Remove Mold In Your Home
Keeping your house clean and clear of any mold spores is key to the health of your family. Mold grows rapidly, so if it is left unattended and it reaches an area larger than 3-foot x 3 foot, then you may consider contacting professional services. If you have identified a smaller moldy area, learn how to get it under control with our easy and efficient maintenance steps to prevent the mold from taking over your home.
Health Effects
Mold has been known to produce allergens and can sometimes be toxic. Some people experience allergic reactions resembling something such as hay fever with symptoms like sneezing, irritated eyes, and a runny nose. Other common health effects include coughing, skin irritation and or throat irritation. In some cases, mold can cause asthma attacks. Immediate medical attention may be required.
How To Prevent Mold
An effective way to prevent mold from growing in your home is by reducing the humidity. Humidity is food for mold growth which you can help to reduce by turning your bathroom fan on when taking a hot shower or bath as well as ventilating your laundry and kitchen areas. Another excellent method to prevent mold growth is with regular cleaning such as your bathroom shower grout.
There are many products on the market which are chemically made to kill mildew and mold including bleach. There are also many other practical ways which kill mold and are not as harsh on your lungs or the environment. Any of these solutions are effective in killing mold and keeping it away.
Pro Tip #8
If using a shower curtain in your shower/tub, use a washable fabric curtain and change the vinyl liner often if regular cleaning does not inhibit mold and mildew growth.
Vinegar
Not always the best smelling, which dissipates in a few hours, use full strength white vinegar to kill more than 80% of mold types. Pour non-diluted vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray surface areas, no need to wipe. This method is perfect for spraying on the shower walls and floor after your shower or bath.
Hydrogen-Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide act as a bleach. Effectively kill mold with 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Spray and let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub to remove. Hydrogen peroxide is an antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial that will kill mold on many surfaces including kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, floors, and walls.
Tea Tree Oil
Being a natural fungicide and having a lovely spa like scent, you can’t go wrong with tea tree oil. To eliminate mold, you need a 1:1 mixture, 1-teaspoon tea tree oil to 1-cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray and let set for 5- 10 minutes then wipe away the mold.
Baking Soda
Dissolve ¼ – ½ teaspoon baking soda to a spray bottle. Mix and spray the solution on the moldy area. Wipe with a sponge or cloth depending on your surface. Keep in mind baking soda is a natural abrasive so use with caution when scrubbing. Rinse the area then spray again and leave to dry killing any residual mold.
Borax
Borax is a natural mold inhibitor which is typically located in the detergent isle of your local market. You can mix 1-cup Borax to 1-gallon water or make a paste and apply to mold area. Scrub if needed, but do not rinse.
Pro Tip #9
When it’s time for a fresh coat of paint on your interior walls, ask your local home improvement store representative about adding a mold inhibitor.
To Big To Handle
Mold is something you do not want to ignore or let get out of hand. If you find yourself in an unstable mold situation, you should consider calling an expert. Before hiring an expert, it is recommended to get a minimum of 3 written detailed estimates including their warranty/guarantee.
Be certain to check their credentials such as licensing and certifications as well as their references and employee background checks. Professional mold removal contractors receive specialized training in proper techniques for mold removal. We urge you to ask them questions and be happy with their answer.
Top 3 questions to ask a professional mold removal company:
- Do you use chemicals in the removal process, and if so what do you use and why?
- Will you work with my insurance company?
- Do you guarantee your work?
We hope you find the information we have provided to be of use. If you are having lingering questions about mold removal or any of the content, please contact us directly for additional help. You can also comment in our community section below.
Thank you for visiting and take care.
To learn more about the effects of mold, please visit:
