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Mold articles & guides.

Straight answers on mold, indoor air quality, testing, and remediation — from the specialists at Pure Maintenance of Central Illinois.

Mold Mitigation vs. Remediation
January 16, 2025

Mold Mitigation vs. Remediation

Mold growth in homes and businesses is a common problem that can lead to significant health risks and structural damage if not properly addressed. When it…

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The Truth About “Invisible Mold”
December 20, 2024

The Truth About “Invisible Mold”

Mold is often associated with visible, fuzzy growths on walls, ceilings, or other damp surfaces. However, not all mold is visible to the naked eye…

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Is There Mold in Your Furnace?
October 30, 2024

Is There Mold in Your Furnace?

When people think of mold issues at home, they often imagine damp basements, bathrooms, or kitchens. However, a lesser-known and potentially hazardous…

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What Causes Black Mold?
September 16, 2024

What Causes Black Mold?

Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is a particularly dangerous form of mold that can cause serious health problems, including respiratory issues…

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Mold in Schools: Protecting Students & Staff
August 27, 2024

Mold in Schools: Protecting Students & Staff

Mold in schools is a growing concern that often goes unnoticed until it begins to negatively affect the health of students, teachers, and staff. Schools…

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Mold Exposure: Unknown Side Effects
August 12, 2024

Mold Exposure: Unknown Side Effects

When most people think of mold exposure, they typically associate it with respiratory issues like sneezing, coughing, or worsening asthma symptoms…

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How Often Should You Test Your Home for Mold?
July 24, 2024

How Often Should You Test Your Home for Mold?

Mold is a common household issue that can have serious health implications if not addressed promptly. It thrives in damp, warm environments and can spread…

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What Does Mold Smell Like? Identifying & Differentiating Musty Odors
July 8, 2024

What Does Mold Smell Like? Identifying & Differentiating Musty Odors

Mold is a common household issue, often linked to various health problems and structural damage. One of the primary indicators of mold is its distinctive…

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The Role of Ventilation in Preventing Mold
June 25, 2024

The Role of Ventilation in Preventing Mold

Mold is a common household problem that can lead to significant health issues and structural damage if left unchecked. While there are various ways to…

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Professional Mold Remediation: When to Call for Help?
June 3, 2024

Professional Mold Remediation: When to Call for Help?

Mold is a common issue that many homeowners face, and it can cause significant health problems and property damage if left unchecked. While some minor…

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Can Mold Exposure Effect Heart Health?
May 13, 2024

Can Mold Exposure Effect Heart Health?

Mold is a common environmental issue that many of us encounter in our daily lives, often growing unnoticed in our homes, workplaces, and outdoor…

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Can Mold Exposure Cause Digestive Problems?
April 22, 2024

Can Mold Exposure Cause Digestive Problems?

Mold exposure is a commonly overlooked environmental issue that can have serious impacts on health, including digestive problems. Understanding the…

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Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality
April 9, 2024

Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality

The air quality inside our homes can sometimes be more polluted than the air outside, affecting our health and well-being without us even realizing it…

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Can VaPURE Treatment Remove Mold Spores in the Air?
March 26, 2024

Can VaPURE Treatment Remove Mold Spores in the Air?

VaPURE treatment is an innovative and effective method for reducing mold spores in the air, which are often the cause of various health issues and…

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There’s Mold in Your Home. Now What?
March 12, 2024

There’s Mold in Your Home. Now What?

Discovering mold in your home can be unsettling. It’s not just an aesthetic issue; mold can cause health problems and indicate underlying issues with…

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Understanding Mold Regulations in Illinois
February 27, 2024

Understanding Mold Regulations in Illinois

In the State of Illinois, the concern over indoor air quality, especially relating to mold in residential and commercial properties, has grown…

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Signs of Mold Illness in Senior Citizens
February 19, 2024

Signs of Mold Illness in Senior Citizens

Mold exposure and its related health concerns are increasingly significant issues, particularly in the homes of senior citizens. As our loved ones age…

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What are Mycotoxins?
February 5, 2024

What are Mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of molds. These molds can grow on a variety of surfaces and substances, particularly in…

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How to Winterproof Your Home to Prevent Mold Growth
November 6, 2023

How to Winterproof Your Home to Prevent Mold Growth

Winterizing your home is not only about keeping the cold out but also about preventing the potential growth of mold, which can thrive under the right…

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VaPURE Treatment Safety Measures
September 6, 2023

VaPURE Treatment Safety Measures

VaPURE treatment is an amazing technology that gets rid of mold in a fast, efficient manner. But let’s face it, when it comes to introducing any new…

