Does Your Bathroom Promote Mildew

Does your Bathroom Promote Mildew?

"I needed to get rid of mildew to recaulk a bathtub, without using strong chemicals like Clorox, which would aggravate ADHD and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Our original bathroom has no exhaust fan and the window is stuck shut. A couple years of showers take their toll. I had serious black mildew under a white vinyl self adhesive strip caulking substitute. I pulled up the strip first, revealing the sheer grossness of the mildew." - Ruth

"Mildew is defined as a common name for mold or fungi, often used in reference to fungal growth on bathroom tiles and fixtures," according to Microbial Diagnostics, a national company recognized for its expertise in microbial contamination and indoor air quality. Mildew produces spores, microscopic seeds, which germinate in warm and moist environments floating through the air like pollen.

Mildew can be distinctly identified from other molds by its thin, sheet-like appearance that will frequently cover an entire surface. It can be black or white in color and leaves a musty, sour smelling odor. The key to mildew control is moisture control.

The bathroom in your home may be creating an environment which promotes mildew growth. The hot showers and baths taken in a bathroom not well ventilated will cause humidity to build up, encouraging the growth of mildew. Mildew in bathrooms grows on the walls and doors of the shower and bath tub as it feeds on body oils and soap scum which is trapped on grout, curtains, and tiling. Poor lighting in the bathroom is another factor that contributes to mildew growth.

There are health factors related to mold and mildew in your bathroom as well as other rooms in your home. People are affected by mildew when the mold spores are either touched or breathed into the lungs. Where there is a high concentration of mold or mildew, allergic symptoms may appear such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, coughing, wheezing, difficulty with breathing, headaches, fatigue and skin irritations. Those most susceptible to being adversely affected by mildew are infants and children, elderly persons, those with weakened immune systems and those who suffer with respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies.

• In the bathroom, mildew will appear on the walls of your shower or bathtub, on shower curtains, grouting, and tiling having the appearance of a thin, sheet like mold.
• Mildew covers the surface and may be black or white.
  

• Keep your bathroom well ventilated with an exhaust fan.
• Consider repainting your bathroom with mildew proof paint designed for high moisture areas
• Wipe down bath and shower after each use, try using a squeegee
• After washing your shower curtain, immerse it in salt water to prevent future mildew growth
• Hang wet towels and washcloths up promptly to deter mildew growth.

HEALTHY TIPS TO RID YOUR BATHROOM OF MILDEW:

• Mold and mildew counts dramatically increase during removal, so consider taking some precautions
• Anyone with allergies, asthma or emphysema should not do clean up.
• Open windows during clean up for ventilation.
• Turn on exhaust fan.
• Shut off bathroom vents to other parts of the house to prevent spores from traveling.
• Wear rubber gloves

If you are experiencing mildew problems in your bathroom, don't use bleach on them because bleach is very bad for your health.  There is a product that works the same as bleach and is less harmful to your household.  It is called Melaleuca Tub and Tile.  You can learn about this and other things at http://agreeneryouconsultan.wix.com/home-business

Hot Spots On Your Dog And What to Do About It.

THOSE UNSIGHTLY AND PAINFUL HOT SPOTS IN DOGS

Hot spots or "acute moist dermatitis" is a bacterial infection appearing on your dog characterized by hair loss and an oozing, red and inflamed sore. The bacterial infection begins with a skin irritation to the dog which causes extremely uncomfortable itching. To alleviate the itching, the dog begins scratching, licking and chewing the area incessantly to gain relief. These bacterial infections not only appear very quickly but once the dog has begun the vicious cycle of scratching, licking and chewing, the infection becomes worsened very rapidly.

The most prevalent irritants to the dog's skin are fleas and allergies but there are many other causes such as ear infections, poor grooming, mange, or other insect bites. Boredom and stress have also been linked to hot spots.

Hot spots are most commonly found on the legs, feet, flank and rump where the dog can most easily access to scratch and lick, but they are also found on the ears, neck and chest. Long- haired dogs most commonly are afflicted with hot spots because bacteria become trapped under the long hair, creating a perfect environment for the bacteria to thrive. Dogs with floppy ears also commonly get hot spots because air does not circulate readily, fostering hot spots on cheeks and under ears.

• Area of hair loss with very reddened and infected skin
• Abundance of scratching, licking and chewing to the affected area
• Sore that omits an odor

• First step in the healing process is to keep the hot spot dry by cutting excess hair from around the infected area and allowing air to flow freely.
• Discover the possible irritants such as fleas or allergies.
• If you suspect allergies, work with your vet to discover solutions.
• Keep flees off your dog.
• Regularly bathe your dog to keep the hair coat in good condition.
• Keep your dog well groomed.
• Feed your dog a healthy, balanced diet.

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