The presence of mold can be a nightmare for any homeowner. Apart from causing disturbing odors in indoor spaces, mold growth can cause unsightly stains and blemishes in various parts of your home, including the ceiling, bathroom surfaces, roofing, and walls. Some species, such as black mold, can be poisonous and detrimental to human health, causing a wide range of respiratory illnesses and allergies to some residents. If you suspect or spot the signs of this fungal bug in your home, you need to know how to handle mold and get rid of it as soon as possible. With this having been mentioned, here are some tips on how to eliminate mold from your home.
1. Sprinkle Household Bleach
Also known as sodium hypochlorite or chlorine bleach, regular household bleach is one of the best solutions to get rid of mold in your home. Wiping surfaces with this antimicrobial solution regularly will help kill mold and prevent the fungal spores from germinating. Since mold spores can be transported by air to various parts of your home, you should also consider disinfecting your fabric and upholstery using hot water with a disinfectant or mild bleach added. Just ensure the solution you use is recommended for the specific fabric to avoid damage.
2. Using Everyday Household Products
As you may already know, chlorine bleach can be quite toxic if mishandled, and it often requires dilution before use. Thankfully, a significant range of everyday products can be used to rid mold from your home. Some of these include the following:
- White vinegar (distilled) – This acidic solution will effectively break down the structural integrity of mold, killing it instantly. However, you may need to remove the stains using a household cleaning product or detergent.
- Hydrogen peroxide – You know that antiseptic commonly used in dressing wounds and making mouthwash? It is also effective in killing mold and lightening their stains without the bleaching of chlorine. It is safer and more environmentally friendly, since it doesn’t produce toxic fumes. You only need 3% to 10% hydrogen peroxide in water to eliminate mold from your home.
- Baking soda (solution with Borax) – The high pH of sodium bicarbonate and Borax won’t allow mold to survive. Use a solution of these inexpensive products in water to wipe out mold growth from the various surfaces in your home. If the stains don’t go away, follow up the treatment using a stronger household cleaning product.
3. Hire Mold Removal Professionals
One thing to know about mold is that it can grow just about anywhere, so long as the conditions are favorable. This includes the hidden parts of your home such as the attic, vents, plumbing, and even inside your appliances. Remember, their spores are airborne, meaning that they can easily spread throughout your home by way of fans, air conditioning, or even the nice breeze that flows inside when you open the windows. This is why the mold remediation Vancouver professionals at MRS recommend scheduling regular mold testing for your home. Experienced mold treatment experts are thorough and will help get rid of mold from the most hidden parts of your home.
Whether you spotted mold growth in your bathroom or you have noticed an increase of respiratory allergies in your household, one thing is for sure. The situation could get worse over time. You need to take action as soon as possible to keep your home safe and comfortable. The above are just a few helpful tips you can use to deal with mold infestation in your home.