I Thought My Home Was Safe. I Was Wrong.
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- Опубликовано: 5 фев 2025
- I thought my home was safe, but my health is telling a different story. In this video, I share my journey of uncovering hidden mold and bacteria issues in my rental, the symptoms I’ve been experiencing, and the creative solutions I’ve had to implement since moving out isn’t really an option.
From Pathways Testing to DIY fixes like taping baseboards (and more), I’ve had to think outside the box to make this space livable. If you’re dealing with mold in a rental, this video will likely be useful to you.
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It took me 10 years to figure out what was making me sick and where the mold was. Plus I now know strange symptoms I had when I was a kid was also mold symptoms. About half the homes I go look at have some kind of mold smell. Homes being built with moldy lumber seems to becoming more common. Ours was.
Same! I had lots of strange symptoms as a kid - I had to get my tonsils and adenoids removed. That was likely from biotoxin illness, I believe. I agree, most homes either smell like fragrance or mold. Very few smell like nothing. Anyway, I'm glad you're finally getting to the bottom of your health issues.
Youve helped me so much and i really like how authentic, intelligent and thoughtful you are on your videos. Hope you and your finance can find a place that allows for healing and positive experiences.
That means so much to me, thank you!
Your wisdom shines at 5:20 in this video, when you honestly describe the mistake of choosing western Washington over the paradise of lower cost, spacious, friendly, and very dry side that is eastern Washington.
Glad to see you are learning and sharing good details, and now have only a couple hundred miles left in wise relocation.
Welcome to this neighborhood asap!
Yup. I love eastern Washington. We almost moved to Wenatchee. But ended up choosing Colorado instead.
This is hands down the best RUclips channel on mold. Thank you so much for sharing what you've learned. It's so hard to find helpful information and I love your scientific approach. I hope that some day soon there are strict regulations when it comes to the way homes, washing machines, etc., are built and maintained to protect our health from mold. It's wild how unregulated things are right now! I had to break my lease a few months ago from a moldy apartment (lost so much weight and muscle that I barely recognize myself at times) and so far am feeling better in my new, seemingly mold-free apartment. However, I accidentally left my car windows open when it rained recently so now there's that to deal with lol. Hope you feel better soon! Take care of yourself because we "moldies" need you!
Your comment made my day. I do what I do so I can connect with and help people like you. I hope you’re able to continue to recover in your new apartment. Congratulations on leaving the moldy one and prioritizing your health. That takes courage. I know from experience. And I know how scary it is to lose lots of weight. I feel like everyone’s out here trying to lose weight and I’m like…😐 I’ll take your excess weight any day 😅
yours is in the pantheon of most important youtube channels. endless thanks.
Wow, that’s incredibly kind of you to say, thank you!
Sorry to hear you are struggling again. Your tips actually helped ne immensely, although i too am again constantly sick in this heating season (mostly whenever i let stuff go admittedly). Keep us updated, i hope you get well soon and find a way to relax. It's exhausting, i relate. Lately though i just decided to not let it stop me and to do stuff while feeling sick. Now i am even more exhausted, but stuff is being done and even if i am having only 50% of fun i normally would it is still fun, you know? This isn't even advice, cause obviously i pay for that lind of attitude in my own way. Just an option.
I relate so much to your comment. To everything you said. I feel like I'm damned if I relax too much and damned if I do too much. It's a balance I guess? I've actually been doing this thing where I sit on my couch and do absolutely nothing for 10 minutes a day. Probably the healthiest practice I've ever done (or...not done). Though sometimes I forget to do it (or...not do it haha).
I find that mechanical cleaning of the sink trap is much more effective than any chemical cleaner.
Get a bucket, some gloves, and a mask. It's usually really easy to disconnect that u-bend by hand. I had an extra dirty, extra clogged sink. I took a nice thin rod (stick), and pushed through a wad of paper towel down the sink neck after removing the sink stopper. This worked way better than any harsh and toxic chemical like draino.
Your channel has been immensely helpful to me. I hope to someday contribute a solution to help with these problems.
I really appreciate that, it means a lot!
Thank you for doing the videos. I hope you identify what is causing you to get sick and are able to fix it. Although I am not affected to the extent that you are, I do appreciate all the work and effort you have put into your videos. There are many millions of people that rent and I believe your videos can help those renters have a more healthier life. I know for sure your videos have helped me and my family to improve our living conditions. Great job and don't give up. Nothing worth doing is ever easy.
It's really rewarding to hear that my work is having a positive impact on you guys. I absolutely agree with you that nothing worth doing is ever easy.
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this and I hope you are able to figure it out! Your videos have helped me a lot, and I’m just getting started on my journey.
That means a lot to me, thank you!