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VaPURE Treatment FAQ
August 22, 2023

VaPURE Treatment FAQ

As a locally owned business specializing in VaPURE treatment mold remediation right here in Champaign, we’ve had our fair share of questions about our…

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VaPURE Treatment Mold Remediation vs. Encapsulation
July 18, 2023

VaPURE Treatment Mold Remediation vs. Encapsulation

Mold growth can be a persistent and concerning issue for homeowners and property owners. When it comes to mold remediation, various methods are available…

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Why Mold Remediation Certifications Are Important
June 27, 2023

Why Mold Remediation Certifications Are Important

Proper certifications play a crucial role in the mold remediation industry, ensuring that companies have the necessary knowledge, skills and expertise to…

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Landscaping for Mold Prevention: A Comprehensive Guide
June 4, 2023

Landscaping for Mold Prevention: A Comprehensive Guide

Mold prevention is a crucial aspect of maintaining a well-maintained and comfortable living environment. While many people focus on interior measures to…

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7 Mold Species That Strive During Summer
May 23, 2023

7 Mold Species That Strive During Summer

Memorial Day – the unofficial start to the summer in Central Illinois – is almost here!

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Can Smoking Indoors Cause Mold Growth?
May 9, 2023

Can Smoking Indoors Cause Mold Growth?

Many people are aware that smoking cigarettes is harmful to their health and can cause lung cancer, heart disease and a range of other health problems…

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Mold Remediation Complete: Now What?
April 20, 2023

Mold Remediation Complete: Now What?

Mold is a common problem in many homes and can pose a serious health risk to occupants if left untreated. While DIY methods for mold removal may seem like…

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Manual Mold Remediation vs. VaPURE Treatment
March 28, 2023

Manual Mold Remediation vs. VaPURE Treatment

Mold is the most common home contaminate. About 1 in 5 people are allergic to mold, but anyone who is exposed to mold can experience allergy-like…

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Media Blasting vs. VaPURE Treatment Mold Remediation
March 14, 2023

Media Blasting vs. VaPURE Treatment Mold Remediation

Mold is one of the last words you want to hear if you’re a homeowner (right up there with water leak and termites). Mold is damaging, dangerous, and hard…

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How to Find Hidden Leaks in Your Home?
February 28, 2023

How to Find Hidden Leaks in Your Home?

The average cost to repair water damage is $3-7 per square foot, which doesn’t sound like a lot at first, but when you consider the floor, walls, ceiling…

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Best Types of Flooring to Prevent Mold Growth
February 13, 2023

Best Types of Flooring to Prevent Mold Growth

Mold can grow anywhere the conditions are right. Our homes are sealed tightly and provide the perfect temperatures and all other ideal conditions for…

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How to Design a Mold-Proof Kitchen
January 31, 2023

How to Design a Mold-Proof Kitchen

Mold is responsible for causing allergy-like symptoms in well-maintained adults, but for a lot of people, exposure to mold can put their health in serious…

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5 Life Hacks for Mold Prevention
January 16, 2023

5 Life Hacks for Mold Prevention

Mold exposure can make your family very sick, and the presence of a mold can weaken the very structure of your home.

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Mold vs. Fungus
January 4, 2023

Mold vs. Fungus

Mold is a common concern for homeowners. They look for signs and take precautions to prevent it from getting a foothold in the most likely places like the…

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Christmas Tree Syndrome & Mold
December 22, 2022

Christmas Tree Syndrome & Mold

One of a great things about a real Christmas tree is the aroma it gives off. Nothing says Christmas like the smell of fresh pine, fir or spruce. This…

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Don’t Use Bleach to Clean Mold
December 12, 2022

Don’t Use Bleach to Clean Mold

Bleach is a disinfectant, not a household cleaner. It should be used with other products (preferably after) to sanitize surfaces, not as your first line…

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Does Mold Cause Headaches?
November 28, 2022

Does Mold Cause Headaches?

Headaches always have a cause. Whether it’s too much time on your phone or computer, dehydration, or something else entirely, you can usually trace a…

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How to Remove Mold from Concrete Walls
November 15, 2022

How to Remove Mold from Concrete Walls

In basements, the moisture content can get very high. And since many American basements are considered “unfinished,” meaning that they have concrete walls…

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Benefits of VaPURE Treatment Mold Removal
October 31, 2022

Benefits of VaPURE Treatment Mold Removal

Mold in a home is proven to cause allergy-like symptoms, headaches, and more. Insomnia, migraines, and inability to focus have all been linked to mold…

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What is Mold Fatigue?
October 17, 2022

What is Mold Fatigue?

