Mold loves to grow in dark, warm, and humid spaces that remain mostly out of sight of the homeowners. Once it begins to spread, getting rid of it could be a tough challenge. If the conditions are right for its growth, molds don’t take more than 24-48 hours to spread. Now, the main reason for getting rid of mold is that it can lead to worsening respiratory illnesses. Also, people who have chronic asthma and allergies should stay alert in keeping mold at bay. For these reasons, many people search for how to get rid of mold, and here are some natural home remedies.
The basement, kitchen, and bathroom of a property are at the highest risk of mold growth. In these areas, the air holds a lot of moisture. The best ways to keep these areas mold-free are cleaning regularly and minimizing moisture. Keeping tiles clean, squeegeeing shower doors after use, and repairing leaks are some best practices. However, if mold starts to grow even after following these steps, here are some simple remedies to try.
- What is Mold?
A mold is a fungus with multicellular filaments. It is also known as hyphae. Mold and yeast are not the same as yeast is a fungus with a single-celled growth habit. It usually grows on organic substances such as wood or cotton. Mold is harmful to potentially cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems to humans and animals.
- What Causes Mold In a House?
Areas that are damp, dark, and humid are the most suitable for mold and mildew to grow. Some sources leading to moldy surfaces are foundation leaks, roof leaks, high interior humidity, overflowing washing machines, flooding, etc.
- How to Get Rid of Mold?
Here are five ingredients that can be effective in cleaning the mold.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: As an antifungal, antiviral, and anti-bacterial solution, hydrogen peroxide works effectively on mold treatment. One can find this easily in medicine stores. It is safe for usage on a range of surfaces such as:
- Hard Flooring
- Wall Surfaces
iii. Kitchen Appliances
- Kitchen Counters
- Bathroom Fixtures and Tubs
Pouring a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and sprinkling it on affected areas may work. Once the solution is sprinkled, one needs to leave the surface for 10 minutes and scrub gently. The final step is dry wiping the surface using a soft cotton cloth. Before trying this method, it is recommended to test the solution in a safe area to notice any discoloration or damage.
- Vinegar: White vinegar works as a great cleanser, deodorizer, and disinfectant. The experts say that almost 82% of mold vanishes when vinegar is applied. One can use it both on porous and non-porous surfaces. The offensive odor of mold goes away once the surface is clean.
To try this method, one needs to pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and sprinkle it onto the moldy surface. Then, one needs to wait for an hour, wipe the surface with water, and finally dry wipe again using a duster or cotton cloth. If the pungent smell of vinegar remains, it should clear within a few hours. White vinegar contains only about 20% acetic acid and works as a natural cleanser. Diluting it with water can make it less effective in action.
- Baking Soda: From relieving sunburns to removing odors in the fridge, baking soda has multiple usages when it comes to quick home remedies. Baking soda can be an answer to how to get rid of mold. Most importantly, ingredients like baking soda and vinegar are safe for children and pets.
A mixture of one-quarter tablespoon of baking soda and a half cup of water in a spray bottle can keep mold at bay. At first, spraying it on moldy surfaces and instantly scrubbing the areas is required. Then, one needs to rinse the surface with water to remove any residue. Repeating this whole action twice can kill any leftover mold and help prevent the mold from returning. If the mold is hard, mixing two parts baking soda with one part white vinegar and one part water can be the best solution.
- Tea Tree Essential Oil: Today, many people try aromatherapy at home because essential oils are easily available. Some of these oils have the potential to clean mold and bacteria as well. For instance, tea tree oil works as an insect repellant, antiseptic, and deodorizer. As a natural fungicide, it cleans up mold quickly and prevents mold spores from coming back.
One teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle can clean up mold effectively. One needs to shake the bottle vigorously to blend the water and oil. Then, spraying it onto the moldy area, leaving the surface to dry for an hour, and then wiping it away with a dry towel can remove mold particles. Wearing gloves is recommended as some people get skin irritation from essential oils.
- Lemon: As a natural deodorizer, bleach, stain remover, and cleaner, lemons work well in keeping households clean. Because of the high concentration of acid in lemons, cleaning mold is easier. As the surface gets clean, the wonderful citrus aroma lingers in every corner of the house.
Sprinkling the juice of three to five lemons directly on the molded area, leaving it for five minutes, and finally wiping the surface with a damp towel can clean mold particles. However, if any residue is still visible, one should reapply and scrub the surface to clean it thoroughly.
- Conclusion:
How to get rid of mold? The answer is simple. One can get rid of mold by using the five above ingredients. The above natural and non-toxic home remedies work as great alternatives to chemical-based mold removers. Some of these agents are also less expensive than branded removers. The toxic removers and disinfectants cause a lot of harm to the environment. Moreover, these are risky when there are children and pets at home. For those who want to try organic household remedies, using the above five ingredients can be the best possible solution.