Thank you for sharing your story. I can relate so much, even with the trying to find a positive purpose for having to go through all this. Then, constantly mentally re-dedicating myself to healing after constant relapses. It took me years to get diagnosed with mold toxicity, and I also have MTHFR, and at least 6 other gene snips. I also have chronic inflammation/CIRS, Histamine intolerance, food, dust, seasonal allergies and fibromyalgia-like pain, IBS...etc.
You are one of the few people I can ask whether you think this condition gives us our immense capacity to consider the many factors in our quest to heal, or is it our general genetic predisposition to be so thorough? Maybe it is both. Your channel gives me strength to continue finding a solution for me and my family. Your work is invaluable.
You're truly a kindred spirit. I absolutely love the question you asked in your second paragraph. I've thought about that too. I do think it's both. I think that we were born with the potential to be the most meticulous healers, and that our struggles actualize that potential. We CIRS-sufferers are a unique breed, and I'm finding great kinship in this community.
I think people like you and I are here to make the world a safer place for others. It's a burden, and an honor. Maybe when we heal, we'll see it as less of a burden and more of an honor. I wish you well!!
I love the work you're doing and appreciate your videos.
Thanks, I’m glad you find them helpful!
If you ever get a chance to pick your own washer/dryer, I'd consider an all-in-one GE Profile heat pump washer/dryer. No venting to worry about and Matt Risinger pointed out in a recent video that the dryer function means that the area around the door is dry when the cycle is done vs a regular front load washer so he can leave the door closed. I bought a Miele washer and separate heat pump dryer ~3 years ago, which has been nice but had the GE all in one been available I would have opted for it instead. I hope you start to feel better again soon and am glad you're making your way to a dry climate.
That's fantastic advice, thank you! I should do a video on that.
hey man i just wanted to say i appreciate your vids and you should keep making them. i recently went down the humidifier rabbit hole. i know over humidity and mold are your mortal enemies, but still would like to get your take on humidifiers, would love to see a whole video dedicated to them. I just settled on a cheapo honeywell steamer because the evap and ultrasonic ones seemed like unhygienic nightmares. but thats just a standalone unit, i know you do whole house solutions for things typically. anyway just wanted to say i appreciate your vids, i thought of you first when i wanted to look into humidifiers, you are better than the big channels.
That’s very kind, thank you for that comment! You’re in luck. I already do have a video on humidification! It’s called “how healthy is humidifying really?”
I love your content, it motivated me into building my own ERV system in my rental.
Thank you.
That's so awesome!! ERVs are the absolute best. Well done.
Hope you feel better man! Been watching your videos to learn more on cleaning air for my mom’s place. She’s next to a smoker. What a pain. Have learned that little things like using a steam cleaner is great for cleaning without chemicals in our house. We got a cheap one for like $150.
Thank you for the knowledge, insights, experience, resources and ideas for solving mold issues. I have little choice but to find a way to cope with continuing to live in my rented house, and I've already benefited from your videos. I hope the ERMI test gives you valuable information (it did for me) and that you conquer this challenge without having to move.
You're welcome! I'm so glad my videos have been helpful. I'm sooo curious to get the ERMI results.
Hey Alex - Sorry you’re struggling again. I’m an environmental air quality engineer and around your age. I’ve watched all of your videos because they are excellent and because I can relate to your experience. I moved into a brand new high rise that looked spotless, but I found abundant wet dust and microbial growth on the HVAC evaporator coils. There’s always something!
Also, you noted that your body can’t process fat. Have you tried taking lipotropic factors, cholagogues, and choleretics to promote bile flow? Examples are TUDCA, ox bile, dandelion, milk thistle, etc. This helped me a lot while taking bile sequestering binders for biotoxins.
Also curious if you’ve followed the Shoemaker Protocol or Dr. Neil Nathan’s protocol?
Thanks for your comment! There is indeed always something haha. I have tried dandelion, milk thistle, and animal biles, and they've helped a bit, but haven't gotten rid of my issue. I haven't yet done heavy binders or followed the Shoemaker protocol, but I will be in the coming months. I'm really hoping it helps!
Sorry to hear of the struggle. Please also consider a compounding effect from gluten and wheat intolerance. I've seen this in someone with a very similar symptom profile. And for eczema, cutting out dairy can make a big difference.
Thank you! Oh, I cut out gluten and dairy long ago, back in 2017.
Love your channel! I would love on protocols for deeply cleaning a new home. I moved into a new home a few years ago and in the basement and garage I can see evidence that there used to be mouse problems in this house. I’ve been following the CDC guidelines to clean the affected areas, but wondering how deeply I should clean these areas that are in the vicinity. would love to see a video on that!
I live in western washington as well and it's new to see someone referring to washington's air quality as anything but clean-ish. I come from a high pollution industrial country overseas so washington has been a godsend to me air quality-wise. I guess I'm just lucky that I don't have the same symptoms as you. My mother however developed lung cancer in my home country that's why I've been in the process of improving my home's air quality. I got the Clean Air Kits Brisk Box as recommended by you and it has worked well. Thank you for spreading all this good information out and I hope you will overcome whatever's impeding you from living a full and healthy life.
