Mold Removal – How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Home

When dealing with a serious mould problem, it is important to immediately fix the moisture issue that caused it. This can include repairing leaky plumbing and roofs, improving air circulation and using dehumidifiers.

For concrete walls, a simple cleaning solution of three parts water and one part vinegar, plus a splash of washing up liquid will remove mildew and mold. Always wear rubber gloves and a mask that covers the nose and mouth, and open windows for ventilation while working.

Leaks

Mold growth is usually a sign of damp conditions, especially if the house was built without a proper damp proof course. This can cause rot and even structural damage to the property. It can also lead to health issues like lung infections if pathogenic moulds are inhaled for long periods of time.

Water leaks are one of the most common causes of mould growth and must be addressed promptly to prevent further damage and ensure a healthy living environment. However, just fixing the leak doesn’t guarantee that the issue will be eradicated.

Mold spores need food, space and moisture to grow, so they can continue growing in areas that are still damp even after the leak is fixed. This is particularly likely in homes with poor ventilation and moisture control, especially those where fans are used for drying purposes. It is recommended to hire a professional service for thorough mould removal and remediation to avoid further problems.

Floods

Floods cause immense damage to buildings and belongings and can also lead to mold. It takes just 24 to 48 hours for mold to begin forming in a home, and exposure can be harmful to occupants. It may cause allergies, irritate the nose and throat, or aggravate asthma. It is especially dangerous for those with weakened immune systems or lung disease.

Mold removal in the aftermath of a flood requires extensive drying and disinfection. The first step is to remove standing water as quickly as possible, using a sump pump and industrial fans. It is also important to dry out all materials, including porous ones such as mattresses and carpet padding, in order to prevent recurrence of mold. Be sure to open cupboards and check inside appliances for lingering moisture, as well. Using a dehumidifier and fans can help reduce humidity levels as well. Disinfecting surfaces with natural cleaners like hydrogen peroxide and vinegar is also essential.

Surfaces

Keeping moisture at bay and regularly cleaning mouldy surfaces will prevent it from recurring, as it can only grow in damp unventilated rooms. A mouldy surface can be wiped down with a non-ammonia detergent like sugar soap or a degreaser and then rinsed. It should then be thoroughly dry using fans and dehumidifiers. Clothing and bedding that has been affected by mould should be washed separately and any contaminated soft furnishings should be discarded as they will not clean and could be a source of spores if reused.

Moisture meters can be used to locate hidden mould problems, as well as a variety of testing methods, including bulk and surface samples to identify organisms and air sample collection of rooms or cavities to identify fungal spores. Guidelines differ as to the level of containment and worker protection needed for different situations; it is recommended that a building owner or occupant consult an industrial hygienist or conservator rather than trying to do this themselves.

Natural Cleaning

The best way to keep mold from growing in the first place is to wipe surfaces frequently, run a dehumidifier and be vigilant about leaks. However, if your home has been affected by the nasty fungus and it is starting to spread, you may wish to try some natural cleaning methods to kill the spores and get the area back to normal.

Vinegar is a popular choice and it can be used on most surfaces. Simply fill a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar and saturate the moldy areas. Leave it to work for 30 minutes and then scrub. Rinse and let dry.

Tea tree oil is another natural solution that is both effective and safe to use. Add a teaspoon of the oil to two cups of water in a spray bottle and saturate the surface. This will also have a pleasant scent and will be suitable for porous surfaces, such as wood and drywall.



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