join SHRM members in the greater San Francisco Bay area for local events and networking Learn about SHRM's five regional councils and the Membership Advisory Council (MAC) Learn about volunteer opportunities with SHRM the one-size-fits-all approach to employment has become obsolete The modern workforce is made up of a wide array of different workers domestic labor laws and workplace policies have failed to keep pace with the evolving nature of today’s workers SHRM surveyed 16,000 workers across 16 countries between February and June 2024 and expectations of 1,000 workers in each country across a variety of industries SHRM’s data provides insights into key worker types Surveyed workers were asked about their primary job whether it is a temporary or long-term job and whether they are classified as an employee workers were placed into five types that represent the makeup of the modern workforce By categorizing workers into these meaningful types it is possible to create a shared understanding and a common language that can inform policy decisions The survey placed the participants into the following five types: Full-time salaried employees made up 43% of the sample full-time employment was defined as working 30 hours or more per week The individuals in this group made up the highest share of workers with a college degree as well as the highest share with access to benefits such as health insurance and paid leave They were also the most likely to be in the highest household income bracket Full-time employees working on an hourly basis represented 7% of the sample This group had the highest share of workers with vocational training or a two-year degree They also made up the majority of in-person workers — those who work fully in person or onsite These individuals were more likely than full-time salaried employees to hold an individual contributor role (i.e. they do not manage a team and are not a supervisor) Part-time employees accounted for 9% of the sample These individuals worked for fewer than 30 hours per week This group had the highest share of workers ages 50 and over as well as the highest proportion of female workers Fewer than 40% of the workers in this category said they would prefer a full-time position choosing part-time work due to its flexibility or to better manage caregiving duties or those working for a limited time or on until the completion of a specific project Temporary employees had the highest share of workers in the 18-34 age bracket most of whom preferred their part-time status 77% of temporary employees said they would prefer a long-term job They accepted temporary work primarily because it was the only position available or because they hoped it would lead to a permanent job The independent worker category comprised contractors This group contained the highest share of fully remote or hybrid workers Those classified as independent workers valued the flexibility of the work and the idea of being one’s own boss Nearly 3 in 4 independent workers (73%) said they consider their work to be an important part of who they are While approximately one-third prefer independent worker status over employee status (34%) more than half would prefer to work as an employee instead of as an independent worker (52%) SHRM’s research demonstrates that there is no longer one traditional worker The individuals within these categories have unique backgrounds all of which policymakers must consider when crafting labor laws ​An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees SHRM provides content as a service to its readers and members. It does not offer legal advice, and cannot guarantee the accuracy or suitability of its content for a particular purpose. Disclaimer Renew today for unlimited access to member content Your Executive Network membership is nearing its expiration Renew your Executive Network benefits today PAppointments A lawyer who has just joined one of North Wales’s oldest legal firms was inspired to specialise in divorce and child arrangement cases after working as a volunteer at her university’s law clinic. Esme Rowson, 24, originally from Shropshire, has just joined Swayne Johnson which has offices across North Wales and Cheshire and where she is part of the Family Law team and based at their Mold office. Esme graduated with a Law degree from the University of Liverpool in 2021 and joined a law firm in Hoylake on the Wirral in their family department. While studying in Liverpool she volunteered for the University Law Clinic and she said: “That was what sparked my interest in Family Law because we were supporting parents involved in family cases. It’s a very challenging time for a lot of people and it is a privilege to help them navigate their new normal. “Clients are often experiencing really tough and difficult times dealing with matters such as the arrangements for their children or where they will live after separation. “I am delighted to get the chance to continue my career with Swayne Johnson. North Wales is a beautiful area and the firm is very welcoming and I’m really enjoying being a part of the Family Law team.”  