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If you’re wondering how to kill mold, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are several easy and effective home remedies you can use to combat mold. Baking soda and water are both effective, and you can add baking soda to a spray bottle and spray the moldy area with it. Then, use a scrub brush to remove any excess baking soda. Adding essential oils can also help. Baking soda is a natural antifungal and can kill mold.
Baking soda
A quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda can kill mold without having an unpleasant odor and posing any health risk to your children. This versatile cleaning agent can be applied to virtually any surface. Mix it with water in a spray bottle and shake well. After sprinkling the solution on the moldy surface, spray the entire area at least twice with the mixture. Afterward, vacuum up any remaining baking soda residue.
While a simple DIY cleaning solution, baking soda is often mixed with water and then applied to a surface. A spray bottle works best, but you can use water, too. Be sure to shake the solution to fully incorporate the powder. For tougher mold stains, you may want to use a baking soda paste instead. Once the baking soda and water solution have dissolved, you can begin scrubbing the area.
If the mold is present on porous surfaces, such as carpets, baking soda is not an effective solution, as it will not penetrate them. The powder also won’t affect airborne mould spores. On non-porous surfaces, however, baking soda can kill mould, because it acts as a desiccant. When it comes to general cleaning, this substance is a good alternative to harsh cleaners.
Tea tree oil
If you have a mold problem in your home, tea tree oil can help you get rid of it. This essential oil is rich in antifungal properties and is effective at killing any variety of mold. To clean a mold infestation, simply mix a few drops of tea tree oil in one cup of water. Apply the solution to porous surfaces and scrub the affected area until the mold is dead. Finally, dry the affected area thoroughly to prevent re-infestation.
The powerful antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil also make it a wonderful household cleaner. Combined with vinegar, lemon essential oil, or water, tea tree oil can effectively kill all kinds of bacteria and mold. You can use this cleaner on kitchen appliances, counter tops, and even the toilet. It also helps with skin problems, and is safe to diffuse in the air. And, you can use tea tree oil in your homemade cleaning products, too!
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a common cleaning solution that is widely available and safe for both porous and non-porous surfaces. It foams upon application to a mold-affected surface. Hydrogen peroxide is slightly acidic and acts as an anti-microbial. Molds release spores that can be toxic to humans. Using hydrogen peroxide to remove mold stains is a simple and inexpensive way to eliminate this unsightly problem.
Although hydrogen peroxide is an excellent cleaning agent, it is not advisable to use it in highly humid areas, as it may rust metal objects. Also, hydrogen peroxide must be allowed to completely dry before application. The most effective way to prevent mold is to clean regularly. This includes walls, floors, and grout. Using less water in the bathroom and shower helps keep the area free of mold. If you have a serious mold infestation, you should not mix hydrogen peroxide with a cleaning solution.
Moreover, hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove the yellow coloring from linens and lace curtains. This bleach can also remove the musty odor from towels and other fabric items. Hydrogen peroxide also works wonders on floors, and you don’t need to rinse the floors after applying it. It can also be mixed with water to brighten the floors. For a quick clean, you can simply pour a cup of hydrogen peroxide into two cups of water.
Temperature change
The fact that cold weather kills mold does not mean that you should avoid it altogether. While extreme cold can deactivate mold spores, they will continue to multiply even when temperatures rise. Mold spores are not killed when the temperature drops below freezing. They simply become dormant, and will multiply as soon as the temperature rises again. While controlling temperature alone is not enough to eliminate mold problems, controlling humidity is. In the fall and winter months, most homes remain between 65degF and 75degF. Because the humidity increases during these seasons, surfaces that collect water will be ideal for mold growth.
Although most molds thrive in high temperatures, extreme heat can be deadly to mold. This is because some species produce heat-resistant spores and others require oxygen to grow. Molds can live anywhere, from the hottest parts of a building to the dampest corners of a basement. In addition to food, molds can feed on a variety of materials. Toxic chemicals are not an option for those who have mold problems.
Bleach
If you have a home mold problem, you may be wondering how to get rid of it. One solution is bleach. Its pH is 8.1, making it safe for use around humans and pets. Its primary feature is that it can absorb moisture, and this is exactly why it can kill a variety of mold species. Depending on the type of mold, you can use a mixture of bleach and vinegar on the affected area.
While chlorine-based bleach is effective at killing mold and mildew, it is not very effective against the root-forming spores of mold. The chlorine in bleach will quickly evaporate, leaving behind tons of water. Water encourages mold to reproduce because it feeds the internal spores. Bleach also has side effects that can affect the safety of the room. Before using bleach on mold, follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines for the use of chlorine-based bleach.
Though bleach kills mold, it is not a good choice for deep cleaning. It loses its potency after a few months, which makes it ineffective for deep-rooted mold. If you want to use bleach to clean mold, make sure that you are using a solution of one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Then, allow the solution to sit for a few hours or a day, then clean the area as normal.
Vinegar
Luckily, vinegar kills mold. It works quickly and effectively. Simply spray it on a moldy surface and let it sit for a few minutes. You can also use it to mop floors and mop up any leftover mold. It will prevent future growth of mold. You should check your roof for leaks and fix any leaks before applying vinegar. Once you’ve finished spraying, allow the area to dry before applying the next step.
For a faster and easier way to remove mold and soap scum, pour a spray bottle full of vinegar onto the affected area. Allow it to sit for an hour or so before you wash it away. Be sure to wear protective clothing, non-porous gloves, eye protection, and a mask to protect your lungs from the toxic fumes. To begin the process, pour undiluted white vinegar into an empty spray bottle. Scrub away the mold with the mixture using a scouring pad.
Although all types of vinegar are effective against mold, expensive ones can stain surfaces. Regular distilled white vinegar is colorless and smells neutral. If you have an extensive mold infestation, consider hiring a mold remediation service. You can often find free quotes by looking online. It doesn’t cost much to get rid of a mold problem using this natural home remedy, and you can save money as well. If you don’t know where to start, use this helpful guide to get started!
Boric acid
If you’re worried about mould, use a mixture of boric acid and water to clean the affected area. The mixture is effective at killing mold and fungus in bathrooms, kitchens, and other places where moisture collects. It can also help fight the buildup of mineral deposits on surfaces caused by hard water. However, you should be aware of the dangers of this product and ensure that you protect yourself against exposure by wearing protective gloves and eye protection. Boric acid is best used as a weed killer in spring because it kills desirable plants as well as fungus.
After removing the mold, it is important to clean the area thoroughly with a boric acid solution. You should be careful not to scrub dry since this will send the mold spores airborne. To help prevent mold from coming back, you can also use a face mask to avoid breathing in the mold-causing spores. A dehumidifier can keep the moisture level in the area low and provide you with enough light to clean your surfaces.
After mixing the boric acid with water, you can use a wire brush to scrub the affected area. Make sure that you do not rub the boric acid on porous materials, including wood. To remove the traces of the boric acid, use a scrubbing brush to scrape the mould off the surface. This method is effective for cleaning porous surfaces but should not be used on painted or varnished surfaces.
