Removing Mold From Books And Papers
Mold will eventually destroy paper, but it can be successfully removed. For expensive books and historically significant papers, consult a professional curator.
Never try to treat damp paper. The mold will smear and become nearly impossible to remove. Allow the paper in books to air dry thoroughly in the sun or place in a sealed container with moisture absorbent material like silica gel or cornstarch sprinkled between the pages.
When the book is dry, head outside and use a soft paintbrush or cloth to gently brush away the mildew from the cover and each page. Slide a sheet of waxed paper under each page to protect the page behind it. Slightly dampen a clean, soft cloth with hydrogen peroxide and gently wipe down each page, allowing it to air dry completely before moving to the next page.
Carpets Rugs And Softer Items
For softer, more porous materials, like ceiling tiles, rugs, carpets, or cardboard, your only option may be to dispose of these items completely. Mold is likely to get into hidden spaces and crevices, proving difficult to remove, although less serious build-ups can sometimes be shifted by carpet shampoos8.
Where Items Are Kept Next To Outside Walls:
You might have furniture pressed against a back wall, or it could be as simple as a picture hanging on a hook. Either way, the air in your home becomes warmer than the air touching the wall, because the object acts as insulation. That causes droplets to form and mold has another great place to grow4.
Other possible spaces that often experience mold growth include outbuildings, garages, or sheds where fungi can grow. Moisture is really important when were thinking about how to get rid of mold and mildew. But its not the only consideration. We also have to think about the layout of our homes and how we use living space.
Also Check: Mold Pros
Consider A Natural Approach To Killing Mold
Perhaps youre not a fan of chlorine bleach or any strong chemical for that matter. If youre looking for some natural alternatives, here are several you can try:
- Hydrogen Peroxide
So, heres the deal. Wherever it says to use bleach above, you could use hydrogen peroxide instead. You use a 3% concentration of it, and spray it wherever you find mold. Scrub the area down, just as before, and rinse it clean.
- Vinegar
Vinegar has already been mentioned above, but it should be noted that its a completely natural, non-toxic solution to killing mold on its own, as well. White vinegar has the power to clean, deodorize, and disinfect. Spraying it in full concentration and leaving it on the moldy surface is the best way to make sure mold is eliminated.
- Baking Soda
Isnt baking soda one of the handiest ingredients one can have in their kitchen? Baking soda has the power to absorb the moisture that attracts mold. To make a heavy-duty, mold-killing paste, mix two parts baking soda with one-part white vinegar and one-part water. Stir it up until it becomes a thick paste. Spread it on the moldy areas generously and allow it to dry. Now, scrub away the mold and stains, and rinse the residue away with clean water.
- Tea Tree Oil
To use tea tree oil to kill mold, combine one teaspoon of it with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well, so they blend thoroughly. Then, spray this mixture onto the mold, and leave it there for an hour. Wipe away the remnants of it with a dry towel.
Extent Of Mould Growth
It is important to determine the extent of the mould problem in your home to help you decide on the clean-up procedure. An area of mould is considered small if it covers one square metre or less. There should be no more than three patches of mould, with the total area staying within one square metre. Many small patches of mould in one area or throughout your home are a sign of moisture problems that need to be investigated and corrected right away.
If ignored, small mould areas may become larger over time, so it is important to clean them up before the problem gets bigger. A small amount of mould may be cleaned up using proper procedures and protective equipment.
The area of mould is considered medium if there are more than three patches of mould , but the total area is less than three square metres. In this case, assessment by a qualified professional is recommended but in most cases a medium amount of mould may be cleaned up using proper procedures and protective equipment .
An area of mould is considered large if a single patch of mould is larger than three square metres. Health Canada does not recommend that an unqualified person clean up large areas of mould. You may need a professional assessment to determine why the mould is there in the first place and how to clean it up.
Recommended Reading: How To Install Vinyl Stair Nose Molding
Black Mold Removal And Cleaning
Mold remediation in stores, offices, or schools is best left to the pros. 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.
Killing Mold In The Bathroom
Seeing discolored grout in your shower isnt just unsightly it can also be dangerous to your health. Bathrooms are the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow, as theyre usually damp, dark, and warm.
To clean a moldy shower, gather rubber gloves, an old toothbrush, vinegar, a scrub brush, and equal parts of water and bleach in a spray bottle. You may also want to purchase an antifungal surface cleaner such as Clorox Antifungal.