Many people are aware of the most common mold symptoms: respiratory issues, coughing, sneezing, headaches, and rashes. Fatigue is not usually considered a…

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How to Prevent Mold in Your Attic
October 3, 2022

How to Prevent Mold in Your Attic

Mold is easy to spot in most areas of your home, but when it begins in a place that you don’t – or can’t – see, it’s potential for growth is limitless…

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Can Mold Return Following Remediation?
September 19, 2022

Can Mold Return Following Remediation?

If you have had a mold problem in your home, you know that it’s a long, complex process to get rid of it. From testing to mold removal, it can take…

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August 22, 2022

Newborns & Mold in Your Home

Babies are exposed to germs the minute they enter this world. From putting their hands in their mouth to the air they breathe, there are allergens and…

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Are There Good Types of Mold?
August 8, 2022

Are There Good Types of Mold?

When you hear the word mold, you probably don’t think about the many benefits of this tiny organism. Instead, you probably think about mold growth in your…

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Is There Mold in Your Ductwork?
July 26, 2022

Is There Mold in Your Ductwork?

Ask anyone where mold is likely to grow, and they’ll say the bathroom, the basement, and maybe even the attic. But would you think about the duct work in…

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July 12, 2022

Signs of Mold During a Home Inspection

Buying a home with mold is setting you up for future problems with your home and your health. A mold inspection from a professional – even if it is part…

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Which Type of Black Mold is Toxic?
June 27, 2022

Which Type of Black Mold is Toxic?

“Black mold” is a phrase that strikes fear into homeowners, home sellers, and contractors alike.

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June 14, 2022

Is It Time for a Mold Test?

Mold testing doesn’t tell you if there is mold in your home … if you know anything about mold, you know that there is mold inside every home. It’s in the…

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May 31, 2022

DIY Mold Removal Mistakes

The lure of saving money is enough to convince many homeowners to take on DIY projects they probably shouldn’t be doing.

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May 17, 2022

Is Mold Growth More Common in Summer?

Yes, mold is extremely common in summer, but it can be a concern any time of year if the conditions are right.

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May 2, 2022

Basement Mold? Check Your Sump Pump

A sump pump can give you peace of mind regarding flooding in your home. These devices are designed to detect excess groundwater and flooding, particularly…

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April 18, 2022

Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

We all want to believe the air in our home is clean to breathe, but because of modern manufacturing practices and our own habits, it probably isn’t as…

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April 6, 2022

Should You Install a Hygrometer in Your Home?

Mold appears as black, greenish, or even pink spots in the bathroom, kitchen, garage and attic most commonly. But mold can grow anywhere in your home as…

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Is There Mold in Your Air Conditioner?
March 22, 2022

Is There Mold in Your Air Conditioner?

Mold is hardy. It can grow anywhere in your home as long as the conditions are right. Bathrooms, garages and attics are the most common places to find…

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Are There Mold-Resistant Building Materials?
March 8, 2022

Are There Mold-Resistant Building Materials?

Basements, bathrooms and kitchens are hotspots for mold. However, if you have a leak or busted pipe, nowhere in your home is immune to mold. Once water…

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Do You Have Mold Mites?
February 22, 2022

Do You Have Mold Mites?

The term “mold mites” combines two terms that make most homeowner’s skin crawl. No one wants to find out that their homes are infested with mold nor tiny…

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February 10, 2022

How to Improve Your Home’s Air Quality?

Better air quality can keep your family more comfortable and even improve your quality of life, your sleep, and maybe even help you live longer. And with…

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Does Mold Die When It Is Dry?
January 26, 2022

Does Mold Die When It Is Dry?

Mold thrives in moist environments, so logic would say mold dies if one of its key components isn’t available. But mold is a lot more complicated than…

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January 12, 2022

Is There Mold in Your Carpet?

Carpet is the perfect hiding place for mold. It supplies everything mold needs to grow, under cover yet dangerously close to you and your family.

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Does Mold Grow in the Winter?
December 27, 2021

Does Mold Grow in the Winter?

There’s no denying that summer is prime time for mold growth. There is definitely a link between the weather and the rate of mold growth. We typically see…

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Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation
December 15, 2021

Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation

Mold is mold, no matter where you find it or how severe the issue is.

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November 30, 2021

Hidden Mold Spots in Your Home

You’ll immediately see mold on your shower or tub, and you’ll probably spot it inside your garage or in the kitchen. These are all common places to find…

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What is Pink Mold?
November 4, 2021

What is Pink Mold?

Mold is a naturally occurring substance, impossible to escape whether indoors or out. It becomes a problem when it develops a colony within your home…

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