Mold can eat away at building materials, ruin their structural integrity and cause health problems. If your home has extensive mold growth, you need to call in a professional like Mold Removal Salt Lake City.
Before beginning the cleanup process, it is important to remove obstacles from the area you are cleaning so that you can have unobstructed access to your walls. Chlorine bleach is an effective mold-killing agent. Distilled white vinegar will also kill mold and lighten stains but may require multiple applications.
Finding mold inside your home is a hugely stressful experience. Not only does it look unsightly, but it can also cause a variety of health problems like breathing difficulties and worsened asthma. Luckily, one of the most common household cleaners — vinegar — is an effective mold eradicator when used properly.
According to ServiceMaster Restoration and Cleaning, vinegar is capable of killing 82% of different types of molds. This makes it one of the most powerful natural mold killers out there, especially if you’re working on non-porous surfaces such as glass, bathtubs, and tiles.
To use vinegar to kill mold, simply pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and apply it directly onto the surface that’s affected by the growth. Then, leave it alone to fully soak into the mold for at least an hour. This allows the vinegar to kill the mold and prevent it from growing back. If needed, you can scrub the area with a brush or scouring pad. Make sure to wear rubber gloves and safety eye gear while doing this.
Vinegar isn’t an effective solution for porous or absorbent surfaces, such as carpet and ceiling tiles. In these cases, it’s likely necessary to call in professionals or replace the damaged items. In addition, the acidity of vinegar may corrode certain types of metals, including aluminum and copper, so it’s important to avoid using it on these materials.
The best way to keep mold at bay is by regularly cleaning and sanitizing your home’s surfaces. This includes the kitchen and bathroom, where mold can often appear due to high levels of moisture and body soil. In addition, ensuring that you’re getting enough fresh air in your home by opening windows and running exhaust fans can help prevent the growth of mold.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, which is also an ingredient in many household cleaning products, is a great mold removal tool because it has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s also a mildly abrasive agent, which makes it ideal for scrubbing away the residue from mildew and mold growth. It’s also non-toxic and safe to use in households with children and pets, unlike bleach and other harsh chemical solutions.
When paired with vinegar, baking soda creates a powerful fizzing action that lifts and dissolves mold spores. Mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda until the mixture is spreadable on the affected area. Then, scrub the area with a brush or sponge. Once the area is clean, leave it to dry for a few hours. This method works well for removing mildew and mold from non-porous surfaces such as tile or masonry, but it may not be effective on porous materials like fabric and wood.
Vinegar can also be used to prevent mold and mildew from recurring by killing the microorganisms on contact and unbalancing their pH levels. To use this method, pour enough undiluted white vinegar into an empty spray bottle to fully cover the area of mold growth and then apply it directly. Let it sit for an hour before wiping. Be sure to dry the cleaned areas completely because a moist environment can encourage mold and mildew growth. Consider investing in a whole house ventilation system from Envirovent to keep humidity at bay and help prevent future mold growth. This is especially important if you rent your home or business. This will ensure that your space is free from unhealthy mould spores and bacteria that can be spread to other spaces by your tenants.
Hydrogen Peroxide
This common household cleaner works as a powerful mold killer. Its oxidative properties disrupt the DNA of fungi and bacteria, killing them. In addition, it kills the spores that cause mold to grow. While it is not as effective at killing mold as bleach, it is less toxic and produces fewer fumes. Additionally, it is safer to use around children and pets.
To use hydrogen peroxide as a mold remover, pour a small amount of the solution into a spray bottle. Then, apply it to the area where mold has grown. Be sure to use a low concentration, as higher amounts can damage surfaces and can be corrosive to natural fabrics like wool. Allow the solution to sit for at least 10 minutes and then scrub the area with a rag or brush. Start by scrubbing gently to avoid damaging the surface beneath the mold and then gradually increase scrubbing pressure. After scrubbing, wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth.
Hydrogen peroxide is not suitable for all materials, however. It can react with certain natural fabrics to produce peracetic acid, a substance that is toxic and can irritate the skin and eyes. It can also damage some surfaces if it is allowed to soak into porous ones. This is why it’s important to test a small, inconspicuous area before using it on a larger surface.
As with bleach, it’s essential to wear a mask and rubber gloves when working with hydrogen peroxide. Otherwise, the spores can be kicked up into the air and can cause respiratory problems. It’s also important to ensure that the area is completely dry after cleaning, as mold thrives in damp conditions.
Tea Tree Oil
Clove essential oil, which comes from the flowering buds of the clove tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), has powerful antifungal properties that can destroy a wide variety of molds. Its main ingredient, eugenol, breaks down the fungal cell membrane and inhibits germ tubes. The oil also has a warm, spicy aroma and is very effective at deodorizing surfaces and air. It can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including sinks, counters, cabinets and floors.
Tea tree oil, which is made from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), also has powerful antifungal properties that can break down and kill mold spores. It has a pleasant, mild scent and is one of the best natural substances to use for removing and killing mold. It can be used in the same way as vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
It is also a natural disinfectant that is often found in first aid kits because it has many medical uses, including treating minor cuts, wounds, acne and dermatitis. Its anti-inflammatory and anesthetic qualities reduce pain, while its antibiotic and fungicidal properties prevent infections, relieve itching and soothe sores. It can be applied to the skin as a treatment for cold sores, boils and warts, as well as herpes, ringworm, hives and lice.
Mix a solution of 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for an hour and wipe the surface clean with a cloth. Then rinse the area with clean water and allow it to dry. This mixture will also be useful in cleaning other surfaces that have been contaminated with mold, as long as you don’t leave it on for too long.
Water
Before you can even start thinking about tackling mold, you must address the source of the problem. This could be anything from a bathroom pipe leak to a failing HVAC system. Once the problem is fixed and the affected area is completely dry, it’s time to begin the cleanup. It is recommended that you wear rubber gloves and an N-95 face mask when cleaning to avoid inhaling mold spores.
Mold remediation professionals use a variety of tools to clean and disinfect areas affected by mold. They may sanitize the entire water system by using chlorine and other products to kill remaining spores, and they will also remove any building materials that have been severely damaged. It’s important to note that you should always have your water tested before hiring a remediation specialist, as different strains of mold respond differently to treatment methods.
White mold spores can cause a variety of health problems when they are inhaled, including dizziness, headaches, respiratory issues, and sneezing. It is also able to digest a wide variety of materials, which can cause damage to items and structures that it grows on.
For surfaces that have been affected by white mold, Sokolowski recommends mixing a solution of equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a bucket. Then, soak the affected fabric in the solution, scrubbing with a scrub brush and rinsing it thoroughly afterward. If the fabric is particularly delicate or has a strong odor, add a little detergent to the solution. Finally, rinse the area with water from a hose to ensure all cleaning solution and mold residue are removed.