Swayne Johnson Head of Family Lisa Harbour said: “We’re delighted to make another high calibre appointment in Esme as we continue to expand our offer to clients. “We offer a comprehensive range of services across a wide area of law and we have the kind of high quality expertise that means clients don’t need to look to firms from outside the area for the legal services they need. “At Swayne Johnson we believe in building relationships with the people who come through our doors and providing them with the reassurance that they’re dealing with people who know and understand them and those are qualities that Esme brings to her role.” Away from work, Esme is a keen walker and she and two friends are planning to tackle a gruelling challenge this autumn, the Long Mynd Hike, a 24-hour figure of eight walk over the Shropshire Hills, near Church Stretton. “I’m looking forward to it but I know it’s going to be difficult and although I enjoy walking I’m going to have to do some serious training. “I have already started and it helps that I enjoy hiking and we’re hoping to do the Sandstone Trail in Cheshire as part of our build-up and that’s about 30 miles. “I’d like to raise money for two charities that are very important to me – the Air Ambulance and the Severn Hospice as both have been there for family members at crucial times. “I’m from a rural area so the Air Ambulance is vital and the Severn Hospice also provides important care for members of the community.” and highly targeted distribution networks offers our clients a proven strategically connected one-stop-shop solution for all regions and business sectors in Wales and beyond So you wonder: Is it safe to eat moldy bread—you’d cut off the bad stuff a food safety expert and associate teaching professor at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies So is it safe to toss the fuzzed-up slices but eat the rest And what’s the best way to stop bread from molding so fast in the first place Read on to find out more about all things mold because this is your best shot at making sure your sandwich plans are never foiled by fungi again it is practically a dream food for mold,” Dr bread makes the perfect incubator for those sly little spores some types are more susceptible than others Even though it isn’t always visible with the naked eye you expose it to the surrounding environment offering an opportunity for drifting spores to settle on the surface Under the right conditions (think warmth and humidity) those spores will then start to proliferate—“almost invisibly at first,” Dr you’ll see those familiar fuzzy spots starting to form Of the more than 1.5 million species of mold estimated to exist a few are especially likely to blame for your spoiled slice “One of the most common culprits is Rhizopus stolonifer,” Dr stolonifer starts off as fuzzy white spots that then turn gray or black Other top suspects include Penicillium molds which often manifest as blue-green patches Unfortunately, the answer is a hard no. By the first hint of discoloration on any slice, your entire loaf is a goner. “Once mold forms, just throw it out,” Martin Bucknavage, MS a senior food safety extension associate at Pennsylvania State University that rule of thumb holds true even if you take a knife to the bad parts “What many people don’t realize is that once mold appears root-like structures known as hyphae penetrate deep into the interior it’s impossible to tell just by looking at your loaf how far the contamination has spread and whether any portion is still untouched so it’s always better to err on the side of caution Even if only the slices on the end are visibly moldy since mold spores can travel between the individual pieces so a one-off moldy bite isn’t likely to do you in mycotoxins are “just really bad players,” Bucknavage says Not only will cutting off moldy spots fail to salvage your loaf so you can forget about sticking your slice in the toaster or microwave for a lil’ heat treatment but it doesn’t destroy potential mycotoxins,” Dr but you’re not completely defenseless: Storing your loaf correctly can prevent it from spoiling before its time So should you let your bread chill on the kitchen counter Turns out the correct answer depends on a few different factors By “bread type,” we’re not referring to the specific variety (say we’re talking about the manufacturing process: commercial (think a mass-produced sliced loaf you’d find in a supermarket aisle) versus artisanal or homemade (like a fresh-baked loaf you could buy at a bakery or your grocery store’s baked goods section you need to ask yourself how long it will realistically take to finish the whole loaf commercial bread can stay mold-free at room temperature for a week or more (keep it sealed within its original plastic bag) but artisanal and homemade bread is a different story Confident you can polish it off within a few days dry place like a bread box within a breathable container like a paper bag Just make sure to give the bread box a thorough cleaning in advance especially if you’ve previously had mold issues lingering spores could "hasten the development of mold” on new tenants keep it whole until you’re ready to eat—slicing increases the surface area creating more opportunities for it to dry out the loose covering ensures that moisture doesn’t get trapped against the surface of the bread “You have to let that moisture escape,” Bucknavage says—remember it’s for this reason that paper bags are specifically recommended: Tightly tied plastic bags can “trap moisture and can actually accelerate mold growth,” Dr (This doesn’t really apply to commercial bread because the preservatives counter the effects of the plastic sealing so there’s really not much of a point in transferring it to a paper bag the best method is to apply plastic wrap to your loaf You might also want to preemptively cut it into slices if you anticipate only eating a small amount at a time That’s because while the colder temps might slow mold growth they’ll also trigger changes in starches that hasten staling “causing the bread to harden and kind of dry out,” Bucknavage says Stale bread might not pose a health risk like the moldy stuff but it’s still not exactly a desirable outcome And if you’re spending $7 on high-end rye or pumpernickel you want the best experience possible—meaning stuff that’s not only safe to eat Get more of SELF's great service journalism delivered right to your inbox. Condensation can often be a significant sign of black mold particularly when paired with odors or