Many houses can be affected with mold infestations, particularly homes that are old or located in damp climates. Mold is a problem because it releases spores into the air that may cause health problems, such as asthma, headaches and respiratory infections. It is vitally important that any mold discovered in your home is cleaned away properly and quickly. Follow these tips to help with mold removal in your home.
Using The Right Cleaning Tools
To begin with, you should ensure that you have the right tools for cleaning mold. Fortunately, cleaning mold does not have to be an expensive endeavor; in most cases, ordinary bleach will clean away mold just fine. Make sure that you also have plenty of clothes and a soft brush to clean away any difficult areas. For safety, you may want to wear a surgical mask, since mold spores can be released into the air when you’re scrubbing, and you should always wear rubber gloves when cleaning.
Mold In Your Bathroom
Mold can often develop in your bathroom, particularly in the grout of your shower tiles. To remove it, mix 3/4 cup of bleach with one gallon of water and use your brush to scrub the tile surface and grout areas. You may want to let the solution sit for several minutes before giving a final scrub and rinsing it away.
Mold In Fabric
Mold can develop from clothes or wet towels that have been left lying around. Take the item outside first and brush off any mildew spores, then allow it to sun dry for a couple of hours before machine-washing. Before washing, pre-soak whites in chlorine bleach or colored fabrics in non-chlorine bleach. Machine wash in warm water on the gentle cycle.
Mold On Painted Walls
Mold can develop on your walls, especially if the ventilation in your home is poor. To remove it, mix 3/4 cup of bleach with one gallon of water. Using a soft brush, apply the bleach solution and allow it to penetrate the walls for approximately 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Use a fan to dry the walls thoroughly.
Mold On Upholstery
To remove mold from upholstery and mattresses, start by vacuuming the entire item. Sponge away any stains with a sponge or cloth moistened with a bit of rubbing alcohol and warm water. Then sun-dry the item for several hours to remove any odors. Use a disinfectant spray such as Lysol to kill any remaining mold spores.