Mold is a tough one to kill, and controlling its spread takes more than just killing the visible surface. For instance, the mold may be deep inside porous materials, such as drywall and insulation.
When cleaning up mildew and mold, wear rubber gloves, an N-95 face mask or respirator and glasses without ventilation holes to reduce spore inhalation.
Bleach is a household staple found in many cleaning supplies and has the ability to kill mold. However, it’s important to note that bleach can be dangerous if not used properly. It should only be used to kill mold on hard nonporous surfaces, such as tile, bathtubs, sinks and glass. Bleach can also be harmful to skin and lungs when it is mixed with ammonia or other chemical cleaners. When using bleach, open windows and doors for ventilation, wear gloves, a mask and goggles to protect yourself. When mixing bleach, it is best to use a 1:4 ratio in a clean bucket. This will prevent dirt or other residue from interfering with the effectiveness of the solution. Bleach can emit toxic chlorine gas when combined with ammonia or other cleaning agents, so it’s important to open doors and windows for ventilation and use a fan to circulate the air.
Bleach can kill mold if the chlorine in it comes into direct contact with the spores and breaks them down at the surface of the surface. This is why it works so well on nonporous surfaces like tile, tubs and glass. However, when sprayed on porous surfaces like wood and drywall, it does not work. The bleach merely lingers on the surface of the material and does not penetrate to kill the roots of the fungus.
Because of this, using bleach to remove mold from porous surfaces can actually worsen the problem. When sprayed on wood, the bleach merely nourishes the mold roots with the one thing they need to grow – moisture. It can also be damaging to the skin if not rinsed immediately. There are many natural ways to kill and remove mold that can be safer and more effective than bleach. Some of these options include hydrogen peroxide, vinegar and tea tree oil. It’s also a good idea to address the root cause of the mold and find a way to prevent it from growing again. Often this involves removing the affected material completely, along with finding and repairing the source of the moisture.
Vinegar
Often paired with baking soda for cleaning and deodorizing, vinegar is an effective mold killer. This natural household item has a low acidity, which means it will not damage most surfaces. The acetic acid in vinegar also has antifungal properties.
Vinegar can be used on surfaces like wood, drywall and tile. However, you must test the product in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t discolor or etch your surface. It can also corrode certain types of metal and is ineffective on porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet.
The most common use for vinegar is to kill mildew, which is a common household fungus. You can pour full-strength white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle and use it to scrub away mildew. Allow the vinegar to sit for about an hour before you begin scrubbing to make sure it has killed the mildew spores.
If you are concerned about the smell of vinegar, you can add one teaspoon of baking soda to the solution before scrubbing. This will neutralize the vinegar odor and make it more effective for follow-up scrubbing. Wear rubber gloves, a mask and goggles to protect yourself from the fumes of the vinegar and the potential toxicity of the mold spores.
To remove mold from fabric, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a bucket. Submerge the affected fabric in the solution and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. After soaking, scrub the fabric using a soft brush or sponge, being careful not to damage delicate fabrics. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.
Vinegar can be an effective treatment for mold in some circumstances, but it cannot be used on all surfaces and is not as effective as bleach. If you have a large mold problem, it is best to consult a professional to get the job done correctly and safely. The most important factor in removing mold is eliminating the source of moisture, which must be addressed before you begin cleaning the area. A professional will be able to determine the type of mold and recommend an appropriate solution.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild cleaning agent that kills mold and discourages its regrowth. Unlike bleach, it does not create toxic fumes or odors and is safe to use around children and pets. It is also inexpensive and effective against a wide range of surfaces. To use baking soda, mix it with water to form a solution that can be sprayed on the affected area. Let it sit for a few hours before wiping it away. If you want to eliminate a musty odor, add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture.
Another natural, odorless mold killer is hydrogen peroxide. If you are using a drug store-strength solution (3-10 percent), simply pour the liquid into a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area. When sprayed on organic matter, such as mold, the solution will begin to bubble or fizz, which means that it is working. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the area with a brush or sponge. Once the area has been scrubbed, wipe it down with a clean towel and rinse the area with clean water to remove any residual cleaning solution or spores.
Vinegar, particularly white distilled vinegar, is another powerful natural cleaner that kills mold and prevents its regrowth. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that are effective against a wide range of organisms, including mold. It also deodorizes and penetrates the surface of materials better than bleach. To use vinegar, apply a liberal amount of the solution to the area and scrub it with a brush or sponge. Rinse the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely to kill any remaining spores and to prevent further regrowth.
While baking soda and vinegar can be used to remove most types of mold, there are some exceptions. Black mold, for example, can be difficult to remove with home remedies because it stains and discolors surfaces and dries on them. In this case, it is important to contact a professional company for assistance with removal and remediation. Fortunately, Miami Mold Specialists can help. We have years of experience in dealing with mold infestations and we can provide you with a complete inspection and mold removal service.
Natural Ingredients
Molds are a common problem for homeowners who are obsessed with cleanliness. Even if you regularly dust your home and wipe down surfaces, molds can still grow in your shower, basement drywall, attic and other places. These problems can have a serious impact on your health if you allow them to get out of control.
Thankfully, there are natural ways to remove molds from your home that won’t cause any harm to you or your family. You can use items you probably already have on hand to banish molds, such as vinegar and baking soda. These methods are also less expensive than hiring a professional to handle the task.
White distilled vinegar is one of the most effective and affordable natural solutions to killing and removing mold stains. You can simply spray the undiluted vinegar directly onto the affected area or pour it on to a cloth and rub it on to the affected surface. The vinegar is extremely effective as it contains antifungal and antibacterial properties which are able to kill and remove most types of mold.
Another easy and inexpensive option to remove mold is hydrogen peroxide. This can be purchased from most drug stores in a 3% concentration solution and used straight on to the mold stained surface. This can be left to work for around 15 minutes or more, depending on the severity of the infestation and then scourbed with a rag to remove all traces of the mold.
Tea tree oil can be another useful natural ingredient to remove mold. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can kill molds and remove them effectively without causing any damage. This can be used as a spray with water or mixed into a cleaning solution and applied to the affected surface. Just be sure to rinse off the solution after using.
Grapefruit seed extract is a good natural alternative to bleach as it has no odor and can be bought in most health food stores. This can be sprayed directly onto the mold and left to work for up to an hour or so. The citric acid in the grapefruit will attack and break down the molds. This will not only kill the molds but will also disinfect and deodorize the area.