visible spores Cleaning and damp professionals explain how to banish black mold and stop it returning in the future If there's one thing you really don't want to find in your home This fungus can trigger or worsen health problems such as allergies asthma and a multitude of respiratory issues so treating it as soon as possible is crucial Here, we spoke to cleaning, HVAC and mold surveyors to find out how to deal with this common type of household mold and how to know it's time to call in the professionals instead getting rid of black mold is only the first step to ensuring your home is mold-free for good Robert Vaughn, managing director of Damp Detectives explains whether on a surface or a damp environment You can clean it off as many times as you like but new mold will continue to form whilst the damp problem exists the best way to combat mold and damp is to locate the source and remedy it.' Cleaning mold can send spores into the air so if you suffer severe allergies Evie Graham, professional cleaner and founder of Waste Direct says 'To choose a reputable mold removal company Ensure they follow industry standards for mold remediation A good company should offer at least three different types of air quality tests after treatment.' or air-conditioning system is contaminated with mold spores Pros will then deal with the issue on a commercial level Bethany Uribe, AHERA-certified building inspector at ASAP Restoration explains 'Our favored method for removing black mold at ASAP Restoration is to extract the affected material and to then sand down any affected wood sources to remove existing spores After the wood is sanded and the wet drywall removed our technicians apply an antimicrobial agent to the surfaces that have been contaminated.' This antimicrobial agent sits for 24 hours to kill any mold spores that might be embedded in the materials heat treating the entire area to elevate the ambient temperature above the level that mold can survive may be necessary,' continues Uribe and the area has been completely dried out then and only then can the reconstruction begin.' If you want to deal with the problem yourself or don't feel it's necessary to call in the pros yet these are some methods you can try instead: Most experts agree that the first DIY step in dealing with a black mold problem and removing mold stains is a simple wash and scrub with dish soap you can clean it off with a soap and water solution this will not get rid of black mold entirely as you are not remedying the source of the mold,' but it's certainly a good place to start you can follow up with a store-bought mold spray to effectively kill spores and stop them returning for good This concentrated dish soap can also be used to pre-treat laundry stains and remove grease and grime from all around the home These sponges are tough enough to clean away mold, but won't scratch or damage surfaces and can be cleaned in the top rack of your dishwasher microwave a damp sponge for a minute to kill spores This prevention kit and cleaner kills mold and mildew instantly and removes stubborn stains in seconds with ready-made formulas recommends using white vinegar for areas of mold found on porous surfaces white vinegar is the best choice,' she says 'The vinegar will penetrate to kill the mold and mildew at the root these scrubbing brushes have stiff bristles to remove mold from cracks and crevices without damaging surfaces As Hayley Gilbert, contributing editor at Homes & Gardens says, 'Cleaning with baking soda has proven successful if you want to get rid of black mold from grout between tiles Apply the paste to the grout using an old toothbrush then let it work its magic for 20 minutes before rinsing away with cold water.' While this is perfectly safe to use importantly never store this mixture in a closed container You might also want to try mixing a teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water From cooking and baking to cleaning and deodorizing this baking soda can be used all around the home this tea tree essential oil is undiluted without fillers or additives These microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning mold as they can be washed after use in the washing machine and easily dried in your best clothes dryer and either method will benefit from a pre-soak in white vinegar first This large bottle of liquid laundry detergent is enough for 128 loads of great-smelling laundry formulated to deeply clean with a lasting scent the following are some common sources of water intrusion which is always the source of black mold growth: One way to control dampness is to protect external wood, brick, or stonework from the rain, says Gordon Grainger, Director at Kingfisher Building Products 'Driving rain can soak through masonry over 2 feet think in as little as 24 hours,' he explains Another effective way to kill mold is to dry out the area it is attempting to grow recommends AHERA-certified building inspector Uribe or laundry rooms with poor drainage,' she says 'Keeping these areas heated will help to reduce the chances of mold growth simply because mold has an ideal temperature and moisture range in which to live and thrive keep the area dry and outside of the temperature mold growth zone.' 'Don't just place them in damp corners,' she continues 'You need to create what we call 'moisture channels' – strategic pathways that guide humid air away from problem areas I always tell clients to place dehumidifiers opposite to air vents creating a cross-current that actually moves moisture out instead of just collecting it.' to actually find the source of the problem Graham describes heat mapping walls as 'the biggest game-changer.' 'Before spending thousands on mold treatment get a basic infrared camera (you can rent them) and scan your walls at different times of day I've found that mold problems often start in places you'd never suspect like behind seemingly dry walls where cold pipes create condensation points.' Ventilating your home with tricks such as the shock-ventilation technique is also a good idea or 800ml of water per day with a large 77.5 oz capacity tank and auto shut-off function and moisture and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use where mold tends to thrive in the surface layers.To use rubbing alcohol to kill mold mix it in equal parts with water in a spray bottle and generously spritz the moldy areas making sure to saturate the mold thoroughly Allow the solution to sit for about 10-15 minutes so it can penetrate and kill the spores scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush or a clean cloth to remove the visible mold rinse the area well with clean water and let it air dry completely in a sunny don't add too much water or saturate with your spray as this may conversely encourage mold growth Keep in mind that while rubbing alcohol is highly effective on non-porous surfaces it might not penetrate deeply enough into porous materials and additional treatments may be required inconspicuous area first to ensure the rubbing alcohol doesn't damage the material recovery ventilation is more important than cleaning,' says Graham 'You can honestly clean mold all day but if your air isn't moving properly Next, learn how to check for mold in your house Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups Ottilie BlackhallNews WriterOttilie joined Homes & Gardens last year after finishing a Master's in Magazine Journalism at City With previous contributions in Livingetc and Motorsport Magazine she produces content for the Solved section on the website focusing on clever tips and tricks to keep your home beautiful She also has a Master's degree in English Literature and History of Art from the University of Edinburgh where she developed a love for inspiring interiors and architecture NIKE uses sport science, body mapping, and 3D molds to produce apparel and wearable tech that are ideal for sprinting The brand has a goal for this new series of production: NIKE is attempting to break a running record of a mile in just four minutes The Kenyan native isn’t a stranger to the brand They’ve been working together for 16 years.  Recently, NIKE has produced a 3D printed sneaker patterned to the athlete’s physiological and foot needs made using AI It’s a way for the brand to refresh the way it makes its shoes it begins NIKE’s sport science flair to make a series of wearable tech for Faith Kipyegon so she can beat the sprinting record it’s also a time for the brand to produce a fresh set of high-tech collections for its fans The NIKE sport-science team supporting Faith Kipyegon’s wearable tech and apparel is based in Beaverton, Oregon, the brand’s headquarters. Here, the engineers and designers are testing and designing footwear and apparel design for the athlete’s run When the athlete visited the Nike Sport Research Lab in January 2025 the team scanned and monitored her body and feet They’ve been using these scans for a 3D mold which they use to design models of potential wearables and VO2 max testing as part of its sport science technique to help create a series of apparel and wearable tech for the athlete’s run The brand is also in talks with Faith Kipyegon when it comes to the color palette and design direction of the fit there’s no news yet on the style and hues of the collection Aside from the sport and engineering side of the research NIKE also investigates the physiology and mind science that can help enhance Faith Kipyegon’s performance before and during the run in June 2025 It includes finding ways for the athlete to achieve running each of her four laps an average of nearly two seconds faster NIKE says it’s already a significant accomplishment considering it took 34 years to trim eight seconds off of Paula Ivan’s record in 1989 when women’s mile times were first tracked NIKE uses sport science to produce apparel and wearable tech that are ideal for sprinting Faith Kipyegon is poised to be the first woman to ever run a mile in just She set her fastest record time in 2023 at a Diamond League meeting in Monaco with 4:07.64 she has become the first woman to beat the feat that Roger Bannister first surpassed around 70 years ago she earned her third Olympic gold medal and set a new record in 2024 in the women’s 1,500 meters The mile has become a benchmark for athletic prowess among the athletes in the US It is also a time-beating test that Faith Kipyegon eyes to beat The plan is to shred at least 7.65 seconds from her record to set the new one The NIKE athlete is to make an attempt at the milestone on June 26th It is the same track on which she set new world records in the 5,000-meter in 2023 and the 1,500-meter in 2024 She’s going back to Paris to take home another new record she’s working with NIKE and its sport science wiz to produce wearable tech that meets her needs The athlete is training at the Global Sports Communication Camp in western Kenya she’s backed by a team of engineers and designers all of whom are preparing the high-tech pieces she can wear to help her break the running record the brand is attempting to break a running record of a mile in just four minutes with Faith Kipyegon NIKE also investigates the physiology and mind science to help Faith Kipyegon’s performance the athlete has to run each of her four laps an average of nearly two seconds faster to break the record Faith Kipyegon is poised to be the first woman to ever run a mile in four minutes the attempt at the milestone is set on June 26th brand: NIKE | @nike athlete: Faith Kipyegon | @faithkipyegon AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style The Salvation Army charity shop in Mold celebrates its 25th anniversary next month with an appeal for volunteers.   