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience-I’m so glad the Brisk Box has been working well for you! I wasn’t referring to Washington’s outdoor air quality, which is indeed a breath of fresh air compared to many places. Instead, I was focusing on indoor air quality, which can be a hidden challenge here.
Western Washington’s climate, with its frequent rain and damp winters, often leads to water damage, window condensation, and indoor mold growth. These factors can significantly impact indoor air quality, especially for those of us sensitive to mold or other contaminants. It’s wonderful to hear that you’ve taken steps to improve your home’s air quality, and I deeply admire your commitment given your mother’s experience.
Thank you again for your kind wishes-it means a lot. I hope your journey toward creating a healthy home continues to go smoothly!
You are such a comfort to watch, knowing I am not the only one suffering this much
Your comment brings me comfort too. We'll find healing, I know it.
Just found your channel. Thanks for sharing your struggle. How did you diagnose your mold illness?
Is there a reason to use tape vs caulking the gap from the wall to the floor?
Sorry to hear it's come back! It's amazing that you are helping others by sharing your journey. I am sure you are well aware of the microbiome, but you didn't list it when you said you were considering other things, The microbiome is really at the basis of our entire health. The importance of diet essentially reduces down to the fact that certain foods are fuel to certain microbes. And our microbiome is massively important/central to our immune system.
You could opt for a fecal survey to see your microbiome and then use that to help steer your diet in the best possible way.
I appreciate that :) Absolutely, the microbiome has been on my mind a lot. I've tried a lot of different things to stabilize it. Some made it worse, some are working. I actually had a fecal survey a year ago and apparently I have Blastocystis hominis.
Stay strong! I'm also living in mold and I found that going to the tanning saloon and taking a low dose of methylene blue helps during winter. It makes the mitochondria able to work again and maybe it can help your body heal as well.
Thanks! Last winter, before I moved across the country, I was actually using a narrowband UV-B light therapy booth and it helped me so much. And sunlight itself is so healing.
Your videos will always have so much value to so many people! So many individuals are living in places that are below ideal standards and your content helps to educate and empower people to make the best of it! Keep it up, man! In the mean time, maybe get a robot vacuum to help with all that extra cleaning 😉
Thank you for the support Dylan. That's very kind. I've been thinking about getting a robot vacuum.
Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for having the mindset of going through a difficult portion in your life and turn to teaching about it and not giving up. I wish you luck and hope it starts to turn in your favor soon. One piece of advice I can give is related to that tape you use. Absolutely do NOT cheap out on that masking tape. You will regret it when you go to peal the tape up after a few months. Cheap tape will leave a residue and start to degrade. I recommend GAFFER tape or similar for go to no residue tape. Or if you want to stay in the masking tape category the brand Frog Tape Delicate Surface is a good go to. The tape will degrade the most in UV areas of the house and temp changes. I just dont want you having to use adhesive remover when you are trying to move out. I am looking forward to the clean diet video! Curious on how you are getting a decent amount of protein in with avoiding fats.
That is great advice, thank you! I just took your advice and bought a lot of gaffer tape, and peace of mind thanks to you.
@@HealthyHomeGuide Very handy tape to have in many situations! Good luck with your journey! Looking forward to being a part of it!
I just retaped the baseboards with gaffer tape. Crisis averted!
I have a constant cough I think it's from running my furnace. Do you have any information of mold collecting in ventilation? Appreciate your work I'll be following you
I think I developed a histamine intolerance because of mold, and some slight chemical sensitivity’s, right now I can’t change much about my living situation. Soon I can move out though, and I want to imply what I have learned from your channel. Hopefully you will feel better soon!
Moving out is often the best option! Thanks for your kind words :)
So sorry you're going through all of this seemingly continuously. I have a friend who suffers from lime disease and is extremely susceptible to environmental factors. On top of avoiding covid exposures and more they really have been having a hard time as well. I've shared your videos with them and it seems to bring some hope.
Wondering what your personal covid precautions are too and if it's possible a previous infection (if you've had one) could be a factor at all. I work in covid organizing spaces and helped start a clean air org in Seattle. I've seen so many people debilitated by covid infections. It's awful. Wishing you more concrete knowledge and potential peace of mind.
I appreciate that! And that's kind of you to share my content with your friend. And that's so awesome that you helped start a clean air org here! As for my covid precautions, I wear a 3M VFlex in indoor public spaces. To my knowledge, I haven't had covid yet. I totally agree with you, long covid is real. We're starting to believe that long covid is actually chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS).
