Properly Remove Molds

How To Properly Remove Molds

Mold is a dangerous fungus that can spread and create serious health problems. It’s important to address it as soon as possible and to use the right cleaning solution for the job.

Start with a water bleach solution—mix one part bleach with three parts water and apply it to moldy spots. Be sure to open a window and wear protective gear because the bleach fumes can be irritating.

1. Bleach

Bleach is a powerful and effective way to clean mold from hard, non-porous surfaces like sinks, bathtubs, and glass. It kills the mold, allowing you to wipe it away easily.

When using bleach, make sure to wear protective gear, including a respirator mask and eye goggles. It’s also important to open doors and windows for ventilation.

Before applying the bleach solution, dampen a sponge or cleaning brush in water and wring it out thoroughly. Apply the bleach to the moldy area and scrub in a circular motion. If you’re working on a surface where the mold is in a particularly difficult-to-reach spot, use a stiff brush to scrub it. Once the mold is removed, rinse the affected area with water and let it dry completely.

While bleach can be an effective cleaner, it can also damage many items in your home and can create dangerous mycotoxins if used incorrectly. It’s best to use nontoxic cleaning methods whenever possible.

Expert Tip: Be sure to wear rubber gloves and a respirator when handling bleach, even if it’s diluted. It can cause chemical burns on your skin. Also, remember that even dead mold spores can still be allergenic so you should always wipe up all debris.

Nontoxic alternatives to bleach include hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. Combine one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts of water in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture to the moldy areas and let it sit for about an hour. Then, wipe the moldy areas and allow them to dry completely. For porous surfaces, such as wood and drywall (including ceilings), you should add a small amount of detergent to the cleaning solution.

2. Vinegar

The household item vinegar is effective for cleaning surface mold on non-porous surfaces such as walls, tiles, and carpet. The acetic acid in vinegar is toxic to fungi, which kills them and causes them to peel away from the wall. It is also less caustic than bleach, which can cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation. Vinegar can be diluted with water and used as a spray or wipe-down for an easy solution to a mold problem. A popular all-purpose cleaner from Amazon contains a mixture of distilled white vinegar with eucalyptus oil to help neutralize odors.

It’s a good idea to open up windows and use a face mask and gloves when working with vinegar to avoid inhaling the sour fumes. It may take an hour or more for the vinegar to fully saturate the mold, but this pause is important so the spores have a chance to absorb it.

After the vinegar has had a chance to do its work, use a scrubbing brush or scouring pad to scrub the mold. Then wipe the area clean with a damp cloth. If the mold persists, consider using a baking soda solution instead. Combine a teaspoon of baking soda with two cups of water and mix well in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the moldy areas and scrub it with a sponge or scouring pad.

Baking soda is safe for use on almost all surfaces, including porous ones like concrete. But it won’t be as effective for cleaning mold on these surfaces, especially if the mold is deeply embedded in them or has caused staining. Depending on the type of mold and the amount of discoloration, you may need to use another household cleaner in combination with the baking soda.

3. Baking Soda

Unlike bleach, baking soda is safe to use around kids and pets and is less likely to damage surfaces or materials. It is also more affordable and readily available than chemical cleaners. To make a baking soda solution, mix equal parts water and baking soda in a spray bottle. Spray it onto the moldy surface and scrub with a brush or scouring pad. If necessary, follow up with a second application of the solution and scrub again.

If scrubbing doesn’t get rid of all the mold spores, try a vinegar soak. This trick is similar to one used by professional cleaning services. The idea is that since mold spores are hydrophobic (they dislike and repel water) soaking the area in vinegar will help to remove them. This will also kill any spores that have taken root underneath the surface and prevent them from returning.

When used correctly, vinegar is very effective at killing and removing mold spores. Just like bleach, it can penetrate porous materials and kill the spores at their roots. It can also be diluted with water, which helps make it more gentle and less likely to damage surfaces.

Another popular home remedy for mold is hydrogen peroxide. This solution can be used to kill mold spores and fade mildew stains on hard, non-porous surfaces. To use it, place undiluted 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and saturate the moldy area. Allow the solution to sit for about 10 minutes. Then, scrub the area and rinse it with clean water. Lastly, dry the area with a clean towel. It’s important to wear a mask and eye protection when using these chemicals, especially in an enclosed space.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Unlike bleach, hydrogen peroxide doesn’t emit toxic fumes and is safe to use on most materials. It’s also inexpensive and readily available in grocery stores and pharmacies. The effervescent nature of the liquid helps it penetrate porous surfaces and kill mold spores. It can even remove most mold stains from clothing and other textiles without damaging them (although dyed materials may fade). It’s best to test any solution on a small area before applying it to larger areas of your home.

When you apply it to surfaces, wait 10-15 minutes or until the surface stops fizzing. Then, scrub the surface with a brush, sponge, or rag. Rinse and dry the surface afterward to remove any residue or leftover spores.

Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to deodorize any lingering musty odors. It can be used in combination with salt water, vinegar, activated charcoal, or a number of other odor-neutralizing products. It’s a good idea to wear a mask when working with mold-killing chemicals, though, since breathing in dry mold particles can cause a variety of symptoms.

Typically, coming in contact with a few mold spores doesn’t cause any health issues, but when an entire mold colony takes up residence indoors, our immune systems are forced to battle an army of spores every time we hang out inside our homes. This can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. To prevent this, keep indoor humidity low and dry, stretch out shower curtains, and reseal bathroom tile grout lines. You should also store books, linens, and clothing in airtight containers and clean them frequently. And if you suspect that your home has a persistent musty smell, try running a dehumidifier to keep the air dry.

5. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another natural cleaning product that can be effective in killing mold spores. It’s a great alternative to chemical cleaning sprays and can also be used as a preventative measure against future growth. When mixed with water, it can be sprayed directly onto surfaces that contain mold and left for about an hour. After that, you should wipe the surface down with a clean cloth or sponge to remove the dead spores.

Clove oil has one of the broadest antifungal effects of any natural substance and can be used to kill most types of mold. It contains a compound called eugenol that attacks the cell membrane and inhibits germ tube formation. Mix clove oil with water in a spray bottle and apply to the surface. Leave it to sit overnight, and then scrub it the next day.

As with any cleaning products, it’s important to use protective gloves and a face mask when handling these chemicals. This will help avoid breathing in any of the dead spores. In addition, it’s a good idea to cover any areas of your home that aren’t being cleaned with plastic drop cloths to protect them from any spills or leaks.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to thoroughly wash any clothes or furniture that are used to clean moldy areas to ensure that the dead spores don’t stay behind and begin growing again. Alternatively, you can put the items in a sealable plastic bag for a few days to keep them dry. After a few days, they should be safely discarded to avoid any new mildew or mold. If you want to store the items, be sure to label them so they don’t get accidentally used for something else.