Q&A with HomeCleanse Founder Michael Rubino
AIRMADA Drying Solutions is committed to manufacturing products that keep homes and families safe from the health hazards of mold and mildew. The patented AirPocket Door and AirJet Shower Drying System are designed to rid showers, wet rooms and other spaces of moisture, keeping interior surfaces clean and dry. Over the years, AIRMADA has partnered with healthy home experts and sustainable design companies to further emphasize their pledge to wellness.
AIRMADA Drying Solutions recently teamed up with Change the Air Foundation, sponsoring its 11-part Mold Remediation miniseries. We spoke with the foundation’s co-founder and HomeCleanse CEO Michael Rubino, who is dedicated to improving indoor air quality and tackling the health risks associated with mold and other contaminants.
Tell us a bit about you and your professional background.
I worked alongside my father, a contractor, and learned the construction and remediation trade firsthand. After Superstorm Sandy, we were flooded with requests to restore damaged homes. As I visited homes, I realized something was wrong: despite repairs by some of the largest restoration companies, many families were still suffering from chronic health issues months later. I quickly realized the traditional restoration approach focused on cosmetic fixes – patching and painting drywall. However, it didn’t address the root cause of poor indoor air quality: the microbial sources left behind.
This was my aha moment, where I realized the mold remediation industry wasn’t doing enough to protect people’s long-term health. It became clear that the air we breathe inside our homes was a major factor in the health issues people were experiencing, and we needed to figure out a way to safeguard their well-being through proper procedures.
What was the inspiration behind HomeCleanse?
I knew the industry needed to evolve. That’s why I created HomeCleanse. We don’t just fix cosmetic damage; we go deeper. Our scientifically backed process addresses the root cause, eliminates harmful particles (mold spores, bacteria, mycotoxins), and ensures homes are cleaned and tested to confirm the work was successful. This holistic, science-based approach guarantees long-term health benefits for homeowners.
Over the years, I’ve worked with hundreds of doctors globally, helped thousands of families (including those who are immunocompromised or sensitive to mold), and learned that no two people react the same to contaminants. That’s why I tailor my helpful approach to each individual’s needs. My passion for improving indoor air quality also led me to co-found Change the Air Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about the health risks of poor indoor air quality and promoting safer living environments.
What does “healthy home design” mean to you?
Designing and maintaining a healthy home is a complex process that requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Every choice you make – from the materials you use to the way you manage moisture – plays a role in shaping your indoor environment and, ultimately, your well-being.
Every product in your home contributes to the overall health of your space. From flooring and paint to cleaning supplies and furniture, the materials and chemicals they contain can either support or compromise indoor air quality. Choosing non-toxic, low-VOC, and mold-resistant materials is essential to fostering a healthier living environment.
Water is relentless; it follows the path of least resistance. If not properly controlled, it can infiltrate your home, creating ideal conditions for mold and bacterial growth. By proactively managing water flow – whether through proper drainage, waterproofing or ventilation – you can help prevent moisture-related damage that could negatively impact both your home and your health. For instance, in areas like the bathroom, waterproofing is critical. A shower must be properly sealed using the right products beneath the tile; otherwise, water can seep in, leading to mold growth behind the walls. Additionally, showers are constantly exposed to moisture, making it essential to implement ventilation solutions such as exhaust fans or windows to improve airflow and reduce humidity levels. Products like AIRMADA’s AirJet Shower Drying System offer great solutions for managing moisture in bathrooms.
We take approximately 20,000 breaths per day – meaning the air we breathe is the most influential factor in a healthy home. Every choice you make should revolve around improving and maintaining high indoor air quality. This includes proper ventilation, humidity control, material selection, purification and more.
Why is mold remediation/prevention important in residential settings?
Ben Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This couldn't be more true when it comes to mold and indoor air quality. By taking proactive steps to prevent mold growth and addressing issues while they’re still small, we can save time, money, unnecessary stress, and, most importantly, protect our health.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with far too many people who only realized the impact of a toxic home after they had already become seriously ill. If you were to ask any of the thousands of individuals I’ve helped, “What do you wish you knew back then that you know now?” they’ll tell you a similar thing: they wish they had understood the importance of air quality and mold prevention earlier so they could have taken action before it affected their health.
In terms of mold prevention, what products and practices do you recommend?
Preventing mold starts with controlling moisture and ensuring that contaminants are properly removed rather than just “treated.” The following products and practices can help maintain a healthy environment:
o Shower Drying Systems – Products like those from AIRMADA actively dry enclosed shower spaces, preventing excess moisture buildup that can lead to mold and bacterial overgrowth. Since showers are one of the most common areas for mold growth, targeted drying solutions are essential.
o Moisture Control Solutions – Using dehumidifiers, leak monitors, hygrometers and exhaust fans helps regulate moisture levels, preventing conditions where mold can thrive. Keeping indoor humidity between 35 to 50 percent is key.
o Botanical-Based Cleaners – Instead of harsh chemical cleaners that can introduce contaminants into indoor air, botanical-based solutions effectively remove particles while maintaining a healthier living environment.
o True Removal Products – The goal is not just to kill mold but to completely remove it. Even dead mold can lead to unwanted exposure and related reactions. Many conventional products only destroy mold on the surface, leaving behind spores, roots, and other particles that can still trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues. The best solutions focus on physical removal, ensuring contaminants are fully eliminated.
o Air Purification – Air purifiers help to eliminate particles like mold spores and bacteria from the air so that they don’t continue to build up in the home. The fewer there are, the less likely one will opportunistically begin growing within the home. Single units are a good option, but whole-home units offer the best full-coverage protection.
Beyond products, proactive home maintenance can help prevent mold from becoming an issue in the first place:
o Improve ventilation – Ensure that when using high-humidity areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens, the proper exhaust fans are on or windows are open to allow moisture to escape.
o Address leaks immediately – Any leaks in plumbing, roofs or basements should be fixed as soon as they are detected.
o Use mold-resistant building materials – When renovating or building, opt for mold-resistant drywall, paint and insulation.
o Maintain HVAC systems – Regularly replace filters and schedule bi-annual maintenance to prevent mold spores from circulating through the home.
o Regularly check for issues – The sooner a problem is identified, the sooner it can be resolved. Routinely comb through the home, looking for microbial growth, water damage or structural issues that can lead to problems.