Mold is annoying and you can never 100% be rid of it. Mold spores thrive in wet areas and will likely spread in rooms with poor ventilation where humidity levels are pretty high. There are DIY ways to remove it from affected surfaces, but the best way to deal with mold is to control each and every room in your home and ensure they are properly ventilated and dry.
I wanted to learn more on how to best handle this pest so I asked the pros from EMS. Here’s what you should do:
Remove It Using Home Inventory
If you want to remove mold naturally you can do that by using vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Don’t expect instant results though, and also know that stains might stay. Grab a spray and fill it with 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide.
Now find all affected areas and spray them thoroughly. Wait for 15 minutes and use an old knife to detach it from the surface. Collect the remains using gloves, put them in a plastic bag and seal properly, then dispose.
Vinegar can also be sprayed. It only needs to stay longer to dissolve the mold. Wait for an hour then use an old rug and water to carefully wipe the surface.
Bathroom
The first suspect for mold growth. It’s humid and usually poorly ventilated, especially if there’s no window. Mold can usually appear in shower tiles, grout, curtains and liners. These areas are perfect for mold growth and you can use a mold removal agent.
What you need to do is spray the chemical across the area and let it do its job, then wash with water. When it comes to the plastic curtain, you can either use a spray that’s safe for plastic or wash the curtain in the washing machine using warm water, detergent and bleach.
Kitchen
A kitchen is also susceptible to mold growth, especially if high levels of moisture are mixed with little to no ventilation.
Wooden areas are most likely to be the victim of mold. You can remove it with a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters. After sweeping the area apply a mix of dish detergent and water. Use clean water and a rug to add a finishing touch and then let the area dry.
Removing Mold From Walls
There’s not much you can do if the affected area is porous, replacement is the best option here. A fast reaction is vital when you spot even a small trace of mold. Don’t let it sit and spread, because it won’t go away on its own. The faster you react, the better. First you need to clean the area with detergent. Use a brush or a sponge. Let it dry.
After that you need to mix a coffee cup of bleach in a gallon of water. Make sure you are wearing gloves to avoid damage to your skin. Then you can again use a brush or a sponge to apply the mixture to the area you’ve already washed. Let that dry too, then scrub, wash with water and dry with a hairdryer.
Mold on Clothes
Long-forgotten gym t-shirts you’ve accidentally left to sour are also a perfect breeding ground for mold. Luckily there are solutions. You need to take these items outside, put on gloves and then carefully remove the mold using a brush.
The next step is to let the clothes sit in liquid detergent, then put the clothes in a washing machine, use the hottest water and bleach. After this process the clothes are again safe for use. You can apply the same rules on the bag the clothes were in.
