If You Use Bleach To Clean Up Mold
- Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce a poisonous gas.
- Always follow the manufacturers instructions when you use bleach or any other cleaning product.
- Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
- Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected areas.
- If you need to clean more than 10 square feet, check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, which gives advice on all building types. You can get it by going to the EPA web site at .
Mold Recovery: Three Factors
originally posted June 5, 2014
We hear frequently from customers who want to know How long will my recovery from mold exposure take? Recovery time is dependent on several different factors, as with so many health issues there is no simple answer to this question. Besides the obvious point of how well you adhere to the required regimen, there are three basic factors that dictate the length of time it will take to cleanse your system.
Diy Large Concrete Silicone Mold For A Planter
If you have wanted to make a large concrete silicone mold and havent known where to start, then Ive got good news, youve come to the right place.
Making your own mold may seem like a daunting task, but it neednt be at all.
Concrete silicone molds for large items can be particularly challenging, but Im breaking it down for you in super detailed form so you can see how its done.
Additionally, Im making a video tutorial so you dont miss a single step.
But be sure to also read and watch because some things are easier to explain in writing, whereas other parts are easier to show in a video.
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Removing Mold From Drywall Or Ceilings
Drywall and ceiling materials are porous, so the mold you see on the surface most likely has threaded its way below the surface, too. Spray the surface with the homemade bleach-based mold remover until damp but not dripping, and let the area air-dry.
Then, respray it, wipe away any residue with a fresh cloth, and reapply a final light round of spray. Let this dry overnight, and the spray will continue killing mold as it dries.
Techniques For Cleaning Surface Mold
Surface molds grow in just about any damp location, such as the grout lines of a ceramic tiled shower. They’re easy to scrub away with a mold cleaner mixture of 1/2 cup bleach, one quart of water and a little detergent. In mold remediation, the bleach in the cleaning mixture kills the mold. The detergent helps lift it off the surface so you can rinse it away and it won’t return as fast.
- Even for simple cleaning, protect yourself from contact with mold and the bleach solution by wearing a long-sleeve shirt and long pants as well as plastic or rubber gloves and goggles.
- If the mold doesn’t disappear after light scrubbing, reapply the cleaning mix and let it sit for a minute or two. Then lightly scrub again for mold remediation.
- Seal the clean surfaces when they’re thoroughly dry to slow future moisture penetration. Apply a grout sealer to tile joints to help your how to remove mold project
Note: Do not mix ammonia or any detergent containing ammonia with bleach. The combination forms a poisonous gas.
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How To Remove Mold From Wood
In areas like the kitchen, where there’s higher humidity from cooking or running the dishwasher, you may find mold on your wood cabinets if there is poor ventilation. Mold can also grow on wood furniture and paneling if it’s humid and the air circulation is low. To remove mold from wood cabinets, paneling, or furniture, follow the steps below:
- Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter , vacuum the loose spores with the soft brush attachment.
- Then, mix a few drops of dish detergent, like Dawn Platinum, with a gallon of water and use a rag to apply the solution. Wet the surface to remove the mold but do not saturate it.
- Follow-up with a cloth dipped in clear water, wring it out well, and wipe the surface dry. Don’t let the wood stay wet for too long as it could damage the finish.
Use Fans To Send Moisture Outside
If your home has kitchen, bathroom or window fans that vent the moist air outside, use them when you cook or take a shower. If you do not have fans, open a window when you cook or shower, cover pots when cooking, and try to take cool, short showers. Dry clothing on a clothesline outside or use a clothes dryer that vents air outdoors.
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How To Clean Mold Off Leather
Leather might be a luxury product, but its extremely susceptible to mold growth. However if you discover mold on your recliner or favorite boots, all is not lost. Heres how to clean the mold and stop it from coming back.
Youll need:
Soapy water or leather cleaner
Soft cloth
Method:
Step 1: Place the leather somewhere warm and allow it to dry completely. This will make removing mold easier.
Step 2: Using a damp cloth, wipe down the leather to remove the mold.
Step 3: Clean the leather using a leather cleaner or a mild soap such as baby shampoo.
Step 4: Carry out regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent mold returning.
Mold can quickly take hold of leather products and cause a lot of damage, from discoloration to reducing the leathers lifespan. Adding to the problem, you cannot use detergents or bleach on leather, as they will also cause damage. Therefore treating leather items regularly with specialized cleaners and keeping them dry is the best defence against mold growth.