Wow. So glad I came across your channel. You have described the symptoms that I am suffering from to the T, for three years. Horror experience for me. A long story so wont bother you here. Seeing four specialists and no help whatsoever. Only thing that helps is prednisone/steroid and literally wipes out all the issues, buuuuuuut I gained weight from it like no tomorrow. I exploded literally. Also I could not work, workout or walk up the flight of stairs. My lungs are constantly full of mucus. FDA does not recognize mold and its symptoms as a treatable issues so I am super curious to learn about the doctor that you mentioned. What is his title, I mean what does he specialize in? Also have you got tested for mycotoxins, usually a urine based test? Thanks for sharing. 👍💪👊
Thanks for commenting. Yeah, this array of symptoms is not for the faint of heart. Really disturbing and uncomfortable. Your journey sounds harrowing. I feel for you.
I'm starting the testing process with this doctor very soon (in a couple weeks), and the treatment process a month after that. It's a bit early in the process to share his name, but I'll likely be making videos about it as I go. If things go well with him, I may share his name and even interview him in an upcoming video. Stay tuned!
@ Thanks for your reply. Wish you all the best! Can you at least share what kind of a doctor it is? Who do I look for, what is he/she specializing in? I have been told that FDA does not acknowledge mold as a health hazard hence no doctors specializing in it. If you could at least tell me that, that would be great. Then I can search for someone in my area that provides similar services. Thanks a bunch! 💪
He's a registered naturopathic doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mystery illness and chronic disease. He describes his approach as integrative health care that uses the data-driven, peer-reviewed, reproducible published work of Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker on mold and biotoxin illness (chronic inflammatory response syndrome, or CIRS). Hope that helps get you started! Depending on where you live, there may not be someone like this around you. You may have to travel.
@ Thank you so much!
wish you the best my man
Much appreciated!
Please do a pathways video!
I've watched other laundry videos where fry cleaners say that front loading washing machine clean better. I was wondering if you could expand on why you think they should be banned or if there's a way to reconcile these diff styles
Will do! Front loaders have their advantages for sure, but not for health. Front loaders often retain water in the drum, and their tight-sealing doors (with the rubber gasket) trap moisture inside. Most people leave the door closed when the machine isn't in use, creating a damp, enclosed environment perfect for bacteria and mold to grow. If your front loader doesn't smell yet, leaving the door open when it's not in use can help prevent it from developing an issue.
@@HealthyHomeGuide I live in Europe and we only use front loaders here, in fact I have never seen another type of washing machine outside of American shows. But we also never close the doors, or at least I haven't seen anyone do that.
Ah, interesting! Yeah, basically everyone closes the doors of their front loaders here in the US. Not a good practice.
Another possible source of mold is attic insulation had there been a water leak anywhere up there which can occur through the roof, through bathroom exhaust ducts, or through AC systems which also have a drip pan collecting water and dust. Not to mention inhaling attic insulation by itself without mold could itself be contributing to illness. That cellullose stuff is super nasty & itchy to the skin you could imagine what it's like to the lungs. Additionally the negative air pressure that occur in the house could be drawing in potentially moldy attic insulation through ceiling & wall fixtures such as outlets, switches, ceiling fans, lights.. it's a nightmare to deal with. I hate how poorly built & poorly sealed most buildings in the world are. The majority of my life has been an allergy nightmare. I am super thankful for this channel. .
I've also wondered if bathroom exhaust fans & ducts could be a source for mold... they get lined with dust and get constant exposure to humidity, and in most building, rarely get cleaned if ever at all. + if the duct doesn't have a good Backdraft stopper, and another fan in the house turns on, it is pulling in air through that path which is intended to exhaust humidity.. I haven't seen any of your videos Investigating or even mention this yet.
Thanks for sharing. Take care.
You too, thanks for watching.
Try taking some quality manuka honey daily, there's no equal if chronic inflammation is plaguing you. Good luck on your health and thanks for sharing all your findings!
I've actually been experimenting with manuka honey recently, I'll let you know how it goes!
So sorry you're going through this. Mold is a real beast in nearly every way. If you're looking for a safer place to live, I might suggest Eastern Oregon, Western Idaho - it would be a one day drive for you. I'm a mold inspector in Boise, and while certainly many homes here have experienced water damage, it's not b/c of humidity and a wet climate. It's very dry here with very low relative humidity. Honestly I wouldn't do this job in any other climate. If you can handle the politics it's a good place for moldies.
Thank you for the kind words! I loved visiting Bend, OR for that reason and more. If it weren't for the newly insane wildfire seasons, we'd have moved there. But we're actually moving to Colorado soon - I'm hopeful.
Mold is the worst, I hope you are able to escape it! Wouldn't be surprised if that's Dr. Kaufman or Dr. Ruhoy in Seattle!
Me too, thank you! It's a doctor in Colorado actually.
Is the washer a Samsung? I suspected our front load Samsung had mold but I was not prepared for the horror when I disassembled the drum. I could not believe I was washing clothes in it. The stainless interior looked super clean but the actual drum was horribly moldy.
