How To Clean Up Mold In Your House

Look For Signs Of Moisture Or Mold

• Mold can have a cottony, velvety, granular or leathery texture
• The color of mold can vary from white, gray, brown, black, green or other colors
• Mold damage may look like discoloration or staining on the surface of building materials or furnishings
• Noticeable mold odors are described as musty or earthly

How To Clean Mold From Wood

Mold loves wooden surfaces. Whether its your window sills, flooring, wall framing, or furniture, the high cellulose content of wood provides mold with lots of food. Because wood is also very absorbent, its easy to create a perfect environment for mold with very little moisture. If you do find mold growing on wood in your house, heres how to get rid of it.

Youll need:

100-grit sandpaper

Method:

Step 1: Begin by vacuuming up as much of the mold as possible using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to dislodge the mold and make this easier. Remember to wear a dust mask to prevent breathing in mold spores while you do this.

Step 2: Add a teaspoon of soap to two cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake to combine and spray the mold and surrounding surface.

Step 3: Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away the mold and mildew. Use paper towels to soak up any excess water.

Step 4: To kill the roots, add 1 tablespoon of borax to a cup of water and use a soft-bristled brush to apply the solution to the area. Allow it to absorb into the wood.

Step 5: Run a fan or dehumidifier in the room to quickly dry the wood.

Step 6: If the mold is very stubborn, use 100-grit sandpaper to remove the affected area.

Pro Tip: Is the wood still stained? This is usually a result of mildew the discoloration mold leaves behind. While bleach doesnt kill mildew, it can help remove the stains. Try scrubbing a small area with a dilute bleach solution.

Getting Rid Of Mold Naturally: 5 Non

Black mold may be growing in your home and you dont even know it. Thats because mold loves dark, warm, humid places that are often out of sight. Once it begins to spread, getting rid of black mold can be challenging.

When the conditions are right, mold can grow quickly sometimes within 24-48 hours. Leaving mold untreated can lead to worsening respiratory illnesses as well as aggravating asthma and allergies. Molds ability to grow quickly and its negative effect on your familys health is why you should keep an eye out and stop mold before it spreads.

Your basement, kitchen, and bathroom are at the greatest risk for mold and bacteria growth because they are typically areas with moisture. The best way to prevent mold is by cleaning regularly and minimizing moisture. Squeegeeing shower doors after use, repairing leaks, and keeping tile grout clean are effective methods for keeping mold at bay. But even if youre frequently cleaning and disinfecting, mold can sneak in and make itself at home.

Read Also: How To Prevent Mold On Shoes In Closet

How To Prevent Mold From Returning:

It is imperative to note that mold spores can grow and develop into mold later if specific preventative measures are omitted. The following are steps to do to completely combat mold from resurfacing again after cleanup and removal process is over.

-Control the issues of moistureidentify and correct the source of water-Discard porous materials that highlight extensive mold growth such as ceiling tiles, carpeting, drywall and paper-Discard appliances that may harbor mold spores such as washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters etc.-Regularly monitor the area for signs of moisture and new mold growth

Wrap-Up

Implementing a detailed moisture management strategy is vital when it comes to mold remediation. You can dramatically minimize potential health issues and liability from the mold by cleaning it the right way. Make sure the cleanup is immediate and thorough to avoid the likelihood of mold recurrence.

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Symptoms Of Mold Exposure

While many are harmless, certain molds can harm your health by producing allergens or even toxins. Typical symptoms of mold exposure include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, rashes and irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and even lungs. If you have asthma, mold can potentially trigger an asthma attack.

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In Addition To Getting Rid Of The Mold You Need To Figure Out Why It Appeared And How To Keep It From Coming Back

Q: How can I clean mold off walls?

A: Your question prompts many more. How much mold are you dealing with? Is it just on the paint or tile, or is it embedded in drywall? Do you have any underlying health issues that warrant extra caution? And do you know why the mold has appeared and what to do to keep it from returning?

Much has been written about serious mold problems and the health consequences. These concerns are valid. But its also important to keep things in perspective. You probably dont need a hazmat team to come in to clean a one-square-foot patch of mold off a wall.