Pro Tip: If you dont have a leather cleaner on hand, alcohol might help. Surprisingly, alcohol does kill mold and its particularly effective on leather. However, always spot-check any cleaner before you use it!
On Fabrics And Clothing
For mildew on washable fabrics, see these instructions.
For items that you cant wash :
For more expensive or irreplaceable items, seek the help of a dry-cleaner.
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How To Remove Mold From Drywall
Removing mold from drywall can be tricky because if drywall gets too wet, it is ruined. In fact, its often easier to cut out the infected section of drywall and replace it, rather than trying to treat the mold directly. If the drywall feels soft, its beyond saving. However if you do want to clean the drywall without removing it, heres what to do.
Youll need:
Method:
Step 1: Brush the mold off the drywall using the scrubbing brush. Try to remove as much as possible without getting the wall wet.
Step 2: Make a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Spray it onto the area until it is damp, but not soaked.
Step 3: Wait 10 minutes then use a medium-bristled brush to clean the wall using circular motions. Dont scrub too hard or youll damage the drywall.
Step 4: Wipe down the wall using household disinfectant wipes.
Step 5: Allow the wall to dry. In high-humidity environments, set up a box fan directed toward the wall to dry it as quickly as possible.
If the drywall is stained when dry, use a primer or stain block before repainting. Consider a mold-resistant paint to provide extra protection, and reduce humidity in the room to stop mold from returning.
Pro Tip: Learn How To Remove Humidity from Your Furniture and Textiles for Proper Moisture Control
Healthy Fruit Popsicle Recipes
The store-bought popsicles of our collective childhood were laden with added or refined sugar and enjoyed as a treat. But with todays emphasis on healthier living, popsicles dont have to be a guilty pleasure. Serve one of these fruity, healthy popsicles for breakfast or after a sweaty workout.
Post Workout Smoothie Popsicles by Fox and Briar
Food blog Fox and Briar had previously published a Post Workout Smoothie recipe that received glowing reviews. Now the hit beverage gets a new life in the form of a popsicle. Turns out, smoothies make great popsicles! Banana, pineapple, and cherries go in a blender with Greek yogurt and coconut water, and then get the popsicle mold treatment. With no added sugar, these post workout smoothie popsicles will help replenish your body.
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How To Avoid Wasting Silicone Due To A Poor Fitting Container
If your container has lots of extra space, heres how to prevent wasting expensive mold material:
- Take the oil-based clay and build up the sides with it. Press it against the sides until you have about ½ or slightly less of space remaining.
That will effectively shrink your container size down to exactly the size you need. The silicone wont go past the clay.
- Try to make the walls fairly smooth and continuous so that bits and pieces of silicone dont get stuck in the clay.
Before starting the tutorial, it may be helpful to read my post comparing the different concrete mixes- Cement & Concrete Crafts Tests!
Another important article is Making Cement Crafts Techniques & Tips with info on cement materials, mixture consistencies, demolding, safety and clean up!
How Does Black Mold Get Inside A House
Mold spores find their way inside by hitchhiking on clothes, pet fur, and air currents into your home. But spores cant get comfortable without plenty of water. This is why youll usually find black mold around water-damaged areas impacted by plumbing issues like floods or leaky pipes.
Materials like drywall, carpet, or gypsum board can soak up water, creating a perfect home for a black mold colony. If you find water damage at home, its crucial to remove all the affected materials to prevent mold from growing.
A water leak sensor can alert you to leaks in hard-to-reach places where the water damage would otherwise go unnoticed.
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How Can I Tell If I Have A Mold Problem
Any part of your home that gets wet is likely to be moldy. Check for:
- Leaks in your roof or plumbing. If water is trapped inside your walls or under your carpet, molds may grow there, although they can’t always be seen. See if your walls or rugs have light stains or a strong musty smell.
- Mold in your basement, especially if your basement floods because of rain. Moisture can also seep through your home’s concrete foundation and make the bottom of carpets or the inside of a finished wall moldy.
- Water damage around your windows or doors to the outside of the house. In winter, moist air can change to water on these cooler surfaces and cause molds to grow there.
- Mold on walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, books or piles of newspapers. Smell these areas too sometimes a musty smell is your only clue that you have a mold problem.
Getting Rid Of Mold With Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract is an effective natural mold killer. It has almost no odor and you can buy it from most health food stores. The citric acid from the grapefruit attacks the mold. It also disinfects the area and deodorizes the area.
