The threat of mold is very real for homeowners, but don’t be fooled, the term “black mold” is just a buzzword to make people even more scared of cleaning things themselves. Don’t get us wrong, feel free to hire a professional cleaner if you suspect mold in your home. And if you do find mold on walls in your home, you’re going to need that professionally removed.
“If I'm at home on my own and the writing isn't going well, I clean my house. And there have been times in the past few years when my house has looked really clean.” - Peter Mullan
How to Remove Mold from Your Home
Let’s start with the basics - here are some preventative measures you can take to make sure mold doesn’t run rampant in your house. First off, make sure to check on any damp areas in your home - this will usually mean the basement and the bathrooms. Be sure to clean everything regularly, as this is how mold builds up - where you least expect it. You can also hire a pro to inspect for mold damage and growth, making sure to nip that in the bud before it becomes a real problem. Otherwise, here’s how to get rid of black mold in your house:
- Air dehumidifiers
- Air conditioning
- Bleach
- Borax
- Carpet cleaning
- Window washing (and paying attention to the sills)
- Roof inspection
- Plumbing maintenance
- Proper drainage in a home
Dangers of Mold
Let’s cut to the chase: mold is hazardous to your health. You know that mold on food is bad for you, but inhaling mold is far worse. It can cause respiratory or epidermal issues in most people and some are even so allergic that mold can pose a serious health risk. So don’t risk hospitalization, call in for a mold inspection if you think there could be mold in your home. Should you notice any of these symptoms, take action right away:
- Constant sneezing
- Dry skin
- Shortness of breath
- Tight chest
- Coughing/wheezing
- Postnasal drip
- Itchy eyes/nose/throat
- Watery eyes
Identifying Mold
You should always be on the lookout for mold and mildew, and to do that, you need to know what it looks like. Identifying “stachybotrys chartarum” starts out easy: mildew will form black spots around any damp area of your home with temperatures ranging from 40 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or, most of the humid areas in your home. Mildew is easy to spot because it might look like dirt, but it does not rub away. It can be removed with bleach, however.
DIY Mold Removal
It is possible to remove the mold yourself. This is only typically advised for small infestations. Should you encounter a spore colony larger that three feet by three feet, it’s best to dial in a professional mold remediator. Otherwise here’s how to get rid of mold. You’re going to need the following items:
- Fabric cleaner
- Mop
- Washer and dryer
- Bucket
- Bleach
- Carpet shampoo
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Plastic trash bags
- Duct tape
- Plasting sheeting
- Measuring tape
- Drywall saw
- Sponge
- Laundry detergent
Natural Mold Removal
As usual, there are some tricks to killing mold that don’t involve chemicals or cleaning products. While typically not as effective as the cleaning solutions, this can be helpful to anyone who can’t stand the chemical smell or has sensitive health issues. Here’s how to get rid of mold in the house naturally. The top three methods are:
1. Tea Tree Oil
You knew one of these remedies was going to involve plants. Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide that leaves a lovely scent in your home. SImply add about ten drops to a spray bottle full of water and mix it around. The solution will kill off most mold colonies.
2. Vinegar
Perhaps unsurprisingly, vinegar is a method proven to kill of mold and mildew. This is by far the most economic way to deal with the problem, and can be done in a relatively easy manner. Just pour the vinegar on the afflicted area.
3. Vodka
We’re not kidding. Grab a bottle of inexpensive vodka and start spraying away. Cheap vodka, for whatever reason, seems to work better than more heavily distilled brands. Wipe away for a clean surface.
Know of any cleaning tips to help combat mold? Which ones work for you? Let us know in the comments below!
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