Mold Removal in Houses
The possible damage and health problems associated with mold growth can send you into a panic. Remove mold from your home as soon as possible to prevent damage and staining to the surface on which it is growing. After you have removed all traces of the mold, take the necessary steps to prevent future mold growth. Does this Spark an idea?
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What is Mold?
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Mold is a form of fungus that thrives in damp, dark, humid locations. Mold spreads via spores that it releases into the air, and a small infestation can quickly take over an area. The mycotoxins present in mold can cause various health problems such as aggravating allergies, asthma and respiratory problems.
Hard Surfaces
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Bathtubs and showers are a common area for mold growth. The continuous damp and humid conditions in your bathroom provide the perfect breeding ground for fungus such as mold and mildew. However, mold can grow on any hospitable surface, including flooring, wood furniture, walls and countertops. You can use oxygen bleach, a safe alternative to chlorine bleach, to remove mold from hard surfaces Mix 1 gallon of warm water with 1 cup of oxygen bleach; stir with a long-handled spoon until the oxygen bleach dissolves. Dampen a sponge in the mixture, and wipe the mold off the surfaces. Let the oxygen bleach mixture sit on the surface for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with a cloth dampened in cool water. Wipe the surface dry with a towel.
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Washable Items
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Mold eats away at fabrics, and it leaves an unpleasant, musty aroma that can last for weeks after you remove the mold. But you can kill the mold and remove any musty smells from the item by laundering it in 1/4 cup laundry detergent and 1 to 2 cups white vinegar. White vinegar is an all-natural cleaner and deodorizer that reduces mold and mildew by 90 percent, according to "Good Housekeeping" microbiologist Gina Marino. And since vinegar contains no harsh chemicals, it will not fill your home with toxic residue or fumes and will not damage or discolor the item.
Carpeting and Upholstery
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Mold can cause a permanent stain to carpet and upholstery. To prevent damage to the fibers, remove mold as soon as possible by wiping off the surface mold with paper towels dampened with cool water. Clean the surface with a mixture of 2 cups white vinegar, 1/4 cup liquid dish soap and 1 gallon of water. Whisk the contents together until suds form. Use a sponge to scoop the suds up, and scrub the carpet or upholstery in a back-and-forth motion. Remove the mixture from the carpet or upholstery by blotting it with a damp cloth. Pat the area with a towel to remove the excess moisture, and let dry.
Prevent Mold
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You can prevent mold from returning by incorporating a few simple steps to your daily life. Never let garments stay damp. If you are not going to launder damp articles of clothing soon, hang them to dry. Clean spills from floors immediately. Wipe showers, bathtubs and sinks dry after each use to remove excess moisture and keep mold growth at bay. Leave the washing machine door open when not in use to let it dry out and keep mold from growing inside the machine. Reduce the amount of mold spores in the air by running a dehumidifier in your home; dehumidifiers remove from the air the moisture mold needs in order to grow.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Mold on bread image by kuhar from Fotolia.com
