House Mold Treatment

How can I kill mold? I answer this question time and time again.

It is a relatively simple task because mold is not the most resilient living organism on the planet and there are various ways in which you can achieve your goal of killing mold. The biggest problem most people encounter is recurring mold. The reason that it keeps on returning within days or weeks of removing it is that whilst you may have killed the mold easily, the mold spores are more difficult to eradicate and if the conditions are correct will simply germinate once again.

There are a number of products you can use to kill mold. There are vast numbers of commercial products available which will undoubtedly do the job, however some of these can be fairly toxic, bleach will also do the job but again this is harsh and may end up damaging surfaces or floor coverings.

Tea Tree Oil Source

There are many safe, household items which probably cost a lot less than commercial products and will kill the mold just as well. Here are a few ideas.

* Soap and water – what could be simpler.

* Vinegar – Used diluted with water in a spray bottle this is very effective and cheap! One draw back it is rather smelly!

* Lemon Juice – Same as the vinegar works really well and it has a more clean and fresh aroma which is what you want to eliminate the horrid musty odour of mold.

* Tea Tree Oil- You can buy this at any health food store. Add a few drops to a spray bottle of water spray down the area and leave to dry. This too has a very strong smell and can be fairly expensive but a little goes a very long way.

Lemon Juice

* Grapefruit Seed Oil- used in the same way as tea tree oil and again can be costly but very effective at killing mold. It has one huge advantage – it is odourless!

Grapefruit Seed Oil

Now that you have succeeded in killing the mold, if you want to prevent its return you must keep any remaining mold spores in conditions which will not allow them to flourish once again.

To do this you must keep the humidity levels in the home down. This can be done by simply opening a window, switching on an extractor fan – particularly in rooms where there can be a lot of steam and condensation created i.e. bathrooms and kitchens or perhaps the use of a dehumidifier would be beneficial in especially damp areas.

If you can achieve a warm, dry atmosphere having killed the mold you should stay mold free!

Mold of any kind in your home is unsightly and most definitely unwelcome! It is harmful to human health causing all sorts of allergies, headaches, nausea and sometimes serious illness related to the respiratory tract or the autoimmune system.

Basement mold is one of the most common problems – lets be honest, basements tend to be used as dumping grounds for unused pieces of furniture, old carpets and much much more. They also tend to become a bit neglected so a problem such as basement mold can be firmly established before it is discovered.

The biggest tell tale sign is the horrid “musty” odour, if you are met by such a smell when you enter your basement you can be sure you will find mold growth.

So, what should you look for? Well, basement mold and mildew will most likely to be black, white or a sort of blue in color and will look like “furry” spots. You are most likely to find it growing on materials composed of protein or cellulose I suppose you could put it simply and say any natural or organic items for example wood, paper, cardboard, carpet, textiles, leather – this list is endless. I should point out that it will grow also in insulation which is made from fibreglass.

Mold growing on wall

How can you remove basement mold?

Like I said earlier mold can be harmful to human health so before you begin it is essential that you have the correct protective clothing i.e. overalls, goggles, face mask and gloves.

1. First thing you need to do is empty the basement – dispose of anything which has mold growth on it. Furniture you may want to put to one side and clean up later and anything metal may be rusty, but should be free from mold.

2. Check any exposed wood in the structure of the building such as rafters, if the mold is extreme it may need to be replaced. If there is mold in the insulation this too should be removed and replaced once the basement is free of mold and dried out.

3. Now it is time to establish the cause of the mold, mold need dampness to flourish so have a good look round for leaking pipes, cracks or holes in walls anything at all which will allow water to seep into the basement. If you are at all unsure it is probably best to have the place inspected by a professional builder or plumber.

4. The next step is vital – have any remedial work done to rectify the cause of the dampness because until this is done you can clean mold all day every day and it will just keep on coming back!

5. Time to get cleaning! It is important that you clean everything – even if there is no obvious signs of mold growth, there are a number of things you can use from commercial mold removers to plain old hot soapy water. Vinegar, tea tree oil and grapefruit seed oil are also good options. If you are using chemicals make sure the area is well ventilated. If the floor has been carpeted it is probably best to rip it up and dispose of it however, if this is not an option you could use a mold cleaner and perhaps rent or buy a  steam cleaner which will kill of any mold spores.

6. Once the hard work has been completed and the cleaning done to prevent the basement mold returning the whole area must be dried out completely. The best way to do this is with a dehumidifier
this will remove all the moisture from the air far more quickly than opening windows or turning on heating.

