Cleaning & HouseholdLife Style
There is nothing more disgusting to a homeowner than finding mold growing in the house. Mold, which looks like a mixture of black and green, not only looks odd, but also gives the impression of being unclean. However, mold has little to do with bacteria and more to do with humidity.
According to the CDC, mold spores exist both inside and outside the home. Mold spores settle on surfaces and reproduce under the right conditions. Mold can also be introduced into the home through clothing, shoes, and pets. Fortunately, most healthy people are not affected by mold, but those with allergies may experience coughing, sneezing, and congestion. Try one of the following natural remedies.
Note : While you can clean black mold yourself, you may need professional help to safely remove this type of mold.
Tea tree oil
Fill a spray bottle with a teaspoon of tea tree oil and a cup of water. Spray on mold and leave overnight. In the morning, wipe off with more tea tree oil.
Baking soda solution
Mix 1 part baking soda with 1 part water. Mix to form a paste. Apply the paste to the mold and allow it to dry before wiping it off. If stains remain, use the paste and scrub with a toothbrush. Baking soda also helps remove stains and mildew odor.
Vinegar
White distilled vinegar is an excellent cleaning solution for most problems involving mold. Vinegar has antibacterial properties that can reduce mold growth. Simply spray the vinegar directly on the moldy area and wipe it clean. A toothbrush may be used for additional cleaning power.
Borax
Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup borax in 1 quart warm water. Mix well and apply directly to the moldy area. Scrub with a sponge to remove mold. If necessary, you may need to reapply
Grapeseed Extract
Citrus seed extracts (such as grape seed) help remove mold from most surfaces. Mix 2 teaspoons of unscented extract with 2 cups of water and place in a spray bottle. Spray all over and wipe off excess. Do not rinse.
Hydrogen peroxide kills mold.
You may have a bottle of this solution in your medicine chest. This antimicrobial solution kills mold and helps prevent mold from reoccurring. For best results, use it at a 3% concentration. Spray the hydrogen peroxide on the mold, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then scrub the entire area with a rag. Be aware that hydrogen peroxide may bleach the walls.
Wipe dry.
One of the best ways to control mold is to prevent it (or prevent it from returning) . . Try installing a mold air filter. Also, if there is moisture buildup due to flooding or other factors, use a commercial fan to dry the area completely to prevent spores from settling.