FAQ for Mold Remediation
A research‑based educational resource summarizing specific questions asked to Dr. Edward R. Close and his responses for natural mold remediation, essential oils, and cold‑diffusion technology. Not for sale — click to read the full FAQ.
This Mold Remediation FAQ provides a clear, research‑based overview of questions surrounding natural approaches to addressing mold contamination. All information is drawn from the independent findings of Dr. Edward R. Close, PhD, author of Nature’s Mold Rx: The Non‑Toxic Solution to Toxic Mold. This educational resource explains the principles behind cold‑diffusion technology, the essential oils tested in Dr. Close’s studies, and the documented protocol he used to reduce mold counts in indoor environments.
Inside this FAQ, readers will learn why traditional chemical treatments may fall short, how cold‑atomizing diffusers disperse essential oils effectively, and what Dr. Close’s research revealed about blends such as Thieves Essential Oil by Young Living (EOB2) and Combat Blend Essential Oil by Diffuser World. This page is designed to help customers understand the science behind natural mold remediation and make informed decisions about improving indoor environmental quality.
This resource is provided for educational purposes only and is not a product for purchase. Diffuser World does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent mold or any environmental condition. Always consult qualified professionals for mold‑related concerns.
FAQs for Mold Remediation
Can I use bleach or anti-fungal agent to get rid of mold?
Many products, including bleach are toxic chemicals that are themselves harmful to human health.
Standard anti-fungal agents may kill mold, but they may not rid the area completely of mold, especially if you have porous surfaces. Standard treatments may also leave behind dead mold spores, which can also cause problems.
Bleach is 94-97% water. Water is often what can cause mold growth. Many experts would agree that using bleach can often result in a rebound of mold growth, or an increase in exacerbating a potentially harmful situation by introducing more water to an area which can lead to additional mold often in as little as 24 hrs.
What essential oils have been tested to remediate Mold?
Since 2005, the only essential oil that has been tested and found effective over and over again was EOB2. However, November 2019, Dr Ed Close tested one other essential oil called COMBAT BLEND sold only by Diffuser World.
The great news is the COMBAT BLEND been tested and proven to remediate mold, it's also available in 15 ml, 30 ml, and 8 oz bottles. This allows longer time of diffusion before changing bottles. Also, the COMBAT BLEND is significantly lower price in comparison to EOB2 which allows a more cost-effective treatment option.
What diffuser should I use to Remediate Mold?
There are two diffusers recommended by Dr Close: Aroma-Ace and Aroma-Breeze. These diffusers do not use water, but more importantly they break the essential oil molecules down small enough for the proper atomization for Mold Remediation.
These two diffusers provide the sufficient amount of essential oil to reduce or eliminate mold spores in the air and on surfaces. Some have asked about the AromaLux, but that is not recommended by Dr. Close because it does not get the proper particle size atomization.
How many diffusers do I need?
Can I use one diffuser and just move it to the different rooms in my home?
It is likely more effective to diffuse a whole house at the same time with multiple diffusers. It may not be necessary based on the size of the space, or the residual benefit of the oil that is diffused.
Each diffuser can cover roughly 1,000 sq ft of open space. If you have several bedrooms, you may need multiple diffusers to cover the space since the space is divided by walls.
Where do I place the diffuser?
It is suggested that you place the diffuser at counter-top or table-top level in the center of a room to facilitate dispersion of the micro-mist of oil throughout the space. If your room is greater than 1,000 sq. ft. or has ceilings higher than 10 ft, then use 2 or more diffusers and place them in the center of the half or quarter sections of the room. A placement in the center of each space to be diffused is helpful to overall remediation goals, but it is not required.
How often do I need to refill the Essential Oil bottles?
Diffuser World’s Aroma-Ace and Aroma-Breeze will diffuse about 0.8 to 1.0 ml per hour.
A 15 ml bottle would last approx. 15 -18 hrs
A 30 ml bottle would last approx. 30-37.5 hrs
Aroma-Ace Operating Instructions for Mold Remediation:
- If you're using 30 ml bottles, use one bottle for every 24 hrs. of diffusion.
- If you're using 15 ml bottles, use 2 bottles of Essential Oil Blend for every 24 hours of diffusion. The diffuser will still have oil in it at 10-12 hours, but the bottle must be refilled at that time in order to maintain a sufficient rate of diffusion. Typically, you will have about 1/2 bottle of oil remaining after the 24-hours of diffusion is complete.
- Be certain the plastic ring around the neck of a bottle is removed before attaching to the diffuser.
- For maximum results, place one diffuser in each room and diffuse continuously for a minimum of 24 hours. How long you have to diffuse (24-48 hours or longer) can only be determined by appropriate air and tape-lift sampling.
What settings do I need to run the diffuser on?
It’s important that you run the diffuser on the highest setting CONTINUOUSLY for a minimum of 24-72 hr.
Aroma-Ace Settings:
Top Knob: RUN Time all the way to the RIGHT (20 min.)
