Cheryl’s Favorite
MOLD, MOISTURE, and WELLNESS TOOLS
My team and I are so often asked which moisture, cleaning, or mold related tools to use that we’ve put together this page of helpful links.
Though some may be geared towards building pros, they can all be used by homeowners as well.
I highly recommend that everyone continue to educate themselves on mold and moisture in buildings to better understand what you’re dealing with. (AND to avoid wasting money!)
See my “Online Classes” tab in the menu above for affordable programs you can take now. It is also possible to consult individually with me. See “Consulting” in the menu for details.
MOISTURE & MOLD DETECTION
Surface Moisture Meter
Approx. $29-$39
A video example of how to use this tool to inspect a shower or tub area is available HERE. I also have a DIY Shower Tile Inspection video in the Mold Education Kit available for free HERE
This meter has settings for Masonry, Walls, Hardwood and Softwood and is available online (Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart). Click the button below for a linked page.
Pin Moisture Meter
Approx. $400
BD-2100 is great for measuring moisture in a variety of different building materials, including wood, concrete, drywall, EIFS, roofing, insulation, and flooring. The BD-2100 has a digital display, an adjustable alarm, and Delmhorst’s exclusive calibrated drywall scale.
Integral contact pins mounted on top of meter provide 5/16” penetration. Wood Scale for Flooring and Building Materials, Gypsum Scale for Drywall, and Reference Scale for Concrete, Plaster, and Insulation.
Thermo-Hygrometer
Approx. $120
This portable thermo-hygrometer measures and displays ambient temperature and relative humidity simultaneously.
-4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C), 0-100%RH
Dual LCD display shows temperature and humidity, high sampling rate of 2.5 times/sec.
Water Alarm
Approx. $12-$25
Use near sump pumps, water heaters, dishwashers or other building locations where seepage, overflows or leaks are possible. The bottom panels with moisture sensors can be removed from the siren unit but remain attached by the wire.
Place or attach to the floor discretely near appliances to sense water. Use under sinks and anywhere that moisture might accumulate.
I have a have a full video review of various water alarms in the education vault of the Dwell Well Institute, along with over 50 other video lessons for a super affordable rate.
Humidity Monitor
Approx. $8-$11
This meter can be moved from room to room. Sometimes it is best to buy 2 or more for
comparison. Check each room for several hours and document reading. Then do this for every room in the home and compare the readings. Test with HVAC running and no windows open.
Leave monitors somewhere that they can be seen easily for review with weather and season changes.
Rooms should be the same reading or very close to each other. Variations can be significant.
At or below 40% during the heating season and below 55% during cooling seasons may be
considered ‘normal’. Higher readings should be noted and checked frequently, looking for
variations over time. Stop using showers in any bathrooms with readings higher than 60% consistently.
DIY Mold Test
Approx. $39 – $150
“Your mold samples will be sent to an experienced Lab that has processed more than 50,000 mold tests.
The lab will analyze your samples and produce an illustrated data report that you will receive through email. All of the results are confidential and only you and the lab will see them unless you request otherwise.”
CLEANING TOOLS
True HEPA Vacuume
Approx. $400 and up
Filters last a long time but can vary depending on use. Change the filter after heavy usage.
There are accessories for carpet available for this vacuum, along with additional vacuum bags.
N95 Disposable Masks
Approx. $24 for a 10 pack
“This N95 respirator features Advanced Electrostatic Media that enhances the capture of airborne particles and is designed for easy breathing.”
NIOSH-APPROVED N95 for at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil-based particles and aerosols. Also helpful if you’re hanging drywall, sanding a floor, or during renovations.
3M(TM) Half Facepiece Respirator Assembly
Approx. $30
This assembly is NIOSH approved for environments containing certain oil and non-oil based particles to help reduce breathing certain airborne contaminants.
When properly fitted, this respirator helps provide protection from exposure to lead asbestos, cadmium, arsenic, and MDA at concentrations up to 10 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).
CONTAINMENT MATERIALS
Zipper Door
Approx. $20
This zipper door provides an air and water-tight seal, keeping clean space free of dust and debris, perfect for any job site, construction site or remodel.
It has self-adhesive zippers to create quick entrance through dust containment poly sheeting.
Disposable Containment Suit
Approx. $12 each
“Standard zipper front Tyvek coverall with attached hood, non-skid booties and elastic at the wrist. Total body coverage except the face.
Stops microporous particles better than other reusable garments. Inherent barrier protection against dry particulate hazards.”
Pair with a mask or respirator during remediation.
Standard Dust Barrier Zipper Door Kit
Approx. $36
“High quality 4 mil plastic sheeting, with two pre-installed heavy-duty fabric zippers, two flap hooks, and one roll of double-sided tape for sealing one standard doorway.
The zipper door attaches to a doorframe with a special double-sided tape, holding the plastic firmly while protecting the doorframe surface. The flap hooks hold up the door for entry and exit. A fast and efficient dust protection solution for remodeling and restoration.”
REFERENCE BOOKS
"Nature's Mold RX" by Edward R. Close Ph.D
Approx. $25
Dr. Close and his wife, Jacquelyn Close published this book in 2007, documenting their extensive research on the effects of essential oils on mold.
The book includes instructions as described by Dr. Edward Close, Phd, P.E. regarding diffusing essential oils in conjunction with water damage repairs and mold cleaning and remediation.
"Mold: The War Within" by Kurt & Lee Anne Billings
Approx. $25
Includes interviews with experts in science, medicine, and law that reveal details on mold and chemical exposures on human health.
The authors detail their months of research and trials and errors and share their inspirational journey of healing from mold exposure, what worked for them medically and nutritionally, what didn’t and why.
"The Chemistry Of Essential Oils" by David Stewart Ph.D
Approx. $50
Easy to understand, this book gives an appreciation of both the scientific and spiritual bases for the usages of essential oils.
Dr. Stewart teaches the chemistry of essential oils from a biblical perspective, is a retired minister and university science professor.
WELLNESS & ESSENTIAL OILS
Mineral Salts
Approx. $25
I use this for soaking in the tub.
“Dead Sea Salts have become famous for their many natural therapeutic ways to treat and care for your body, due to their unique composition of minerals. Minera Dead Sea Salts are harvested from the southern Dead Sea in Israel, where mineral content is at its highest.”
Relax Infrared Sauna
Approx. $1500
This is what I have. Been using it for over 5 years now. I’m very happy with it and prefer my head being outside of the sauna to breathe and also watch TV while I’m in it.
These saunas use “a patented ceramic chip that only the Relax far infrared sauna has. Because of these chips (the Relax sauna contains 40 of them) the sauna emits both the highest and cleanest levels of infrared compared to any other sauna.”
Reactivity Testing
Approx. Varies
Clifford Materials Reactivity Testing is intended
as a screening system to differentiate potentially
unsafe materials (those containing components for
which the patient has existing systemic sensitivity)
from more desirable materials which show no
evidence of any current sensitivity issues.
Get in touch and tell them Cheryl Ciecko sent you!
Essential Oils Consulting and Supplies
Essential Oils and supplies can be purchased with my Young Living Supplier# to get the benefit of oils consulting calls with me.
Learn more below about the Thieves Oils products for mold, wellness, and household applications.
I’m happy to answer questions and have full transparency about the Young Living network.
Affiliate Link Transparency
By using the links above, I may get a small commission from the sellers if you happen to purchase something. You can always search these out yourself, but I do always appreciate your help supporting this site and blog by using my links.