7. Its time now to get the paint brush out and repaint the walls etc. You must be especially careful when returning items to the basement that they are mold free to prevent the chance of a recurrence.

8. Take more care of your basement! Be vigilant regarding leaks and use a dehumidifier regularly to keep damp or condensation to a minimum and prevent the basement mold from returning.

Mold growing in closets and cupboards is a fairly common occurrence. It can completely ruin clothes, shoes, linen whatever belongings  happen to be stored in this space. Not only that it also permeates the air and your belongings with the most horrid “musty” smell that is very difficult to get rid of.

The most likely cause of mold in closets is dampness. This can be caused either by poor property maintenance where water begins to seep into the house through leaking roofs, broken gutters, cracked walls or perhaps dripping pipes or in the form of condensation. The latter is caused when the humidity in the atmosphere becomes too high. The moist air then comes into contact with a cold surface and converts back to water droplets thus forming condensation.

What should you do if you discover mold in your closet?

In most cases because closets tend to be enclosed spaces the biggest cause of damp and mold is lack of ventilation which can be resolved fairly easily. However there is work to be done first.

The first thing you should do is to remove everything from the closet. If it is clothing or linen etc. which has been

stored then laundering or cleaning these items is going to be essential. If there is mold present on the fabrics it will be necessary to remove this before it has a chance to spread further.

There are a few options open to you for removing mold stains from clothing lemon juice and salt mixed then applied to the stain and allowed to sun dry can be very effective. Another option is the use of bleach however you will be limited as to what you can apply this as it will remove colour etc. There are also a few commercial mold removal products which can be used like a laundry detergent.

Okay, so you have dealt with the contents of the closet now it is time to remove the mold from inside.

First safely has to be a top priority – remember exposure to some molds can have catastrophic effects on human health so before you begin seal the area off and wear rubber gloves, goggles and a face mask.

Again you have a choice of how you go about removing the mold of course natural products are far better for you and the environment so you may consider applying solutions of tea tree oil, grapefruit seed oil or vinegar all of which are excellent mold removers.

There are also commercial mold removal products widely available in stores and online some of which are organic and completely non toxic, most will also help remove the unpleasant odour.

Which ever method you use the most vital part if the mold treatment is allowing the closet to dry out completely. Leave the doors open – open a window in the room or perhaps enlist the help of a dehumidifier but DO NOT return the contents until the area is 100% dry.

Creating adequate ventilation is going to be key in ensuring that the problem does not reappear. You could consider leaving the closet door open on occasion or perhaps installing a vent in the bottom of the door or the roof if it is a free standing closet.

You may consider purchasing a mini electric dehumidifier or using one which contains silicon crystals in the closet to soak up excess moisture (remember the crystals will have to be replaced regularly!) One final tip – NEVER put anything in the closet whilst it is damp for example jackets this will only add to your problem.

Good maintenance and good ventilation can prevent mold in closets and cupboards and could save you a small fortune in replacement clothes!

Black mold is not only unsightly in your home but it can also be dangerous. This stuff is capable of causing all kinds of illness in anyone who is exposed to it over a period of time.  If you discover areas in your home or work place affected with black mold it is essential that swift action is taken and treatment started to prevent the problem spreading and also to safe guard your health and that of others sharing the affected accommodation.

Black mold treatment must begin by finding the source of the problem. The fungus – correct name Stachybotrys chart arum or Stachybotrys atra will only flourish in damp conditions therefore it is essential that the source of the dampness is pinpointed. The usual cause is poor building maintenance – water is allowed to seep into the building from broken guttering, leaking roofs, dripping pipes or the atmosphere in the building contains excess humidity which in turn creates condensation.

Black Mold Growth

Once the cause of the dampness has been put right the damage can be accessed and the black mold treatment can begin.

If you are fortunate enough to have only a small area affected by the mold you should be able to carry out the mold treatment yourself. If the damage is extensive the only option really is to call in professionals in mold remediation. The reason for this is that by exposing yourself to large amounts of mold without the proper equipment and protective gear you really are asking for trouble. Exposure like this can lead to major health issues which may include – skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing problems and then there is the possibility it could kill you! So please play safe.

Before tackling the black mold treatment even on a small area it is essential that you are kitted out with disposable gloves, a respiratory mask and eye protection. You must ensure you have as little contact with the mold as possible.

There are a number of things you can use to treat the mold, however the last thing you want is toxic chemicals – let’s face it the mold is toxic enough on its own!

Here are a few examples of black mold treatments

Vinegar – Cheap and plentiful and a great way to remove mold. Simply spray on to the affected area, leave for a while then wipe with a damp cloth. The only real problem with this black mold treatment is the pungent odour from the vinegar.