Also, dealing with very similar issues for years. One thing I discovered was how necessary make up air is for our clothes dryer. They pull about 150cfm which is a lot for a tight small house. Enough to backdraft the gas hot water heater when the dryer ran.
Great comment! My washer was a Kenmore (so grateful it was just taken away yesterday). I had the same experience - I was in disbelief by how much bacterial/moldy buildup there was. The smell made me dizzy.
You're absolutely right - most people don't realize just how much negative pressure dryers can create. They can suck a lot of moldy dust right into your clothes as they're dried.
Also, in a condo I rented previously, there was a natural draft gas hot water heater in the same room as the drier. Not the best choice.
Do you have info on the equipment you use to measure these things?
What specifically are you interested in measuring?
I also have many digestion issues and doctors haven't been able to pin point what's the cause and I also have mold allergies. I do wonder if the floors are the issue such as carpets and wood floors it might be better to go with polished concrete to avoid anything growing underneath the floor causing the issues. Keep up the good fight were right here with you! I'm also seeing several doctors and a specialist at a one of the best hospitals in the country to get to the root cause of my issues.
My heart goes out to you, and thank you. One day we'll find relief. I have polished concrete in this place, and I've heard it can actually support microorganism growth quite a bit if it gets cracked. I have to look more into it though.
I have digestive issues that started when I got food poisoning one year. I suspect once you have certain intolerances, sometimes they just don't go away. Diet and enzymes are the only thing that have helped me. If you have not tried fructaid or fodzyme. They are worth a try when you are eating foods that have the targeted sugars. The most annoying thing about my digestive issues is how hard it can be to pin down what started them since the impact of eating a bad food for me can be anywhere between 8 and 48 hours. Good luck man, really rooting for you. I think if you move somewhere dry you might have a better time.
That sucks man! Diet has been huge for me too. I'm starting to learn that sometimes intolerances that don't go away are actually chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) in people with genetic susceptibility. CIRS research is constantly emerging. The website CIRSx has some great videos in which researchers and IEPs give talks.
I absolutely feel you on the fact that symptoms from eating foods are often delayed! For instance, when I eat any kind of fat (avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, it doesn't matter), I always feel TERRIBLE not the next day, but the day after that. So weird. I'm gonna try to get to the bottom of it if it's the last thing I do. Good luck to you too!
Hi Alex, I'm so sorry to hear of your health challenges. It's scary not knowing exactly what's going on in your body - I can completely relate. I've experienced the dizziness in the past, inability to digest fats, fatigue (still) - loads of other symptoms - it's confounding, it's disconcerting being unable to readily figure it all out. For what it's worth: slippery elm can soothe an inflamed gut. I had very helpful sessions with a kinesiologist to learn about the foods that my body was OK with. Also, since I've been having a morning smoothie of 2 madjool dates and 2 apples (as per Anthony William's detox advice) I've felt generally better. It takes a little while to feel the benefit. What struck me most about your video was you saying that you're working full time and pushing through the pain. ie you're not listening to your body! There's only one main thing for me to do when I feel rubbish and that is sleep. I honestly think that you need to take the time to do nothing. The body wants to heal. I think it's useful to remember that. Btw, I felt good when I had a holiday in Iceland - a volcanic country. I wasn't there in winter though! Thinking of you x
Nice to hear from you Kitty! Thank you for that compassionate and relatable message. I've tried an infinite amount of diets through the years, and Anthony William's is the diet that I still adhere to, to this day. I recently switched back to juicing celery this week and I'm already starting to feel better in some ways. His advice always seems to bring me back to a place of relative equilibrium. I've been avoiding being the Medical Medium guy, but I think I need to make a video about it haha.
I totally agree about the importance of doing nothing. Every day, I try to make sure to take 10 minutes to just sit on the couch and do nothing. It allows the snow globe of my mind to settle. Iceland sounds intriguing! Thank you.
@ from over here in the UK I can hear the snow globe saying : thank you Alex!
Your trial and error approach to trying to figure out the sources in your environment is so relatable. Been going through the same thing with our rental. I also have different symptoms from different moldy locations, which it sounds like is happening for you too. Can you tell if your symptoms are worse when you are in the apartment vs outside? Does wearing an N95 mask help at all? I find after about an hour of wearing one my symptoms would often (but not always) improve. We had a similar sink problem and just put a plug in it to try and check if it was indeed a source - and it was - but it turned out leaving the plug in 99% of the time also seemed to help cure the sink of whatever was growing in it.
It's comforting to know I'm not alone in going through that obsessive home diagnosis process! It's hard to know if my symptoms are worse in here than in other places because my symptoms come and go - they aren't persistent. I also think my body is in such a deeply rooted inflammatory pattern that spending a short amount of time somewhere else doesn't do much. Also I mean, there really aren't many places around here that lack water damage, so. As for spending time outside, I don't spend more than a few hours outside at a time, and that doesn't seem to help. I think I'd have to spend several weeks+ outside to start seeing improvements at this point.