The Environmental Protection Agency suggests about 10 square feet about 3 by 3 feet as a gauge for determining what homeowners can probably clean up themselves with basic safety measures vs. what needs professional-level protocols, whether by the homeowners or by a professional remediation team. This threshold was set because of an understanding of what makes mold and mold cleanup a risky endeavor from a health standpoint. Mold and mold spores are allergenic, and some molds are toxic. This is true whether the mold or the spores are dead or alive, which is why the EPA does not generally recommend using chlorine bleach or other biocides as part of mold cleanup. The chemicals pose their own health risks without a health benefit.

How Do I Get Rid Of Mold

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don’t fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

It’s important to remember:

For more information:

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How To Remove Mold From Tile And Grout

Bathroom humidity and body soil on surfaces create the perfect environment for mold growth. There are plenty of commercial cleaners that you can buy, but chlorine bleach and water are just as effective and much less expensive. While cleaning your bathroom’s tile and grout, check above to see if there’s a need to remove mold on the bathroom ceiling, especially in the shower stall area.

Gather Your Drywall Mold Removal Equipment

When you remove mold, youll undoubtedly stir up spores and send them airborne. Wearing long sleeves and pants, as well as rubber gloves, a respirator mask, and a pair of safety glasses will help keep those spores from irritating you.

Related

4 Types of Whole House Air Filters

To help minimize the number of spores in the air, use a vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter to remove surface spores. Its also a good idea to block the rest of the home off with plastic sheeting and run a negative-pressure HEPA air filtration system, which you can rent from most tool rental shops.

Other materials youll need:

• Primer, paint, and painting tools

Also Check: How To Tell If Your Apartment Has Mold

Black Mold Removal And Cleaning

Mold remediation in stores, offices, or schools is best left to professionals. This also applies to household mold exceeding 10 square feet.

The contractors you choose should have insurance and licenses from organizations like the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification .

Homeowners can handle cleaning about 10 square feet of black mold on their own.3 If the patch is small enough, a combination of bleach, water, scrubbing, and ventilation should do the trick.

Before treating mold on your own, prioritize ventilation and protective gear.

Removing black mold is a tough and dirty job. If you or anyone in your family is sensitive to mold allergies, has respiratory or immune issues, trust the professionals.

Find a contractor in your area to get started.

Wear The Right Clothing

Make sure you are properly geared before you start with your DIY mold cleanup. Wear gloves, goggles, and loose clothing especially if youre using a chemical. After cleaning the mold, dispose of your clothing and gears or thoroughly wash them. Mold spores can easily spread within your house as they travel through the air.

When it comes to black mold removal, it is better to ask professionals to do it. Black mold is a dangerous type of mold and can have a hazardous effect on your health.

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Tips To Keeping Surfaces Clean Of Mold Longer

• Keep humidity levels in your home low to discourage mold from developing. Using a dehumidifier or air conditioning helps to keep humidity levels hovering around the ideal mark of 50% throughout the day.
• Use a handheld hygrometer to measure your home’s humidity throughout the day.
• Always use exhaust vent fans when showering in the bathroom and when you cook in the kitchen to prevent the build-up of moisture and humidity.
• Ensure that your dryer has a vent and that it vents to the outdoors, not indoors.
• Use mold-killing cleaners in your bathroom to keep spores away.
• Avoid using wall-to-wall carpeting in areas that may become wet or moist, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Prevent mold formation by fixing leaks anywhere in your home as quickly as possible.

Woman Looking At Mold On Wall

Side View Of A Shocked Young Woman Looking At Mold On Wall

Shutterstock/Andrey_Popov

If mold is present in your home, you might begin to notice a damp, musty odor in a specific area. Its commonly found in bathrooms, basements and kitchens. If you notice a musty odor, you should check for damp walls, carpet, flooring and any other spaces that may be breeding grounds for mold. The key is to treat a mold problem immediately, before the infestation becomes worse or causes permanent damage.

Learn the most common areas for mold in your house, and take steps to safeguard against mold growth.

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How To Treat Mold With Lemons

Lemons are a natural deodorizer, antiseptic, bleach, stain remover, and cleaner and they can also remove black mold. The high concentration of acid in lemons breaks down mold, making it easy to remove and leaves behind a disinfected surface. Along with that wonderful citrus aroma!

Juice three-to-five lemons into a cup and pour over the moldy area. Let it sit for five minutes and then wipe the surface with a damp towel. You can reapply and scrub the surface to get rid of tough mold stains.

These natural remedies are great non-toxic alternatives to chemical-based black mold removers, and many of them are also effective against mildew. They are safe for your family and safe for the environment, and are frequently less expensive than commercial brands. To learn more about the basics of mold removal, check out this guide from EPA.gov.