Tea Tree Oil – A solution of water and a few drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle, again spray the affected area and leave to sit. Again this treatment can be a bit smelly and also quite expensive but a little tea tree oil goes a long way. The solution you make up will also stay good for an indefinite period of time so it can be re-used over and over again.

Grapefruit Seed Oil – this is used in the same way as tea tree oil. Make a solution in a spray bottle and apply to the black mold and allow to dry. Like the tea tree oil, grapefruit seed oil is expensive but it too goes a long way. The huge advantage here is that it is completely odourless.

Commercial Mold Treatments – These are readily available. Be careful however, which you choose some can be as toxic as the mold itself! There are some on the market which are non toxic and can safely be used around children and pets.

You will notice that all of these black mold treatments involve spraying the mold with product this is because it is vital that dry mold spores are not allowed to escape into the atmosphere. With this in mind do not be tempted to brush or in anyway remove dry mold. This too will have detrimental effects on your health and others that of others sharing the same building.

The next step is to again allow the area to dry out completely, this is important to prevent mold returning. So, open windows, turn on heating or use a dehumidifier- remember mold is a living organism and need moisture to flourish remove the moisture and it cannot survive.

Here’s to success in your black mold treatment!

No one wants unsightly mold growing in their home. Not only does it have a detrimental effect on the structure of your house but also on the health of everyone living there.

The growth of mold can be due to a number of reasons. Probably most commonly to high levels on moisture in the atmosphere. In summer this is often due to high humidity levels and in winter due to inadequate ventilation as we try to keep our homes heated. This can cause condensation on windows and other cold surfaces as the air cools and the moisture turns to water droplets. Of course moisture is exactly what mold needs to germinate and flourish.

A Bad Case Of Mold Growth

In this scenario it is fairly easy to remedy – remove the moisture for the atmosphere and use a good mold cleaner to remove and kill the mold and your problem should go away.

How do you reduce the moisture in the air?

Something as simple as opening a window to let air circulate will help, you could purchase a dehumidifierwhich will greatly reduce the moisture and will dry out any particularly damp rooms. These are not too expensive to run especially if you purchase a model which has a humidistat fitted which means it will only switch itself on when the humidity level rises. Another feature which is useful is that some models have various types of air filters which will help to remove mold spores from circulating in the atmosphere.

Fitting a ventilation fanin the bathroom which is vented directly to the outside of your property is a good plan for use during bathing. A cooker hoodfitted in the kitchen will extract excess moisture and steam created during cooking. Tumble driers create huge amounts of moisture so make sure that this too is ventilated to the outside of your house using a simple hose.

All of these simple measures are extremely effective and not hugely expensive.

Good maintenance to the fabric of your property is also vital. Taking care of small problems as they arise can prevent major cost and major repairs in the future. Check for leaky pipes, blocked gutters, damaged brick work etc. all of these will allow water to seep into your home damaging walls and floors as well as furniture and soft furnishings – creating a mold growing haven.

Once you have dealt with the source of your mold problem it is time to tackle the mold with a good mold cleaner.

If you venture into your local store or on to the internet you will be faced with a myriad of mold cleaner products all claiming to be the best. Beware, many of these are toxic containing all sorts of chemical agents which can do as much if not more damage to your health and that of your family if not used with extreme care. The good news is, that there are now natural mold cleaners out there which contain nothing but natural ingredients but which are equally as effective as the chemical products available.

If you don’t want to spend any extra money there are a couple of every day ingredients which will act as great mold cleaners which you will likely have in a cupboard.

Soap – Plain old soap will do a perfectly good job if the mold infestation is fairly minor. It is as simple as scrubbing the affected area, wiping it clean then allowing to dry.

Baking Soda – This is a very simple but effective and cheap mold cleaner for tiles. Mix the baking soda into a paste with water and vinegar. Use a toothbrush to scrub with the paste. Leave this to sit for around twenty minutes then rinse off.

This is just a couple of suggestions for natural mold cleaners, you could also try tea tree oil or grapefruit seed oil – these are quite expensive but a little bottle goes a long way! Plain distilled white vinegar will also work well.

Caution: If you are unsure of the type of mold in your home please consult a professional – it may be toxic!

When it comes to finding a mold remover many of us are so stressed out at the fact we have this disgusting black mold or mildew growing in our home that we will purchase the first mold remover which states it will do the job of killing the mold quickly and effectively. However, we should stop and think – mold can cause you and your family to suffer health problems but using extremely strong and toxic chemicals can be even more hazardous to health especially if you have little or no experience in their use.