@@HealthyHomeGuide Yeah that makes sense, when you're being constantly bombarded and your symptoms are waxing and waning of their own accord it's really hard to figure out cause and effect. And it's impractical to spend any significant amount of time outdoors in the winter. For me, it also seems like I started to react to something outdoors during the rainy season in California (I assume a small amount of whatever mold thing I'm reacting to is also present outdoors and more prevalent when it's damp but can't say for sure). So in the fall it seems like I have to completely leave California to find relief. I hope you are able to find less drastic solutions!
Thanks so much for your videos. I am in the SAME BOAT as you man. I now live in the top floor of a very moldy building that was built in the 1950s. The best thing about my building is that it is smoke free. Because most apartments where I live, people smoke and you have to smell that second hand. And I live on the top floor because most apartments have radon and it’s worse in the ground floor, and landlords don’t have to do anything about it in my state! BUT even though we had BRAND NEW AC units installed when we moved in, they quickly grew mold. And they grow mold every summer. It’s impossible to clean them completely, as the mold grows on the styrofoam inside. Not only that but there is no insulation in the walls, so we have to run dehumidifiers all summer long in addition to the AC units just to keep the humidity below 50%. AND YES! We have a front loading washing machine which was loaded with mold. That has to stay open every night including the detergent drawer. The dryer grows mold too brother!!!!! So I’ve had to clean the mold out of the lint trap on that too! UGH. I live in the NE USA
Thanks for your comment! That building sounds like a huge pain. Have you tried/are you able to tape a filter over the intake vent of your moldy AC? That can help it from getting further colonized by mold (I have an AC tips video where I discuss this a bit). That's absolutely insane that the DRIER has mold too.
Hi, I just found your channel and I see that you don't recommend any scented products in your videos, so how can I make my home or room smell nice without harmful chemicals? I would love to see a video on it!
This is important information to archive. Hopefully there is a turning point when you eventually figure out the main source of the problem. Are you still using air purifiers in all your rooms? Have you tested them to make sure they are working properly? Which purifiers are you still using?
I agree! I'm gonna continue updating you guys. I am using air purifiers and they've been amazing for lowering the particle counts. I was using three brisk boxes from clean air kits for a while and I recently switched to my own design using an AC infinity fan (I have a build video where I show how to make it). With my design, the fan can be turned up higher if needed, so that's why I switched to it. But yes, they're working really well.
Are you planning to post a video about water filtration? That would be amazing
Eventually, yes. My digestive system got messed up from drinking and showering in heavily chlorinated water. I'll definitely be spreading this.
"Too sensitive for this world". Exactly how I feel throughout my life with random allergies and health issues, never too serious but always irritating & rarely feeling "well".
All I can suggest is try wearing an n95/n99 to see if symptoms improve. Wearing those for hours can be tiring but doable, especially with ones like the 3M vFlex which is ultra breathable. You could also try positive pressure respirators which would be comfier. That way you can eliminate particles/mould in your air ways.
I'm glad you relate! I love the 3M VFlex - that's my mask of choice. Thanks for the suggestion.
You should maybe get a thermal camera to check for cold spots in your walls which can result in condensation. If that part of the wall is not able to dry out then there will be moisture build up and mold as a result.
There are ones you can connect to your phone now as well that's a bit cheaper.
You should also get a pin less moisture checker that can check moisture furter inside a wall.
Getting some mold test kits could also be an idea. The cheaper version would be to get or make several petri dishes by getting the plastic containers for it and make your solution with agar agar or gelatine etc. Place one or more in all rooms. Leave open for a few hours or a day. Close it and leave until you see if mold starts to build up. Don't forgett to leave one without exposing ot to air after sterilisation to use as a controll to make sure your base isn't contaminated.
You will slways have some growth in them but you can identify the diferent type of mold by how they grow and color usually. Black is usually bad while white is usually not as bad.
Ps. If you are very allergic to black mold you should start to check if things you eat contains citric acid. At least in the US I know it is made by genetically modified black mold to produce citric acid that is later seperated from the mold. For most people there are not enough spors and trace supstance from the black mold to effect you but for people that is extra sensitive it will still have an effect on you. You might already know this and avoid it but if you don't then it doesn't hurt to bring this info to you or anyone else that might read this.
Hope you will get better.
Do you have a video on the steps to take for ‘diagnosing’ your house? Like how you decided which tests to do, how to do them, etc?
Great question. In the future, when I'm feeling better, I may make an online course on that.
What kind of Air Quality Sensor do you use?
Hoping you'll find out what's causing your symptoms. I'm constantly paranoid about mold around the house as well, and have tried to implement a lot of your ideas by cleaning more frequently and more thoroughly. I feel like it has helped, but I'm still battling with the smell from one of our sinks, which I believe is from the gunk in the drain as well that I'm unable to clean. Maybe the best choice is to replace the whole trap part with new pipes.
