Molds can be harmful to your health, primarily affecting your respiratory system. They can produce mycotoxins that can cause diseases or even death, depending on the length of exposure, amount consumed, and the age and health of an individual. Aside from health issues, molds can also damage your home by eating away materials, including drywall, wallpapers, floorboards, carpets, ceiling tiles, and wooden studs in walls.
If you’re a neat freak, you have most likely tried everything to eliminate molds in your house. Though they are not visible in the early stage of development, you can typically know they’re present through their musty smell. Here are a few natural home remedies with most materials already in your pantry to help remove molds:
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is helpful for all sorts of emergencies. It’s safe around your kids and pets but a very effective abrasive and excellent natural deodorizer. Get one-quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda, mix it with water into a spray bottle, and shake it until it has dissolved. Spray the baking soda and water solution to the moldy area and use a scrub brush to remove mold from the surface.
Rinse the surface with water to remove residues and baking soda. To kill the remaining molds, respray the area and let it dry without wiping. This also helps prevent them from returning.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar has long been one of the most popular solutions for cleaning molds, especially in the shower, toilet, etc., because of its acetic acid component. Though all kinds of vinegar are an effective option, white vinegar is the most widely-used and effective. Apple cider and wine vinegar are less popular since they contain sugar, which encourages mold growth.
- Fill a spray bottle with undiluted vinegar. Diluted vinegar can become less effective as its acetic acid concentration will be minimized.
- Spray a generous amount into the mold until it’s fully covered and wet.
- Allow sitting for around 2 hours so that it can penetrate the mold and kill it completely.
- After two hours, use a scrub brush, sponge, or toothbrush to scrub the moldy area until everything is removed. For tough spots, using an electric scrub brush can be the best option.
- Wipe the area with warm water and let it dry.
3. Lemon Juice
Besides helping to eliminate molds, lemon juice will also help remove the musty odors of molds. Juice up to five lemons, depending on the severity of molds, and pour them over to the affected area. After five minutes, wipe it with a damp towel.
If you see that the towel is not working, you may use a toothbrush to scrub the problem area. You can also combine lemon juice with any hand or dish soap available in your home and a little water. The soap will make the solution more effective. If you think the problem is extreme, consider calling professionals near you, such as PuroClean Guelph, if you’re in the area.
4. Tea Tree Oil Solution
While it’s not the best cleaner, tea tree oil has antifungal properties that effectively kill mold. Combine water with a teaspoon of tea tree oil in a spray bottle and shake well before applying to the affected area. After 20 minutes, gently sponge off the mold with warm water.
Remember
These do-it-yourself mixtures are effective in eliminating molds but may not work for severe cases of molds. In most cases, molds that take up over ten square feet must be eradicated by professionals. Moreover, though you cannot make your home completely mold-proof, some preventive steps can stop them from coming in.
You may check here about professional mold removal services to know what to expect