Chemical mold removers can be very effective but should only be used with great care especially around children and pets and probably only by professionals. Hiring such contractors can seriously damage your bank balance!

However, there are other options – natural mold removers which will kill mold just as effectively but without the health hazards associated with commercial mold removing chemicals.

Here are four tried and tested natural mold removers:

Tea Tree Oil which you can purchase at health food stores does a fantastic job as a mold remover. It is expensive but you only have to use small amounts to get great results. It can be used on walls, ceilings, shower curtains etc. Be aware that it does have a very strong odour which will take a few days to calm down – at least it’s better than a musty moldy smell! Tea Tree Oil appears to remove and kill the vast majority of mold types.

First thing to do is mix 2 teaspoons of the tea tree oil with approximately 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake gently to mix the two then spray the areas of mold with the solution. There is no need to rinse the mixture off simply leave to dry. You can keep the mixture ready for next time!

Vinegar – something which virtually every household will have in a kitchen cupboard and it is inexpensive. White distilled vinegar poured into a spray bottle and sprayed directly onto the area of mold will kill around 82% of molds according to reports. Again don’t rinse, allow to dry. This one is particularly smelly but still a good mold remover!

Grapefruit Seed Extract – the one huge advantage which this mold remover has is that it is completely odourless. However like the tea tree oil it is expensive but again only small amounts are required. Simply put 20 drops of the grapefruit extract into a spray bottle with two cups of water and shake to mix. Again spray the affected area, no rinsing is required just allow to dry. This mixture too can be kept indefinitely.

4. There are of course commercially available natural mold removers and killers, which are organic and completely safe for use around pets and children. If you do decide to go for a commerially produced product take time, making sure that it is not just as toxic as the mold itself.

Of course, these mold removers are all well and good but the best way to cure mold is to prevent it.

Good property maintenance is essential. Take care of any remedial work regarding plumbing, and the fabric of the building immediately before a small problem becomes a large and expensive one to fix.

Problems with humidity in the home can be remedied fairly easily by improving the ventilation in your home. Open windows, fit a ventilation fan ventilation fan in the bathroom, fit a cooker hood in the kitchen. (both of these should be vented directly outside.) Invest in a dehumidifierwhich will greatly help to reduce humidity and condensation – Keeping humidity below 55% will prevent mild growth. Many dehumidifiers also come with various air filters which will help to remove mold spores from the atmosphere.

Caution: If you are at all unsure of the type of mold you have growing in your home please seek professional advise – it may be toxic!

Mold and mildew quite often appear on  surfaces within homes if they are exposed to moisture on a regular basis. Both of these molds are tiny fungi which flourish in areas if high humidity or damp. In many places mold can be a year round problem caused by high humidity in summer months and condensation when the temperatures drop in winter. The most likely place to find mold and mildew is on cellulose bases materials such as wood, cotton, paper and also protein materials like  for example leather, wool and silk on which it can feed, synthetic materials are on the whole unaffected.

Mold Growth On Wall

Mold will also attack carpets, rugs, shower curtains, walls and ceilings – the actual fabric of your home. It is important to remember that mold and mildew spores are very hardy and can stay in a dormant state for long periods until the moisture level in the you home rises to a sufficient level for them to begin to grow. Not only will it cause unsightly blackish stains and a horrid musty odour but if no mold treatment is applied it will literally destroy your fabrics as it eats into them.

The best mold treatment is no treatment it is prevention! Here are some tips which may help.

1. Good housekeeping is a good place to start, dirt and grim provide mold with the food it needs to grow and multiply.

2. Use wax as a barrier on leather items. This will stop moisture and therefore protect against mold. Alternatively there are sprays available.

3. Don’t leave dirty, wet clothing lying around – put them in the laundry basket!

Allow Shower Curtain To Dry

4. Open out your shower curtain and allow it to dry.

5. If you have a problem with moisture in closets etc. storing clothing along with moisture inhibitors to prevent mildew is a good idea. If the weather is favourable, air your clothes outside in the sunshine if possible.

6. Ventilation should be a priority to keep air circulating. Open windows, switch on an electric fan. Stagnant, moist air is heaven for mold!

7. Leave your closet doors open now and then to let air circulate and remember NOT to put clothes which are not completely dry in the closet.

8. Lastly but very importantly dry out the areas of dampness or excess moisture which is accumulated through normal daily routine or through leaks etc. Any problems should be repaired and then remove the moisture either with a dehumidifier absorbent silica or something similar or simply by heating and opening windows.

Mold treatment for different types of materials will vary. Here are a few tips for mold treatment.