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Black Mold Removal Using Vinegar
White vinegar is a mildly acidic product that cleans, deodorizes, and disinfects. It can also kill 82% of mold species, including black mold, on porous and non-porous surfaces. You can use it safely on most surfaces, and its offensive odor goes away quickly.
Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle. Because white vinegar contains only about 20% acetic acid, adding water makes it less effective. Spray the vinegar onto the moldy surface and leave for an hour. Finally, wipe the area clean with water and allow the surface to dry. Any smell from the vinegar should clear within a few hours.
Can I Remove Mold Myself
Small infestations of surface mold can be relatively easy to deal with, with some effort. Most hardware and home stores sell mold and mildew cleaners, but you probably have things around your house that will work as well. For areas like your shower, damp walls, even your deck or painted siding, you can use diluted bleach and a little detergent to kill mold and lift if off the surface. Ammonia is another cheap and easy mold remediation product. But NEVER mix bleach and ammonia the resulting gas is highly toxic. Borax does not give off irritating or potentially harmful fumes. Always wear long sleeves, pants and plastic or rubber gloves when cleaning mold.
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First Can I Remove Mold Myself
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You can, but mold spores can travel in the air when cleaning, so youll want to limit your exposure by wearing protective gear. Wear long rubber gloves to protect your hands and forearms. Its also best to wear eye protection, like goggles, to prevent bleach or other cleaners from splashing in your eyes, especially when removing mold from ceilings or overhead areas.
If the mold problem is severe and more than a few spots, it could be a sign of a bigger moisture problem. If the area is widespread and larger than approximately a 2 x 2 foot area, you’ll want to call in a pro to have it removed safely.
How Long Does It Take
How long it takes fall leaves to become leaf mold depends on the leaves and conditions. Its a much slower process than compost.
Whole leaves might take two years to break down. Maybe less, but sometimes even longer.
Chopped leaves are faster.
Ive found the combination of chopping up the leaves with the lawnmower and spreading them out over bare soil works best, taking just under a year to become leaf mold.
If youre impatient, you can use them at any stage as mulch or browns for food composting.
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Why Do Leaves Alone Decompose Slower Than Compost Piles
Its all about the bacteria!
On their own, fall leaves take so long to decompose because of their high carbon to nitrogen ratios, which can be 50-to-1 and sometimes higher.
A good compost pile has a C-to-N ratio between 25-to-1 to 30-to-1 which is optimal for the hard-working bacteria that turn our scraps into compost.
Too many browns or carbon-rich items and the entire process is slowed down.
With the carbon ratio so high in a leaf pile, instead of those fast-working bacteria, were relying on slower-working fungi to get the job done. Which also means that our leaf piles wont warm up as much as our compost piles do.
How To Treat Mold With Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an antifungal, antiviral, and anti-bacterial solution found in most medicine cabinets, and its an effective mold treatment. You can use it safely on a range of surfaces such as kitchen appliances and counters, bathroom fixtures and tubs, hard flooring, and even certain wall surfaces.
Pour a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Test an inconspicuous area of surfaces first to prevent discoloration or damage. Saturate the moldy surface and leave it for 10 minutes. Next, scrub the area with just enough force to remove black mold and mold stains. Once the surface is free of residual mold and stains, wipe dry.
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What Is The Nutritional Composition Of Leaf Mold
Does leaf mold offer any nutrients?
You would think the answer to this would be simple but its not.
Some garden guides say leaf mold mainly improves soil structure and not to expect it to add any nutrients to your soil.
Others insist leaf mold must be a good source of nitrogen since plants can store three-quarters of their nitrogen in their leaves. And certainly there are other micro-nutrients in there as well?
But fall leaves are different than spring and summer leaves.
As winter approaches, trees claw back nutritional resources including nitrogen from their leaves and store them in other parts until they are needed again in spring. During spring and summer those leaves are nitrogen-rich. By fall, amounts are waning.
The main study that gets cited is from Rutgers University in the 1990s. It looked at nutrients in fresh, fallen leavesnot leaf moldcollected in municipalities in New Jersey.
That study showed a wide range of nutrients in the soil, but at low concentrationsabout the equivalent of 1 0.2 0.4 of N , P , and K .
Is it the same in our gardens? Without testing, we cannot know.
Homemade Mold Remover Spray Recipes
Use the spray suggested for the type of surface youre cleaning. Do not use these sprays at the same time or immediately after each other since their ingredients should not be combined. Do not store unused portions theyll lose effectiveness after 2-3 hours. Keep the sprays away from children and pets, and use proper ventilation at all times.
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