Removal and kill mold spores is essential, especially for people with respiratory illnesses. Molds are known to aggravate allergies and asthma, hence may pose a danger to some. Their growth is fast; thus, removal should be done as soon as they start growing to stop their development.
Before you remove mold spores, make sure the environment within your home does not favor their growth and development. Molds flourish in damp environments and will easily grow in bathrooms and kitchens where there is moisture. Regular cleaning of such areas will help in minimizing moisture, thus preventing its growth.
More has to be done to do away with them altogether. There are many ways of getting rid of molds, but natural ways are considered safer. These non-toxic methods are cheap and guarantee excellent results. Most of them work by stopping the growth of the mold spores, thus doing away with it completely.
The use of chemicals may pose a danger to some; thus, non-toxic methods are considered better. These methods are readily available and have do not have harmful effects on your health. Protective gear may still be used to prevent inhalation of toxic molds.
This article is set to help you with knowledge on how to get rid of mold. The following are some of the common non-toxic cleaning methods that are proven effective when dealing with mold spores:
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Use of white vinegar
Vinegar has a 20% concentration of acetic acid. This acid is powerful for cleaning surfaces as it disinfects and deodorizes. Acetic acid kills up to 82% of molds’ species found on surfaces, whether porous or non-porous. White vinegar is readily available and at low prices.
White vinegar helps in removing other bacteria that are responsible for the foul odor in bathrooms and kitchens. The vinegar used should not be mixed with water as this will reduce the acetic acid concentration hence reducing its effectiveness. Spray the vinegar on the surface, leave it for about an hour, and then clean by wiping off and rinsing with clean water.
The vinegar smell will disappear after a few minutes and leave your room fresh and free of bad odor. Spray the vinegar carefully and prevent it from contact with eyes as it will cause irritation.
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Cleaning with baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate is the only ingredient in baking soda. Baking soda is commonly used to get rid of the foul odor in fridges and other home appliances. It can also be used to stop the development of molds. It kills all types of mold species and absorbs water, thus reducing chances for redevelopment.
For cleaning the surfaces, add a quarter tablespoon of baking soda and mix it with water until it dissolves completely. Spray the solution on the mold to kill mold, then scrub with a brush to clean the surface. The surface should then be rinsed well to remove any baking soda residue.
Respray the surface and let it dry so that any remaining molds can be killed. Black mold is tough to remove; therefore, a different solution should be prepared for cleaning. Add one part vinegar to two-part baking soda and mix with one part water. The solution should be mixed until a consistent paste is formed.
This paste should be applied on the tough black mold and left to dry to kill mold. Scrub and wipe the surface to remove any stains and mold remains, then rinse well with water and leave it to dry.
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Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most effective solutions on how to get rid of mold. It is made up of contents that help in destroying many species on any surface. Hydrogen peroxide helps in removing bad odor in areas full of bacteria.
For complete mold removal, add 3% of hydrogen peroxide to a bottle. Ensure that appropriate prior tests are made on the surfaces to prevent damages and discoloration. The surface should be saturated with the solution and left for 10 minutes, then scrub off the mold and stains and wipe it to keep it free of moisture.
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Treating molds with lemon
Lemon is one of the cheapest deodorizer options. Lemon is rich in citric acid, which is responsible for the destruction of molds. The acid breaks the mold structure making it weak and easy to clean. The surface is also left disinfected and free from future mold development.
Lemon has a citrus aroma that leaves the room smelling wonderful. To remove the mold, squeeze the juice out of five lemons into a jar, then pour it over the mold. Leave it for at least five minutes, then wipe off the surface with a piece of towel.
For tough molds and stains, repeat the procedure and scrub it off the surface. Lemon is a non-toxic cleaner and readily available.
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Use of essential oils
Essential oils are mainly used to reduce bad odor. Oils from tea trees are used to repel insects and also act as an antiseptic, which helps prevent the growth of molds. This is considered one of the safest methods of removing molds. It does not pose any danger to the body and is effective. Since tea tree oil contains anti fungicide properties, molds will not form on the surfaces.
To use this method, mix a teaspoon of tea tree oil in a cup of warm water and shake the mixture well. Spray it on the mold and leave it for at least one hour till it dries. Wipe off with a piece of towel or microfiber. Protective gear should be put on with this procedure to prevent skin irritation.
Tips To Prevent Mold Re-development
The following are some of the methods used to prevent surface mold redevelopment:
Check for leakages
If there are any leakages in the piping systems, make sure they are fixed. The presence of moisture is one of the main causes of surface mold redevelopment; thus, it must be dealt with quickly. Make sure the rooms are well ventilated to allow fresh air in.
Control humidity levels
It is important to have control of the humidity levels in different rooms of the house. Controlling the humidity levels will help you monitor the required levels hence preventing the creation of suitable environments for the growth of molds.
Maintain good hygiene
Maintaining high hygiene standards is also crucial to solving the mold problem. Clean the bathroom after use and open windows to let in the fresh air. Disinfect surfaces when cleaning and always check for molds developments in different room corners. You can also try drying items before you store them. Avoid placing wet items on wooden surfaces as mold grows fast on wood.
If you are looking into how to get rid of mold, following the above methods will guarantee an ultimate mold elimination. Since some methods contain acids, it is advisable to wear protective gear to prevent damaging the skin. Masks can also be used to avoid the inhalation of mold when scrubbing it off.