Mold growth in your home is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. If it is not cleaned properly, mold can grow and cause additional damage. To kill mold and prevent is from spreading, you must use the right cleaning supplies and techniques. While toxic mold should be professionally removed, common mold can be cleaned effectively with supplies you may already have on hand. How do you get rid of mold?
What Is Mold, and Why Is It a Problem?
Mold is a fungus that may appear to be fuzzy, and it is typically green or black. It uses organic matter as a food source. This includes paper, wood and other items. Mold spores are easily dislodged and become airborne. When they land in a new area, a new mold colony can start growing. Because of this, extra care must be taken when getting rid of mold.
Mold causes several problems inside your home. When it grows on wood, drywall and other surfaces, it causes them to deteriorate. Instead of simply washing the mold off, you will need to replace items that have been damaged by mold. The fungus is unsightly and creates a musty, unpleasant smell.
More than that, it’s unhealthy to come in contact with mold and to even inhale tiny mold spores drifting in the area. Mold causes serious issues, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, headaches, fatigue, eye irritation, respiratory problems, chronic sinusitis, asthma, Legionnaire’s disease and more.
Common Areas Where Mold Grows in Homes
In addition to growing on surfaces made from organic matter, mold needs moisture and oxygen to grow. Because of this, mold colonies are commonly found in high-humidity areas of the home. These areas include laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements and kitchens.
Mold colonies are also found near HVAC units and areas that have been impacted by water leaks. While mold can be visible, it can also grow inside your walls and on support structures.
Causes of Mold Growth
In rooms with high humidity levels, such as the bathroom, basement, crawl space and laundry room, ventilation is often poor. This allows these rooms to remain moist for long periods of time.
In addition, water leaks from damaged plumbing are a common cause of mold growth. There are also other types of leaks, such as from leaky windows, roof damage and more. Condensation, such as on HVAC systems, can lead to mold growth. Wet clothes piled in a hamper or on the floor as well as moist carpet, drywall and wood are also prime areas for mold to grow.
DIY Mold Removal Methods
Before attempting to remove mold yourself, it’s important to take safety precautions. Improve ventilation in your work area, such as by opening windows or turning on a ventilation fan.
Wear a face mask as well as eye protection and rubber gloves to avoid coming in direct contact with mold spores. Mold can be removed with these three common household supplies.
Vinegar
Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Cover the mold with the vinegar, and let it sit for an hour. After an hour, cover the mold with vinegar once again. Use a scrub brush to remove the mold. Repeat as necessary until the mold is gone. Rinse off the mold and vinegar with clean water.
Baking Soda
Baking soda will not kill mold, but it will prevent further growth. Make a thick paste out of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the mold using a sponge. After 30 minutes, scrub the moldy area thoroughly. Then, rinse off the baking soda paste and water.
Hydrogen Peroxide
The hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet is effective at killing mold. Fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide, and spray the mold until it is saturated. For the best results, you should use a new bottle of hydrogen peroxide. This is because hydrogen peroxide can lose its strength and power in only a few months once the bottle is open.
Let the hydrogen peroxide sit on the mold for roughly 15 minutes. Then, use a scrub brush to remove the mold. If some mold remains, repeat the process. After the mold is gone, rinse the area with fresh water.
FAQs
What Kills Mold Permanently?
Bleach kills mold most effectively. However, it has a strong odor and can cause breathing issues, skin irritation and more. Because of this, many people choose to remove mold with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Regardless of the ingredient that you choose to remove mold with, do not mix these ingredients.
What Are Signs of Mold Sickness?
It’s possible to get mold sickness before you are aware of a mold problem in your home. Some of the signs of mold sickness are shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, a runny or stuffy nose, hay fever, skin rashes, watery or itchy eyes and sneezing.
In addition, you might have frequent nosebleeds, fever, headaches, joint pain, muscle aches and an upset stomach. Some people develop more serious issues, such as asthma attacks, chronic sinusitis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
How Can I Prevent Mold From Coming Back?
Controlling moisture and humidity in your home is essential for mold prevention. Investing in a dehumidifier for your bathrooms and other damp areas is beneficial. Your goal is to maintain the humidity level between 30% and 60%.
In addition, use mold-resistant paint on the walls. Repair roof, window and plumbing leaks as soon as possible. If you spot a water spill, dry the area immediately. In addition, don’t toss wet clothes and towels in a heap on the floor or in the hamper.
Getting rid of mold is a tough job, and the best way to minimize the risk of getting mold in the first place is to clean your home thoroughly on a regular basis. At Tidyhere, we offer eco-friendly cleaning in Boston, making it easy for you to enjoy a healthy, clean living space. Book Tidyhere cleaning service for your home today.