Fabrics and Clothes:

The most important thing is that you start mold treatment as soon as you discover the problem. The first thing to do is brush the item to remove as much of the mold as possible – Remember to do this outside so as not so allow mold spores to spread throughout the house. Launder the item using detergent and if possible allow to dry outside in the sunshine.

There are a few specially designed detergents for this purpose but there are other alternatives such as the use of lemon juice and salt which is applied to the item and left to sun dry. Chlorine bleach is another option. Dilute 2 tablespoons in a quart of warm water and leave the stain to soak for between 5 and 15 minutes, then rise and allow to dry. The big problem with using bleach is that it definitely cannot be used on wool or silk items and it can remove the colour from items also, so caution should be taken if using this option.

Carpets, Rugs, Upholstery and Mattresses.

Mold treatment in soft furnishings can be a real pain in the neck. There are a few options open to you but the first step is the same no matter what the item is. Remove the item from the house and brush loose mold off – this should be done with great care – please ensure you are wearing the necessary protective gear i.e. gloves, face mask and goggles – then vacuum up as much as possible. The next step is to dry the item out preferably outside in the sun but if this is not possible you could use a heater or perhaps a dehumidifier.

In the case of mattresses and upholstery the mold treatment is usually to use a cloth soaked in an alcohol solution used to wipe the mold infected area then dry out properly. If you have a mattress or chair etc. which is particularly bad the only real method of mold treatment is fumigation.

For carpets and rugs you could try using a carpet shampooing machine or a detergent and damp cloth.
There are once again commercial products designed specifically for this purpose.

Wood.

Where you have wood which has not been treated or painted you will have a greater risk of mold and mildew forming if the surface becomes wet or damp. Painting with enamel or oil resin paints usually keeps wood resistant.

mold treatment for wood involves scrubbing the area down with something like washing soda or an organic detergent. It is important that the area is dried out as quickly as possible and then painted  or sprayed with a protective substance which will act as a barrier and will prevent mold spores germinating in the same area in future.

Caution: If you are unsure of the type of mold in your house please consult a professional – it may be toxic.

If you have problems with mold growing in your home believe me, you are not alone. More and more homes are becoming havens for all types of mold and the health of the occupants is suffering.

The question I suspect that you are looking to answer by visiting this page is – How do I kill mold?

Extreme Case Of Mold Growth

The answer is actually fairly simple. The use of household bleach or disinfectant can be enough to wipe out whole colonies of mold. However, a far more effective way to kill mold is to use a specifically produced detergent which is designed to kill mold and mildew. Any area of wall or ceiling which is badly affected is best removed completely and replaced.

However, there is really only one way tokill moldin your home for good – remove the source of moisture which is allowing it to multiply and flourish.

It may be that it is simply a question of reducing the amount of moisture in the atmosphere by increasing ventilation especially in rooms where a lot of steam is generated like the kitchen and bathroom. This can be achieved by having ventilation fans and cooker hoods installed which are vented directly to the outside of your home – NOT to the attic or basement as you will just end up with additional problems with condensation and mold in the future. Another good way to reduce the humidity in your home is using a dehumidifier these are fairly inexpensive to run especially if you purchase one which has a humidistat. Many models also come with various air filters which can help in removing impurities and mold spores from the atmosphere. These simple measures can make a huge difference and coupled with the cleaning process you will kill mold in your home.

None of these measures however, will have any great effect if there is a bigger problem with water seeping into your home from an unknown source . Cracked outer walls, blocked gutters, water in the foundations, dripping pipes. These are all things which will give mold a constant source of moisture and never allow mold affected areas of your home to dry out properly. If you suspect that you have water infiltrating your home it would be wise to get a builder or plumber to check out all possibilities and carry out any work immediately before the mold spreads and begins to seriously affect the health of you and your family.

One very important point to remember is that once the source of your problem has been identified and action taken to kill the mold you must take safety precautions when cleaning up. Ensure that you wear gloves, a face mask and goggles.

It may seem a but extreme but it is important that you seal each room before you begin so that mold spores cannot migrate to other rooms. Also, you must either use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any dried mold dust or damp the area down with water before beginning to wipe. Mold has a tenancy to give off toxic dust damping down will help prevent this. Also make sure that if you use your vacuum cleaner that you empty it immediately – do it outside NOT in the house and keep your protective clothing on.

All of this may take time and a bit of money but to kill mold once and for all must be better than carrying out the yearly ritual of cleaning the same areas over and over.

IMPORTANT: If you are unsure of the type of mold in your property before you begin a DIY clean up get it checked out by a professional – it may be toxic!