Start by spraying the Antifungal spray all over the entire shower. Then, use a sponge to wipe the mold off of the tile and porcelain. However, this may not get the mold out of the grout. To tackle this issue, spray the bleach solution over the grout and let it sit for a few minutes. Next, respray the area and use the old toothbrush to scrub the mold out of the grout.
When this is finished, spray a coating of undiluted vinegar over the grout to eliminate the mold spores, and allow it to dry.
To prevent having to repeat this process regularly, remember: prevention is key.
- To reduce the humidity in your bathroom, install an exhaust fan if you dont already have one.
- Squeegee and then wipe down your shower with a towel after each use, so that mold doesnt have a chance to grow.
- Spray vinegar on your shower after wiping it dry. If the smell is too much to handle, try adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the spray bottle.
- Do a regular clean of your bathroom every week.
Don’t Miss: Cleaning Mold On Bathroom Ceiling
Simple Ways To Get Rid Of The Mold Smell In Your Home
Your home is supposed to be your oasis. It should be the place you love coming home to at the end of a long day. Its the place where you can relax and unwind at least, it would be in a perfect world.
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link!*
But what about when youre trying to relax in your home and you suddenly smell something a bit stale.
Musty.
Damp.
No one wants to deal with mold in their home, but it happens!
When you recognize that mold smell, dont panic! There are some easy solutions you can use to rid your home of mold and the musty odor it brings!
Avoid Covering Up The Problem
When mold shows up in your home, it can seem like an overwhelming task to get rid of it. Instead of trying to kill it, you may be tempted to cover it up by painting or caulking over it. Unfortunately, this isnt going to solve your problem. The source of the moisture must be identified, or the problem is going to repeat itself.
Paint applied over-mold is likely to peel anyway, and the air will continue to be contaminated, even if you cant see the mold anymore. Its just a matter of time before it shows its ugly face again.
Recommended Reading: Can You Kill Mold With Uv Light
How Do You Get Rid Of Mold
The best way to get rid of it is to catch it in the early stages. At the first sign, you can use household cleaners to remove it then take preventative measures to reduce the possibility of it growing back. If it does grow back, youll need to call in the professionals, as it could be forming and growing behind your tile, within a wall, or in your foundation.
And be aware of this:
Take precautions anytime you plan to clean, remove, or get rid of mold.
Wear gloves. Wear eye protection. Dispose of anything with mold on it in a sealed plastic bag so that it doesnt spread.
Mold spores are a natural part of the environment they will grow where they want to grow. If youve tried to remove it on your own and it keeps returning, call in the pros. Excessive spores can be harmful in infants, the elderly, and people with mold allergies.
Natural or not, its not something you should ever take lightly!
Jessica Heston
Get The Right Cleaning Products
First things first prepare what you need. Basically, you need a reliable product in cleaning mold. Many household owners think that bleach is an effective mold treatment. But contrary to the popular view, it isnt. Bleach is a strong chemical which can harm your health. Also, it does not get rid of the mold. It only changes its color from black to white or grey. After a few weeks of bleaching, there is still a big possibility that the mold will come back.
A DIY mold remediation product that mold specialists usually recommend is borax a white powder which you can purchase from the grocery, at the detergent or laundry section. To clean mold using borax, mix the powder in one gallon of hot water. Apply the solution on the surface affected by mold and scrub the area with a rug or brush until the mold disappears. Theres no need to rinse it off because borax will keep the mold from coming back. However, do not use this cleaner on porous surfaces like drywall. Such materials absorb water easily. This could aggravate the problem because as you know mold loves moist environments.
Some other safe yet effective products you can use to kill mold are baking soda, vinegar, Tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, and detergent. If youre using vinegar, simply put it in a spray bottle. No need to add water. Spray the vinegar on the surface and leave it for an hour.
Recommended Reading: Can You Sue Your Landlord For Black Mold
Isolate The Contaminated Area
Next, its time to isolate the area. As I said above, mold propagates by spores, and any removal of mold can trigger their release. Isolating the contaminated area decreases the possible spread of the infestation. This may include closing any doors or windows nearby to physically seal off the spot. For larger infestations, you may need to cover all doorways and openings with 6 mil polyethylene sheeting, sealing every seam with duct tape and leaving a slip entrance.
There Are Different Types Of Mold
Before you can get rid of it, youll need to know what kind of mold youre dealing with. There are a variety of different types.