Thank you Peter. I feel the paranoia as well. Glad my cleaning advice has helped you. I've found that green gobbler enzymatic drain cleaner has worked amazingly for clearing the smell in my bathroom sink. Email me if you'd like to learn more about the protocol for using it.
Hello, what about dust mite in the matress getting near your face while you sleep?
What is the deal with bathroom vent fans? Is it really okay to blow steam directly into the attic, or should that be a mold concern? Am I better off just leaving the bathroom door open so the humidity dissipates into the house instead?
It's definitely a mold concern to have a bathroom exhaust fan that vents to the attic. In that case, I wouldn't use the fan, and I also wouldn't just let the humidity dissipate, as it takes too long. I'd create a window insert with a fan that blows out of the bathroom window. Feel free to book a consultation on my website if you'd like more guidance.
I'm surprised you didnt move to Arizona.
Also, how did you donthe Pathways testing?
Please let me know why front-loaders are bad, I have one and I can only do cold wash :(
Front-loaders often retain water in the drum and hoses, and their tight-sealing doors (with the rubber gasket) trap moisture inside. Most people leave the door closed when the machine isn't in use, creating a damp, enclosed environment perfect for bacteria and mold to grow. If your front loader doesn't smell yet, leaving the door open when it's not in use can help prevent it from developing an issue.
@@HealthyHomeGuide For some reason i didn't get the notification for this comment, thanks man. That makes sense. I have thought about keeping the door open with this rationale before but my washing machine is in quite a dirty dusty garage with plenty of garage critters to go with - spiders cockroaches etc. Maybe i'll try keeping it open just a crack from now on. Hope you're doing good!
@@HealthyHomeGuide Also not related to washers but I discovered that my mattress has fibreglass in it recently and that I'd been releasing it whenever I washed the covers. I wonder if you've come up against this issue at all or have any thoughts on memory foam (what I currently have) vs natural/dunlop latex mattresses (what I'll be switching to soon). Cheers
Our laundry washer drain doesn't have a trap and continuously vents into the house. I wonder how common that is? We also have a front loader which needs to go.
Do you have a video of what the hidden sewage leak was?
I do, but for legal reasons I don't feel that I should share it.
Would love to know your history with strength / cardiovascular fitness!
I've done a ton of strength training and cardio through the years. Annoyingly, when my illness flares up, rigorous exercise makes my symptoms worse. So I have to do gentler stuff like qi gong and walking. But historically, I've done a lot of lifting with free weights , body weight exercises, and tai chi. For more rigorous cardio, I jumped rope for a while. Running I enjoy but I find it to be too hard on my joints long term.
Man You sound Like Me. I've been Suffering For Over 13Years. Mine's gotten worse Over time. At One Point I My Digestive Issues was so Bad that I Would have Nausea Frequently, Vomited Several times and Lower Abdominal Pains whenever I Eat Anything.. Started when I Was Renting A Room, Continued when I Moved into My Apartment (Lived there about 5Years), Thought it would disappear when I bought My Home, But Was I Wrong. House gets so Dusty for No Reason it's Mind Boggling. I Have done everything you can think of, From Cleaning, Sanitizing/Disinfecting HVAC Ducts, Fans, Frequent Air Filter Changes, Vacuumed, Washed, Sanitized My Carpets Multiple Times and Ended up Removing them Entirely, Still Problem Continued. I did the ERV Journey to no Avail. I Just started looking into this DIY Air Filter to at Least Control and Keep the air Clean and Somewhat Healthy. Despite all that I still get sick, Its gotten a little better with all My Effort, about 10% or less I'd say, But I Still get sick. I can't remember stuff well anymore, My Face always look swollen, My head always feel like Bowling Ball, Facial Pain, Frequent Sinus infection and the Usual Congestion, Post Nasal Drips, Runny Nose, Itchy Watery Eyes and the whole 9 Yards. At this point I have developed A Permanent Syndrome where I can't be in any Environment with the slightest poor air quality, My Sinus would just go crazy, Start tickling and My Eyes would turn Red and Just burn continuously. I'm Just sick and tired of being sick and tired literally. I even stop going to doctors to complain about My problems. I went to One doctor and complained that I'm constantly tired/fatigued, sick all the time and just tired of living miserably cos Its like The World has gotten too toxic to Me to exist in, She referred Me to Psyche and Wrote Me Psyche Meds, Lol! I'm Like how's that going to solve any of My current problems?? That Just made Me more frustrated and More depressed. After Months Of Sleeping in My car OUTSIDE MY OWN House (As uncomfortable and embarrassing as that is) I ended up building an Addition in the Back Of My House just to get away from the Main house. Unfortunately, While that helped eliminate some of My symptoms, But as I Mentioned earlier, I have developed Permanent Damage in My body's Allergic/Inflammatory response, that even the Odor from Vinyl Flooring that I installed Started Making Me sick too. I tried airing it out for several days, It didn't work, then I tried cleaning it with Fabuloso Cleaner (My thought was that It has this awesome Smell and that It will Mask the Odor) but it made it worse, the odor seemed trapped and just made it difficult for Me to breathe. After several days of airing out the space, that smell didn't budge. I Ended up spraying Big D Fogger to mask that smell, which helped stop the Shortness of Breath, But As You guessed, that Air Freshener/Fogger would make Me sick too. Although not as bad as before, but I still can't deal with any strong smell. To avoid dealing with Mold in My new Space, I didn't use Drywall, I Used PVC wall boards (does not have any odor) to avoid painting. Anyway, This is a very very bad sickness. Living everyday is like Living in Misery.
