Four Ways To Get Rid Of Household Mold

Household mold is a fungus that thrives in dark, warm, and damp places. These include corners in the bathroom, kitchen surfaces, and the basement.

The most common type of household mold is mildew, described by a grey or white colony. Eventually, it turns black or brown if not removed quickly. 

You can detect household mold from its musty smell and soil-like accumulation on surfaces. If not removed promptly, mold can be dangerous to your health.

It can cause allergic reactions like sneezing, skin rashes, watery eyes, itching, or even serious issues like asthma attacks and pneumonia. 

Meanwhile, there are various effective products for mold removal. However, most contain toxic chemicals that could be harmful.

On the other hand, there are non-toxic ways of removing household mold. Alternatively, you can contact a mold removal company to help you with the menace.

Here are four ways to get rid of household mold:

Four Ways To Get Rid Of Household Mold 1

1. Using Mold Removal Products

Removing mold is easy as long as you can observe some safety measures and the area affected is within a manageable range—not more than 10 square feet.

Essentially, it’s advisable to wear protective gear to prevent contact with mold spores. Hence, you should wear long rubber gloves to cover your hands and goggles to protect your eyes from any chemicals you use.

Some products that can remove mold include the following

  • Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a solution containing antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial extracts.

These ingredients are favorable for mold removal on surfaces like kitchen appliances, countertops, bathtubs, walls, and hard floors. 

To make the cleaning agent, get a spray bottle and pour into it a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Spray the area covered by mold.

After 10 minutes, scrub off the mold until the area is clean, rinse, and wipe using a clean cloth to dry.

  • Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol works best when diluted with water in equal parts to clean surfaces. It doesn’t cause any damage and especially stops mold growth on leather, paper, and fabric.

  • Distilled White Vinegar

The acidic nature of distilled white vinegar gradually disintegrates and eventually destroys mold structure.

It may not correctly clean out mold stains, but you can use an additional cleaner to scrub and remove the stubborn dirt. 

However, if the mold has spread to a larger area, it’s best to contact a professional like Moisture Master Pros to help you remove the mold.

2. Treating Mold Using Natural Methods

You can find readily available and inexpensive materials to treat mold. Below are non-toxic options that can replace chemical-based mold removers:

  • Lemons

It’s the high concentration of acid in lemons that destroys mold and leaves the surfaces disinfected.

Squeeze out the juice from at least five lemons and pour it over all the areas with mold. Leave it for around five minutes, then clean it out with a wet cloth. You can also use lemon juice to clean out mold stains.

  • Essential Oils

Essential oils are made of natural compounds and do various things, including removing mold. Tea tree oil is one example of an essential oil that can quickly clean out the mold and completely prevent its spores. 

For effective removal, mix one teaspoon of essential oil with one cup of water in a bottle and shake well. Pour or spray the mixture over the area affected by mold and leave it for one hour, then wipe off using a dry cloth. 

  • Keeping Your House Dry

Keeping your house dry means that you do away with moisture that supports mold growth. Ensure that bathroom windows are open to help evaporate the moisture.

Repair any leakages within a day or two to prevent mold growth, and seal the grout around bathroom tiles yearly. 

Furthermore, identify specific spots that produce moisture in mold-prone areas like the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom.

It’s also important to fix exhaust fans or vents. In addition, inspect your air conditioner regularly to clean drip pans and ensure drain lines are clear and flowing.

  • Replacing Bedding

In case of allergies, clean or replace your bedsheets on a regular basis. Dirty bedsheet attracts mites whose poop is a source of food to mold.

When you sweat while sleeping, the dump atmosphere promotes mold growth. 

Conclusion

Mold removal isn’t a matter of second-guessing; it requires immediate attention because of its adverse effects.

Mold affects household members by causing threatening health issues like allergies, pneumonia, and asthma. In addition, you have to spend money to get professionals to clean the mold.

Significantly, the rule of thumb is to remove mold as soon as you see it.

Julie Higgins
Author
Julie is a Staff Writer at momooze.com. She has been working in publishing houses before joining the editorial team at momooze. Julie's love and passion are topics around beauty, lifestyle, hair and nails.