Mold can be a little tricky to remove. Although most modern homes won’t struggle with this issue with today’s energy efficiency technologies, air movement, and moisture venting, older structures, and multi-unit buildings may have problems with it.
You may notice mold developing around window sills, bathrooms, and plumbing routes within your home.
When you see the mold form, here are the steps you can take to get rid of it.
1. Catch Interior Mold Quickly
You can remove mold easily with standard household cleaners if you catch the problem in its earliest stages. Use this approach if the area you must clean has a size of less than ten square feet.
Chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, industrial-strength distilled white vinegar, and baking soda with borax are excellent cleaners for mold and mildew.
When you apply the cleaning agent, leave some of it behind after removing the mold to inhibit future growth opportunities in that area.
2. Remove Mold from Fabric
Once mold starts growing in clothing, upholstery, or fabric, the material is not salvageable. If you catch mildew early because of lingering dampness, it can be removed through the standard laundry cycle.
The first step is to take the item outside to remove as much surface mold as possible. Taking this action prevents more mold spores from lingering inside of your home.
Use the hottest water allowed for any clothing with mold or mildew. Adding a disinfectant that won’t harm the material’s color can eliminate the problem.
Oxygen bleach is safe for any washable fabric. If the first washing cycle doesn’t get rid of the stain, create a 50/50 solution of color-safe bleach and water to soak the item for eight hours.
Items that require dry cleaning will need to be taken to a professional provider.
3. Clean Your Appliances
Any appliance that receives heat, moisture, and organic material exposure requires periodic cleaning to avoid mold problems. Refrigerators, washing machines, and coffee makers are the typical culprits in the average home that need this service.
Use the hot water cycle with a chlorine bleach solution to clean your washing machine. It also helps to inspect your door seals to ensure there isn’t lingering moisture, causing problems with your clothing.
If you want to clean your coffeemaker or refrigerator, use a distilled white vinegar solution to take care of the internal works that may experience mold growth.
4. Scrub Tile and Grout
When mold gets into your bathroom or kitchen grout, getting rid of it can be more of a chore than when it appears on other surfaces. Applying a commercial cleaner to the lines can usually restore its overall appearance.
Chlorine bleach and water will also get the job done without as much expense.
Use a 1:16 bleach-to-water ratio to create a cleaning solution. Apply it directly to the affected areas, allowing the cleaner to soak into the grout where the mold exists for at least 15 minutes. Scrub, rinse, and repeat as necessary until it is gone.
5. Add Dishwashing Detergent
If mold is found on porous flooring, carpet, or interior walls, you need to add detergent to your cleaning mixture to help it adhere to the affected surface. If you have two gallons of water, add one cup of dishwashing soap and 1 gallon of oxygen bleach to an appropriate material that won’t discolor with the application. Don’t use this option on the carpet.
Do not mix dishwashing detergent with regular bleach. You may create a toxic gas.
Apply with a mop or sponge, avoiding oversaturation. The solution must air dry.
If your carpet has a moldy smell, it should get removed from the home. Mist the underflooring as you work to prevent having the mold spores spread. Allow the area to air dry for several days before replacing the floor.
6. Exterior Mold
If you must care for the exterior of your home, chlorine bleach is an effective option to clean most concrete, siding, stone, and brick. It is harmful to lawns and plants, so please remember to cover your landscaping before proceeding.
Mix one cup of bleach to every gallon of water, running the liquid through a power washer or garden sprayer to get the results you want. It would be best if you were using a respirator when working with this option.
If any bleach gets onto your plants, rinse them immediately with plain water to ensure their survival.
These techniques offer an easy way to get rid of mold quickly. If you rent, please remember to report this issue to your landlord or building manager to ensure it gets taken care of immediately.
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