Some items contaminated with mildew may not be safe even after cleaning them. These products will likely need to be thrown away and replaced. For more information just visit Air Duct Cleaning Utah.
Use a spray solution like Benefect to kill the mold and eliminate musty odors. This product is specifically designed for bathrooms and is highly effective against mold stains and soap scum.
- Vacuum
Vacuuming is essential, Whether preparing for a major mold remediation or simply cleaning up a small area. It will help you remove large chunks of mold and dust from hard surfaces, and it can also be used on carpets to remove spores and other accumulated debris. However, it would be best always to use a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum cleaner. Regular household vacuums or even standard wet/dry vacs can spread mold spores around the home.
A HEPA filter traps particles smaller than the diameter of a human hair. This includes spores, mycotoxins, and other volatile organic compounds that molds can release. Removing mold spores from contaminated areas is recommended because it reduces exposure to these chemicals and decreases the likelihood of new mold growth.
If you have a serious mold problem, the EPA recommends hiring a professional for remediation. This is because mold can give off enzymes and toxins that can be toxic to humans and cause other health problems, such as respiratory illnesses. Hiring a professional may seem expensive, but it can save you time and money in the long run.
Once you have swept and mopped the floor, turned on the ventilation system, and spray-cleaned the affected area with disinfectant, the next step is to vacuum. Doing this using a HEPA vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and venting outside is important. After the cleanup, you should also move and store your contents from the contaminated area. It would be best if you also vacuumed and damp-wipe cabinet interiors, the bottoms of furniture, and any other places where spores have accumulated.
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that’s usually found in home medicine cabinets. It prevents infections in scrapes and minor cuts and can help with cold sores, gingivitis, and canker sores. In higher concentrations, it can also be an antifungal and mildew killer that penetrates surfaces to kill mold at its roots. Unlike bleach, it doesn’t produce harsh fumes and can be safely used in well-ventilated areas.
However, it doesn’t kill mycotoxins, which are dangerous carcinogens present in some species of mold. It also doesn’t remove musty odors, although it can be used with deodorizers like salt water, vinegar, activated charcoal, or odor-neutralizing minerals to neutralize them.
It’s best to use a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide, the usual strength sold in pharmacies. Put the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to the moldy surface. Then, let it sit for a few minutes to give the hydrogen peroxide time to penetrate the surface and kill the mold. Once the solution stops bubbling, scrub the surface with a brush or rag and wipe clean.
It’s important to wear gloves and a mask during this process to limit exposure to the mold spores that are kicked up by scrubbing. If the mold reappears after you’ve cleaned it with peroxide, it might be a sign of a deeper problem that requires professional assistance. Calling a mold inspector after your cleaning project is always a good idea to ensure you’ve fully eliminated the mold from your property. They can recommend further remediation strategies and test your property for mycotoxins to confirm that all the mold has been removed.
- Vinegar
Mold is a fungus that grows in areas that accumulate moisture, like in showers and bathtubs, sinks, laundry rooms, and certain types of walls. Unlike bleach, vinegar is non-toxic and safe for many surfaces, though it can cause discoloration on certain materials. Most people have some vinegar on hand, as it is commonly used for cleaning kitchen appliances and counters, bathroom fixtures and tubs, hard flooring, and other household items.
Vinegar is one of the most effective, budget-friendly mold removal products around. It can kill 82% of mold species on porous and non-porous surfaces. It is also more practical and safer than bleach, as it does not produce toxic fumes. Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area. Allow it to sit for an hour before scrubbing and wiping clean. This will allow the surface to absorb the vinegar, killing mold and mildew growth.
When scrubbing and rinsing, wear a mask or goggles to protect yourself from the vinegar’s strong odor. You may also want to wear rubber gloves when handling the vinegar, as prolonged exposure can irritate your skin. The odor from the vinegar should fade within an hour or so of application.
Remember that vinegar is ineffective for removing all types of mold. It does not effectively kill Penicillium chrysogenum, which is often found in damp areas, and it is weak against Aspergillus fumigatus, which can be found in plant matter and soil. To truly get rid of mold, it is important to target the underlying moisture issue and take steps to prevent it from returning.
- Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common household item used for various purposes, including killing mold. It is safe and non-toxic and works well on most surfaces. It also helps eliminate odors and deodorizes the area. It can be mixed with water or vinegar for a more powerful cleaner. It is also useful for removing tough stains, scrubbing mold, and preventing re-growth.
Baking soda exposes the mold to an alkaline environment where it cannot survive. It is effective on a variety of surface materials and is very cheap. It also contains no harmful chemicals and is safe for families with pets and children. However, it is less effective for porous surfaces and cannot kill airborne spores.
Using baking soda can be an effective way to remove black mold from a variety of surfaces, including walls. It can be sprayed directly onto the affected area and scrubbed with a brush or scouring pad. After washing, it can be rinsed off with clean water. Baking soda can be combined with lemon juice to make an even more effective mold killer.
Vinegar is an effective antibacterial agent that kills most types of mold. It has a low pH level that attacks the structure of the mold and breaks it down, which can then be easily rinsed away. It can be sprayed directly onto a moldy surface and wiped with a damp cloth. It should be allowed to sit for a few minutes before rinsing with clean water.
You may need a more powerful product for more serious mold outbreaks. A strong 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is an effective antibacterial agent that can be sprayed directly onto the surface. It can be diluted with water to reduce its pungent scent but is usually used straight from the bottle.
- Water
Mold and mildew need only two things to grow: moisture and a food source. And while a little mold in your shower or pantry is nothing to be alarmed about, it can become a much bigger problem when left untreated. Unchecked, mold can spread quickly and damage walls, furniture, and even human skin and lungs.
The good news is that most molds can be eliminated with basic cleaning products found in any home. A broom, brush, or scrub pad can remove any remaining spores, and some surfaces may need to be scrubbed with bleach or another surface disinfectant. Suppose you are dealing with severe staining or cosmetic damage from a hurricane, flood, or other natural disaster. In that case, it may be necessary to use commercial cleaning products and professional mold remediation services.
Bleach is a common household surface disinfectant. It is a powerful sterilizing chemical that kills most types of bacteria, including many species of mold. However, it can also discolor certain surfaces and be toxic if over-used or applied to certain materials.
Hydrogen peroxide is a safer alternative to bleach because it does not contain chlorine and does not bleach or stain surfaces. Mix a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution with water in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area. The mixture will begin to fizz when it comes into contact with organic matter, such as mold spores, and will break down the spores. Then, scrub the area and rinse.
The best way to prevent mold is by fixing plumbing leaks and other water problems and drying wet items completely as soon as possible. Non-porous items can be scrubbed and dried using detergent and water, but porous materials like carpet or ceiling tiles may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.