Middle Knob: REST Time all the way to the LEFT (<1 min.)
Bottom Knob: OUTPUT time all the way to the RIGHT
Does the Essential Oil leave residue or damage furniture?
Oils can damage finishes on fine furniture because oils break down hydrocarbons. Most furniture finishes contain hydrocarbons. Therefore, if you are placing the diffuser on a piece of furniture that you wish to protect, we strongly urge you to put a glass plate under the diffuser to prevent spills from damaging the furniture finish. We also recommend that you clean up any spills immediately. Diffuser World is not responsible for essential oil damage caused from essential oil on surfaces.
We are often asked if the oils leave deposits on furniture. We have found over the past 8 years that running a diffuser for several days does not leave noticeable traces on furniture, walls, counter tops, draperies or other items in the near vicinity so long as the diffuser is pointed into the room and away from other items. If, however, you leave a diffuser in the same spot for several months or several years and run it frequently, you may notice a slight discoloration of whatever the diffuser is sitting on, and for long-term diffusing we suggest that you place the diffuser on something that is not precious or irreplaceable. And again, ALWAYS CLEAN UP ANY SPILLS OF OIL IMMEDIATELY.
Can I stay in the room with the diffuser?
We have no way to determine how oils will affect a particular individual. Please remember that each person is a unique individual, with different body types, different blood types, and different body chemistries. While many people report they feel much better when they are with the diffuser running the Thieves or Combat blend and want to be next to the diffuser during the entire 24-hour period, others cannot tolerate that long-term exposure. Essential oils can be overwhelming if you are exposed to them for long periods of time and are not accustomed to them.
Most people find that the oils make them feel better. Many report that they want to be right by the diffusers the entire time they are on, but we never know exactly how a given individual is going to respond to the oils. For that reason, we strongly urge that you are not in the same room with the diffuser for more than 15-30 minutes at a time.
The oils are detoxing, and they will start to break down toxins stored in your body any time you are exposed to them, and especially if exposed for longer periods of time.
How will you know that you should move to another room?
You might taste the oil, as though you had taken it in your mouth, or you might feel a tickle in the back of your throat, or a headache, or a slight dizziness, or you might feel like you're coming down with the flu or something along those lines. If this happens, move to another room. Dr. Close has stated that you should "drink at least 8 ounces of purified water. You could also eat some bread and butter, or yogurt, or honey, or drink whole fat milk, or almond or soy milk". If your health is an issue, please note that neither Diffuser World, or the ownership of Diffuser World provide any health or wellness advice, if you have questions about your health or the health of your pets, seek the advice of a licensed medical care professional.
Can my pet remain in the home while running Dr. Close's PROTOCOL?
We recommend moving pets to another room before running the diffuser. Dr. Close says, generally, oils will not hurt your pets, however, exposure for longer than 15-30 minutes can affect animals. Neither Diffuser World, or the ownership of Diffuser World provide any health or wellness advice, if you have questions about your health or the health of your pets, seek the advice of a licensed medical care professional.
What does "cleaning" in step 4 exactly mean?
Step #4 in the 10-step PROTOCOL as on pp. 162 and 168 in the book, occurs after diffusing and a second round of sampling. So, cleaning depends on the after-diffusing sampling results, and on the specifics of any individual sampling and environmental situation.
How often after the initial PROTOCOL should I follow up with maintenance?
One of the most important findings of Dr Close’s tests was that essential oils have a residual effect, meaning they continue eliminating mold spores for up to 3-5 months after initial diffusing when the Close PROTOCOL is followed. And the Protocol he designed has worked every single time Dr Close has used it. Therefore, you could start a maintenance 3-5 months later which would prevent mold from growing. This is only needed if you're unable to identify the source.
What options do I have for a maintenance to prevent mold from growing?
1. Diffuser Combat Blend 15-30 minutes a day-
2. Diffuser Combat Blend 8-10 hrs. once each week-
3. Diffuser Combat Blend 24 hrs once a month-
Diffuse in each room using the same settings as PROTOCOL, CONTINUOUSLY, on HIGH
Will diffusing cause any problems to house plants?
Would Mold spores get into the soil?
Soil from house plant containers contain mold in them unless they have been somehow extremely sterilized.
What can be done to treat a car?
Would a vehicle still need to diffuse for a 24-hour time?
Should the diffuser still be set on HIGH?
For automobiles, 8 to 12 hours on HIGH is still recommended. Running the AC for half an hour at the beginning and end would assist in circulating through systems.
What does Dr. Close recommend?
Dr. Close strongly recommends diffusing the EOB2 or COMBAT BLEND and using The Close Protocol for Remediating Mold in Buildings. This approach has proven over and over again in tests conducted since 2005, and verified by EPA approved independent laboratories, to be the best option for eliminating mold both in the air and on surfaces. And testing has also shown that diffusing the recommended essential oils provides a residual effect that can last at least 3-5 months. This residual effect is not available with any other known option available today.
Reference: www.naturesmoldrx.com
