Mold remediation is a complex project that often involves more than a quick trip to Target’s cleaning supplies aisle. Addressing the factors that led to the mold growth is essential to prevent it from returning, such as ensuring proper ventilation in moisture-prone areas and promptly repairing leaks. Contact Ace Mold now!
To kill mold spores, mix baking soda, water, and vinegar in a spray bottle and apply to the affected area. Then scrub the mold with a brush and rinse with water.
Bleach
Bleach is one of the most common household cleaners and disinfectants. When it comes to mold, many people automatically reach for bleach believing it is a quick and effective solution. In reality, however, bleach is not the best way to kill mold and can actually be harmful to your health. Bleach is a harsh and corrosive chemical that can damage surfaces and can produce toxic fumes when mixed with certain chemicals.
Bleach can only effectively kill mold spores when the chlorine in the solution directly comes into contact with the fungi. When applied to porous materials such as wood or drywall, the bleach will only kill the mold on the surface of these materials. The mold roots that extend beneath the surface will remain unaffected and the mold will grow back once the spores are exposed to a fresh supply of oxygen. Bleach also evaporates quickly, leaving behind a sanitized surface but not killing the mold spores in the air.
If you do choose to use bleach, make sure to wear protective clothing, goggles, and an N-95 respirator. This will ensure that you do not inhale the hazardous fumes that bleach produces. In addition, always wear rubber gloves and a mask when working with bleach to avoid skin irritation.
Another option for killing and removing mold is hydrogen peroxide. This natural chemical can be sprayed on to the moldy area and left to sit for 10 minutes before being scrubbed down. Hydrogen peroxide does not corrode the materials that it is sprayed on and will not release any toxic fumes.
To use hydrogen peroxide, simply pour a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and saturate the affected area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing down and wiping the area clean. Alternatively, you can also try using tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract as an alternative to bleach. Both of these options will not damage the materials that they are sprayed on, won’t release any toxic fumes and will not produce any behinid residue. These alternatives are best used on hard, non-porous materials such as tile, sinks, bathtubs, and glass.
Vinegar
White vinegar is one of the most effective household substances for removing mildew and mold. The mild acid in vinegar kills about 82% of common mold species and helps prevent future growth by dissolving the organic material that supports it. While it is not as effective as bleach, it is an affordable way to treat a small mold infestation.
Vinegar should never be mixed with any other cleaning product or bleach, as this creates toxic fumes that can be dangerous to your health. It can also cause damage to certain surfaces, such as wood or stone. Therefore, you should always test a small area before using it on the rest of the surface. In addition, it can be harmful if splashed on your skin or inhaled by people with sensitive respiratory systems.
To use vinegar for mold removal, first open a window to help ventilate the room you are working in and put on protective gloves and goggles. Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and apply it generously to the mold-covered surface. Let the vinegar sit for about an hour to allow it to penetrate and kill the fungus. Then, scrub the affected area with a brush and wipe it clean with water. Make sure the brush and rag you used are thoroughly cleaned and disposed of to avoid re-contaminating the space with new mold or other contaminants.
If you want to try a more natural cleaner, mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda in a disposable spray bottle. This will create a solution with a pH level around 8.1, which is strong enough to kill mildew and mold. It can also be used to clean nonporous surfaces such as glass, bathtubs, and tiles.
If the mold is growing on a porous surface, such as drywall, it may not be able to be removed completely with vinegar alone. In this case, you can mix in some borax as well. The borax will increase the effectiveness of the solution by removing any lingering spores from the surface. However, you should still be cautious about using any type of bleach solution on drywall as it can damage and degrade the material over time.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a cleaning solution that is less harsh than bleach and produces fewer fumes. It can be used safely on porous and non-porous surfaces, including clothing and wood. It also kills viruses and bacteria, and has a mild bleaching effect that can lighten colors on fabrics. To use, pour a fresh bottle of drug store-strength hydrogen peroxide (three to 10 percent solution) into a spray bottle for easy application. Spray the surface and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the area with a brush and rinse well.
As an added benefit, it also deodorizes. It can be used on its own or mixed with baking soda, vinegar, or tea tree oil for a more effective cleaner. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and contains acid that can break down the proteins found on mold, making it more difficult for it to grow. Vinegar is another natural solution that works to remove mold by disrupting the fungus’s pH balance, which can prevent it from growing.
Since these fungi need so little to survive, it’s nearly impossible to avoid coming into contact with them on a daily basis. But if the mold in your home is causing serious health problems, it’s important to address it immediately.
To begin, you will want to put on a pair of latex gloves and a mask. You will also want to open doors and windows to ventilate the area. If the problem is widespread, it’s best to consult a professional. They can test your house for toxicity levels and recommend the right solutions.
Chemicals
Molds are unwanted house guests that often overstay their welcome, and it’s important to give them the boot for good before they cause serious health problems. Breathing in mold spores can trigger asthma and allergies and lead to respiratory illnesses, but there are safe ways to banish these fungi from your home without harming your family or the environment.
There are several cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals designed to kill and remove mold, but they come with their own set of concerns. These chemical cleaners and disinfectants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air that can negatively affect human health. Fortunately, there are also natural alternatives that can be used for cleaning and killing mold, including bleach, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, tea tree oil, and vinegar.
When using bleach to clean a surface, it’s important to do so in a well-ventilated area and to wear rubber gloves and protective goggles. Bleach is an abrasive chemical that emits harsh fumes and can irritate skin. When diluted correctly, this product can be used to kill and remove mold from nonporous surfaces, such as walls and floors. It can be applied with a spray bottle or bucket and a sponge or cloth, and the surface doesn’t need to be rinsed afterward (unless it’s in an area that is used for food preparation or touched by children or pets).
Hydrogen peroxide is an inexpensive and effective mold killer that doesn’t require harsh chemicals. This product can be used to remove and prevent the growth of mold on hard surfaces, such as countertops and cabinets, by mixing a solution of 3 percent concentration with water. This solution can be sprayed directly on the affected areas, and it’s important to allow it to sit for an hour or more before wiping down the surfaces with a clean cloth.
For a less expensive and more environmentally conscious alternative to commercial bleach cleaners, mix baking soda with water until it forms a paste. This natural mold killer is easy to apply and can be repeated as needed. You can also use a mixture of 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil (also known as melaleuca oil) with 1 cup of water and add it to a spray bottle. This natural fungicide is said to have antifungal, bactericidal, and virucidal properties.