There are harmless mold spores that exist in the air. There are beneficial spores . And then theres mildew, which is the type of that can become dangerous if left untreated. Mildew is the common kind that forms easily in bathrooms, kitchens and damp areas.
In small amounts, its perfectly normal and not even necessarily dangerous. But if it smells musty, theres a good chance you have a higher concentration than you should.
Don’t Miss: What Causes Mold On Ceiling In Bathroom
If Nothing Else Works Call The Odor Removal Specialists
Following these tips can help lessen the odors in your home. For professional deodorization services in homes affected by tobacco smoke, fire, mold, or other causes, contact your local PuroClean office.
Get help with odor remediation by calling the PuroClean Local Response Hotline at 800-775-7876. Alternatively, use our office locator to find your local office. Our restoration experts stand ready to come to your propertys rescue 24/7!
How To Get Rid Of Mold In Your House: From Ceiling To Floors To Basement
Mold is the last thing any homeowner wants to find. It damages your home and may impact your health. It can be difficult to get rid of. Preventing mold from forming in the first place is always the best option. But if you do have a mold problem in your house, it is possible to clean it up safely and make sure it does not come back. It is important to follow the correct steps and use the right tools for the job to get rid of mold in your house.
Why is it important to get rid of mold? In addition to the musty smell and damage it causes to surfaces it grows on, mold may aggravate or exacerbate your familys health problems. A review of multiple studies on indoor mold exposure found that, excessive moisture promotes mold growth and is associated with an increased prevalence of symptoms due to irritation, allergy, and infection. . Its best to avoid all of these and eliminate the mold problem from your home completely.
Also Check: How To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling
Choose Atlas Master Companies For Mold Remediation In Virginia Beach Hampton Roads Norfolk & Chesapeake
At Atlas Master Companies, we believe that every Virginia homeowner deserves quality repair solutions at an affordable rate. We truly care about our customers, their homes, and their lifestyle. While working with us, you will discover a whole new meaning to customer service and satisfaction. Our team wants to provide you with the best mold remediation and crawl space repair solution in Virginia and we are ready to serve you in the Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach area. Give us a call today to get started with your free inspection and estimate.
Mold Reactions: Who’s At Risk
For people sensitive to mold, inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. People with serious mold allergies may have more severe reactions, including shortness of breath. In people with asthma who are allergic to mold, breathing in spores can also cause asthma attacks.
In addition to people with allergies and asthma, others who may be more sensitive to the effects of mold include:
- Infants and children
- People with chronic lung disease
Also Check: How To Stop Mold In Bathroom Ceiling
Condensation On Windows Window Frames And Sills
- Promptly repair any leaks.
- Lower the indoor moisture levels.
- Use exhaust bathroom fans and a kitchen range hood.
- Keep window coverings open to move the warm air over the windows .
- Keep baseboards or heating vents clear of furniture to make sure the heat flows.
- Dry your window frames and sills daily to keep water from dripping and causing mould to grow.
- Leave interior doors open for good air and heat flow.
- Unplug and remove humidifiers.
If You Have Mold In Your Home
Mold can look like spots. It can be many different colors, and it can smell musty. If you see or smell mold, you should remove it. You do not need to know the type of mold.
If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. Mold can be removed from hard surfaces with household products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water.
Read Also: How To Kill Mold In My Basement
Natural Remedies: How To Get Rid Of Black Mold
If you tend to opt for more natural household solutions that are kid- and pet-friendly, use one of these simple remedies:
- Tea tree oilThis natural fungicide is less corrosive than bleach or ammonia and effectively gets rid of mold and mildew in your home. Mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle, spray the solution on affected areas, and let it sit for several minutes. Wipe the toxic black mold away with a disposable towel.
- Baking sodaFor lighter mold situations, baking soda is a great removal option. Create a 50/50 mix of baking soda and water to form a paste, apply it to the affected area, and let it dry. Scrub the area with a sponge or cleaning brush and wipe away any excess with a paper towel.
- VinegarWhite-distilled vinegar is a cheap and easy solution to get rid of moldand its much safer than bleach or ammonia. Pour vinegar onto a rag and wipe the mold-covered area until the mold has been completely removed.
- Grapefruit seed extractSimilar to tea tree oil, this is a natural and non-toxic way to disinfect, deodorize, and kill mold. Put 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract in a cup of water and spray the moldy area. Allow the solution to soak for 10 minutes and then wipe off any excess debris with an old towel.