That sounds like absolute torture, I deeply feel for you!
Feel better
Thank you
I theorize that the source of the contaminated air in your rental is coming from your crawl space. (The stack effect and negative pressure you talk about is when warmer air escapes upwards and outwards and replacement air comes in mainly from the crawlspace.) Put on a mask and tyvek suit and check it out. I'm certain you'll be enlighten.
There is no crawl space. It's a slab. Drainage is really good too, I've been observing it during the rainy season.
Hope you can move to the desert like Arizona or even Texas, similar zero-state tax.
For sure, I'm moving to the desert in the spring! Colorado.
i've been seeing doctors for over 15 years. they know nothing. keep explore your body by yourself while ask them to test things you think you need to know, use them as a research tool. dont give up. the universe is full of surprises. i hope builders will have better rules in the feature.
That's great advice, thank you. I've been seeing various doctors for the past 10 years and the vast majority of them didn't help me very much. At the end of the day, we're each responsible for our own health. Though we should get help when needed - I'm hopefully I'll someday find a doctor who can help me. I think they're out there!
If your immune system is weakened to the point where it can longer tolerate or withstand every day conditions, this could be an indicator of a more serious underlying issue.
That said, and without prejudice, you could consider such things as; dental(root canals), fungal infections(ear, nose or throat), persisting in mucosa, or that of more severe conditions, such as lupus, and the seemingly infinite immuno conditions that are known today.
Though should your condition call for more serious intervention, in-that your immune system needs all the help it can get, then you might consider something like colloidal silver, and in hopes of giving your body a fighting chance at recovering.
Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.
I don't understand. shouldn't all his air filters and HRV be enough for the mold?
That's a great question. In some scenarios and for some people (maybe who aren't as sensitive), using air purifiers and an ERV might be enough. But in other scenarios (with a worse mold problem) or for more sensitive people, you might need to do more, like strategically and properly clean, tape the baseboards, etc.
I know you're mores science oriented, but it might be worthwhile to take a page out of the hippy's playbook, and just move to a dry climate like Arizona (or any dry State around there). If it's between your job and health you need to put your health first.
I am actually! Moving to colorado soon.
I was with you up until 7:10 when you sprouted nonsense about front loaders.
Keep in mind, in Europe/UK and pretty much the entirety of the rest of the world, has used front loaders exclusively for longer than I've been alive, which means 50+ years, likely a lot more.
There's nothing inherently wrong with a front load design. Either American versions are designed differently (wrong), or the way they are plumbed is wrong.
Saying that front loaders should be outright banned, is utterly absurd.
Thanks for raising this topic. I was being a bit hyperbolic when I said that front loaders should be banned. Although, in this community, countless people have reported bad microbial issues in their front loaders. There are ways to help prevent the issue in new machines, like leaving the door open when the unit isn't in use, but most people end up inheriting a poorly maintained front loader from a previous renter/owner (who left the door closed) and having to deal the microbial growth. Even with poor maintenance, it has been my (and many other peoples') experience that top loaders don't get as gross.
Why might that be? Well, like I've mentioned, front-loaders often retain water in the drum, door gasket, and hoses. Their tight-sealing doors with the large, curved rubber gaskets, oriented as they are, hold water and trap moisture inside. Most people leave the door closed when the machine isn't in use, creating a damp, enclosed environment perfect for bacteria and mold to grow. Maybe you’re right that there’s some sort of US design/plumbing flaw. I haven’t dug into differences between countries.
Mold is nasty! I hate it! You should move to a desert climate that's super dry lol.
I'm planning on it :) Moving to Colorado in the spring.
I live in southern Cali which is technically a desert climate and still had mold in my apartment 😔 Not to talk about all the toxins and VOCs all around us that we’re breathing in, in our homes.
Yup, mold can unfortunately be in any home, in any location.
What a journey…
You should use hydrogen peroxyde for bathroom
It is quite a tale, isn't it?
Holy cow... that dog sounds like a nightmare on top of everything else.
As much as I love him, he does add logistical stress and reduce our freedom.
but did you get the c19 jab
♥🙏✌
Drink raw colostrum
Lord have mercy…that wet framing is gross and horrible.
Right??