There are many chemical products available in the market that can help you get rid of mold from your home. While some of them contain chemicals that can be harmful and counterintuitive in the case of lowering health risks, this guide provides safe and natural methods of getting rid of mold. The bottom line remains that dealing with the moisture problem will ensure there’s no recurrence of mold growth.
1. Removing the Affected Area
If the affected surface is severe, remove the mold-infested and water damaged items. Keep an eye out for toilet mold too. An unpainted drywall is very porous thus affected; the section should be is trimmed off and disposed of. Mold releases a lot of spores which remain inactive until the land on a damp surface therefore cleaning may only be a temporary fix. Painting over the affected surfaces is also a quick fix as the paint will peel off over time.
2. Getting Rid Of Mold Using Cleaning Solution
Before any cleaning can commence, ensure that you have the appropriate protective gear that is gloves, goggles, and an N-95 respirator. Some of the most effective cleaning solutions for mold removal include grapefruit seed extract, tea tree oil, ammonia, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, detergent, baking soda, bleach, and Borax.
Generally, when removing mold from non-porous surfaces, you can use either borax, bleach, vinegar or ammonia. Vinegar is the safest to use, it doesn’t emit harsh fumes plus it has an 80% effectiveness in getting rid of mold.
Vinegar is the safest to use, it doesn’t emit harsh fumes plus it has an 80% effectiveness in getting rid of mold. Just spray the affected area with apple cider vinegar or undiluted vinegar using a spray bottle and let it sit for an hour before wiping the surface clean.
Borax is also another safe cleaning solution that you mix in 1 cup borax/1 gallon of water ratio and clean off with a brush.
Ammonia is dangerous to use thus caution should be applied when using it. It requires a 50/50 mix of clear ammonia and water.
Bleach is especially dangerous to use and it gives off harsh fumes; however, it can be used in a mixture of 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of bleach. To prevent future mold growth, you may regularly spray the surface with either of the solutions above without wiping. Note that mixing chlorine bleach and ammonia produces toxic fumes and is extremely dangerous.
To prevent future mold growth, you may regularly spray the surface with either of the solutions above without wiping. Note that mixing chlorine bleach and ammonia produces toxic fumes and is extremely dangerous.
For porous surfaces like drywall and wood, a mild and safe cleaning solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 8 ounces of water is sprayed on the surface.
Then you can either scrub or wipe the surface clean, a second application without wiping can help inhibit further growth of remaining mold.
A lot of spores are released into the air during the cleaning, and hence a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum should be carried out after you get rid of mold.
3. Cleaning Less Common Surfaces
When you want to get rid of mold in leather, you first scrub away as much mold or mildew as possible using a brush. Then dip a cloth in a one-to-one mixture of water and denatured alcohol/saddle soap, and rub affected areas with the cloth.
For other surfaces like books and papers ensure the surfaces are completely dry. Dip a cloth into the soap solution and wring it out to completely dry and wipe off the mildew or mold spots.
Always leave the items to dry completely preferably outdoors where there is air circulation.
4. Hiring Professionals
If the affected area exceeds 10 square feet, it is recommended that you call in a mold inspector. The mold inspector must have appropriate academic accreditations and industry credentials like Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
The inspector carries out tests to ascertain the root cause of the mold growth and finally offer possible remedial solutions (DIY or professional). Mold remediation professionals remove affected areas, clean and disinfect the surfaces and vacuum with HEPA filtration.