It opened in 2000 on Wrexham Street and is made up of a charity shop with a café offering good quality food and drink at affordable prices to local people.   “We really enjoy getting to know our customers and have a lot of regulars whilst other days give us the chance to really engage in conversation Some of our regulars enjoy starting their day here so they can be with other people rather than at home alone Our volunteers are key to our friendly atmosphere They provide a great service and are happy to sit and talk to customers whether it's chatting about the plot line of a soap opera or being a friend to those going through difficult times.”  Running a charity shop and café requires constant help and support from volunteers Major Douglas Hayter says they are looking for more people to join their team:   “We simply couldn’t survive without our volunteers who make up most of our staff,” said Major Hayter the cook who makes our fabulous cakes as well as the gentleman who works on the till and the team sorting out donations and preparing clothes for sale we need people who can work independently and can support the other volunteers working here We love seeing our team develop new skills and come to thrive in this place.”  To mark their quarter-of-a-century anniversary the church and charity are holding a special celebration meeting with tea and biscuits at the café on Sunday 23 March.  Anyone wishing to volunteer can contact mold@salvationarmy.org.uk or call the shop on: 01352 757998 (Tues – Sat)  Help us to continue to be there for people in their hour of need. Copyright © The Salvation Army 2025 The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity in England (214779), Wales (214779), Scotland (SC009359) and the Republic of Ireland (CHY6399) The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, 1 Champion Park, London, SE5 8FJ​​ Spot the signs of mold, which can remove plant nutrients, reduce growth, and lead to diseases and other stressors. Madeline Buiano is an editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home. Black mold, which can cause concerning health issues, thrives in humid and moist conditions fueled by climate change Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. thrives in humid and moist conditions fueled by climate change I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Americans Googled “black mold” more than ever this year as humid and hot conditions - which are ripe for its growth - plagued much of the country Exposure to black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, can be dangerous, leading to an immune system disorder, skin conditions and respiratory symptoms and infections Understanding prevention is key to stopping any potential health risks., which might explain the spike in searches. In August, there were 697,215 searches using that term, according to new research conducted by product review brand Expert Reviews. They used data sourced from Google Trends and trend monitor Glimpse Notably, summer 2024 was the Northern Hemisphere’s warmest on record, and August was the planet’s hottest August in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 175-year record The sweltering conditions were fueled by climate change and record warmth has continued through November though much of the nation has recently been in drought From August to October there were nearly two million searches for black mold and residents also searched for symptoms related to exposure Monthly searches for “mold symptoms” hit the highest level ever in October Expert Reviews said that most of those searching were from West Virginia Michigan saw its fifth-wettest summer on record, with storms causing major power outages. Maine also had a historically warm season Thunderstorms caused flash flooding in the Northeast and along the coast “Clearly many Americans are experiencing and dealing with black mold especially in northern and eastern states where it’s more humid and are concerned about the health impacts it can have Water damaged and humid homes are an ideal breeding ground for this type of harmful mold – the recent storms that have hit the US may also have influenced these searches,” Danielle Amato Humidity is continuing to increase due to climate change, according to non-profit Climate Central The group said in 2020 that the frequency of extreme heat and humidity had already doubled in most US locations from the periods between 1980 to 1999 and 2000 to 2019 Mold grows where there is excessive moisture cropping up around windows and doors and creeping up walls and ceilings The spores often drop in places with leakage and where there has been flooding For families living in homes affected by black mold growth, associated health issues can mean a trip to the hospital. But, they can also be more mild. More than 75,000 hospitalizations occur every year for fungal diseases according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention In those cases, continued exposure could lead to permanent lung damage. To prevent these health impacts and other related risks, health authorities recommend keeping humidity levels in the home no higher than 50 percent all day, to be sure that air flows freely, to fix any leaks in roofs or walls, to dry out a home quickly after a flood, to clean bathrooms with mold-killing products, and to add mold inhibitors to paints before painting. To clean mold that is already growing, use soap and water, household products, or a bleach solution of no more than a coup of household laundry bleach in a gallon of water. Homeowners should never mix bleach with other cleaners or ammonia, because that will produce a poisonous gas. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Here’s what to know","description":"Black mold