From removing mold to weekly housekeeping, The Maids can help you tackle dirt and grime with our full range of cleaning services.

Seal Moldy Areas After They Dry

• Set out dehumidifiers and new fans to dry the now-cleaned areas for at least three days, then check them by sight and smell for mold.
• Pro tip: If you discover more mold, clean again with bleach for mold remediation.

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What Are The Basic Mold Cleanup Steps

For more information on mold cleanup, see:

What Are The Symptoms Of Black Mold Exposure

If you find black mold on your property, theres no need to panic. But black mold presents more health risks to sensitive groups like those with respiratory conditions or immune conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control , black mold spores can generate cold- or flu-like symptoms such as:

• Stuffy nose

• Shortness of breath

So while black mold probably wont kill you, it can make you feel sick and should be removed as soon as possible.

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How To Get Rid Of Mold In A Basement

Mold needs damp surfaces and organic matter two things most basements have in abundance. If your basement isnt finished, or is rarely used, mold can be especially problematic. The first thing you should do is try to remove as much moisture as possible and prevent it from building up again. That means checking on seals, insulating pipes, and fixing leaks. Consider running a dehumidifier or fan on a regular basis to keep the air moving and prevent condensation from forming, and dont overlook the importance of knowing whats going on. Checking on the condition of a basement and looking for mold growth, especially in the corners of the walls and floor, will help you stay on top of any problems.

Will Bleach Kill Mold In Crawl Space

Yes, bleach will kill mold in a crawl space, and it will also kill almost everything else that is causing a problem. Bleach is almost pure chlorine with only a few other things mixed in, and organic life cannot survive in this mixture of chemicals, which is why people often use bleach to disinfect items.

You can use bleach to kill almost all types of mold on any surface throughout your home, with many people using bleach to control the mold in their bathrooms. We recommend doing this as well as it will keep your shower and toilets as clean as they can be without resorting to more dangerous chemicals.

It is vital to understand that bleach is one of the strongest chemicals you can use, but it is not the strongest. When going to hardware stores or specialist chemical providers, you can often find dangerous chemicals to handle without gloves but completely eradicate all mold within seconds.

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How To Get Rid Of Mold On Walls

Many people first notice theyve got a mold problem when they see it growing on their walls. Check in the corners near the ceiling and floors in rooms with high moisture levels, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.

Youll need:

Scrubbing brush

Method:

Step 1: Make a solution of one part bleach to three parts water in the spray bottle.

Step 2: Saturate the mold and surrounding area on the wall.

Step 3: Let the solution soak into the mold for 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Using the scrubbing brush, remove the mold and stains.

Step 5: Repeat as necessary to remove all the traces of mold and mildew.

Step 6: Make a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in the second spray bottle.

Step 7: Spray the cleaned surface and allow it to absorb and air dry.

This method works because it addresses the visible mold, as well as the underlying roots that often go untreated. Surprisingly, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are both more effective at killing mold roots than bleach. Because they work best on different types of mold, try to use them together to cover all the possible varieties of mold you might be dealing with.

Pro Tip: If you dont have hydrogen peroxide at hand, you can also clean mold with vinegar and baking soda instead.

Gear Up For Protection And Observe Safety Precautions

More than anything else, when you are dealing with mold, it is important that you protect yourself from its harmful effects. A thin mask will not help. You will need to wear clothes that you can immediately wash or better yet, you can just get rid of after using them. Remember that the mold odor can be strong especially if the mold is thick and clustered. You dont want to be smelling that, right?

Mold can stick on your clothes and may spread to your other clothes if you wash them together with other clothes in the washing machine. So instead of washing it, wear clothes that you can throw away after you soil them. You will need to wear goggles and gloves. You need to protect your eyes from these particles. It is dangerous for them to reach your eyes and not wearing protective gloves when cleaning might allow mold to stick to other parts of your body. May we suggest you do not eat if you have not showered after general black mold remediation.

Do not remove this in the process of cleaning. Turn off your furnace and air-conditioner when you are dealing with molds. We dont want those spores spreading all over the room or even the house and causing some breathing and respiratory problems. You can also seal the door gaps to prevent any particles from spreading to the other room. Prepare your bleach, brushes, rags, gloves, disinfectants and everything you need for the cleaning process.

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