July 23, 2013
4 Tips to Get Rid of Mold and Keep Your Home Healthy
No one likes to think that mold might be growing in their home. Unfortunately, it may be present without you even knowing it. Why? Mold loves all those creepy, dark places we hesitate to go- it would be the perfect main character for a scary movie.
Mold hides in warm, dark, humid locations where bacteria grows easily and constant contact with moisture is available. Most often it affects bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Unfortunately, mold can grow, in the right conditions, in as little as 24 hours. It then can wreak havoc on your life, causing respiratory illnesses and aggravating allergies.
Many professionals might tell you that strong, toxic cleaners and chemicals are necessary to get rid of current mold and keeping your home healthy, but we know this defeats the purpose. Instead of fighting toxins with new toxins, we recommend using a green, non-toxic method for removing mold and keeping your home safe?
Non-Toxic Ways to Combat Mold
- Hydrogen Peroxide – Did you know that hydrogen peroxide is an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal agent that can effectively kill mold on a variety of surfaces? This includes walls, floors, fixtures, and even appliances. To use it, simply take an empty spray bottle and pour 3% hydrogen peroxide in it. Spray the moldy surface completely and allow the peroxide to work its magic for ten minutes. Scrub the surface, and then wipe it down completely to remove any mold or spores.
- Vinegar – Chances are, you have a bottle of vinegar sitting in the cabinet right now, so why not put it to good use? Vinegar is an acid that can be used to kill eighty-two percent of mold species. To use it, fill a spray bottle with white distilled vinegar (without watering it down) and spray the moldy surface. Let the vinegar set on the surface for an hour, then wipe the area down and clean it with water. The leftover vinegary smell will disappear after a few hours.
- Baking Soda – Baking soda is a two-punch solution that can not only kill mold, but keep moisture away, preventing it from reoccurring. To use, fill a spray bottle with water and add ¼ tablespoon of baking soda. Spray the area, then scrub it down completely to remove any mold. Rinse the area with water and then spray the surface again. Let this last application dry on the surface to kill any mold that is left and prevent mold from reoccurring.
- Drywall – While the above solutions will work for most mild mold problems, when mold is present on drywall, additional help may be needed. Because drywall is porous, mold can easily penetrate it when it is left unpainted or unprimed. If this is the case, the only way to remove the mold is to cut out the section containing mold and replace it with new drywall. If the surface is painted or primed however, the above solutions should work well. Just make sure to spot test beforehand to ensure the natural solution doesn’t affect the color of the walls.
Still can’t seem to rid your home or office of mold? For home cleaning help, call Greenapple House Cleaning. We can assist you in not only finding a natural solution to your mold problem, but can also help with ensuring the rest of your home is healthy and clean as well.
Give Greenapple House Cleaning a call today for more information on green cleaning strategies, as well as weekly or bi-weekly cleaning for your home or office.
