Non-Toxic Ways to Clean Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew proliferate in all humid environments. They thrive in such conditions, but this doesn’t mean you have to make room in your home for such elements. Especially since they have been identified as the root of a series of health issues – mainly respiratory ones. In severe cases, toxic mold can damage the Central Nervous System and lead to more complex health concerns.
Traditionally, mold can be removed with toxic chemicals, such as bleach or borax, but there are several environmentally-friendly solutions homeowners seem to be thrilled about. These solutions do not impact pet and children well-being, apart from being extremely effective to remove these nasty spores. Below are some of them.
Vinegar
Vinegar may be one of the most versatile ingredients in a household. For centuries, it has been used as a cleaning solution in homes all over the world.
To make the most of it when you want to remove mold, you can spray it undiluted on the damaged areas, straight from the bottle. Although it has a strong smell, it works best when used as it is. For homeowners that show real issues in using the ingredient as it is,
we recommend diluting the vinegar and creating a solution of
- 1:1 vinegar to water.
To diminish the pungent smell furthermore, we recommend adding several drops of essential oil to your mixture.
Once you spray your solution, let it sit for a couple of hours. Scrub the mold with a brush. Several studies showed that vinegar can kill more than 80% of the spores in a household, but also viruses and bacteria.
To prevent mold and mildew from developing and growing in your home, you can also apply such solutions as preventive measures.
Hydrogen peroxide
Although hydrogen peroxide sounds a little scary for those who want a toxic-free mold removal solution, in low concentrations, it is completely safe.
To successfully use it as a mold removal solution, simply spray 3% hydrogen peroxide onto the desired surface. Let it sit for approximately 10 minutes. With a brush, scrub the area and then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
To create a stronger solution, add some vinegar to 3% hydrogen peroxide. Once you finish using it, make sure to store the bottle in a dark place. Light breaks down the hydrogen peroxide, making it less potent.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a magical ingredient, being incredibly potent antifungal. However, for many, it may be situated on the more expensive side of the eco-friendly solution spectrum.
Create your own mold removal solution by adding
- two tablespoons of tea tree oil
- to two cups of water.
To make the most of this co-friendly solution, do not scrub or rinse it after you apply it. You may also smell the scent of this solution since it is a potent one, but in a few days, it will disappear completely.
Citrus seed extract
Although this solution is just as effective as the ones mentioned above, it doesn’t have an odor, which makes it perfect for the pickiest ones out there. Add 20 drops of essential citrus seed oil to two cups of water and spray your solution to the areas affected by mold. Just like in the tea tree oil solution’s case, just leave the solution to sit on the area, and do not rinse. To prevent mold from forming in the future, wipe clean the areas affected by humidity and periodically re-apply this solution.
Baking soda
Another incredibly effective and potent natural ingredient, baking soda is used for centuries in households all over the world, for various purposes. Incredibly effective at cleaning and disinfecting various areas, baking soda can also be used with high rates of success to remove mold. Baking soda can be used in a couple of different ways to remove mold efficiently. It can be mixed with water or vinegar and water solution. Then, just apply it to the desired areas. Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes and then thoroughly scrub the area. Then, remove the remaining spores with a damp cloth.
Baking soda mixtures are great because they don’t leave a strong scent lingering behind.
How to identify mold?
The most obvious way to figure out if your home has been invaded by mold is a quick visual check. However, you should know that most often than not, mold appears in dark, hidden, and inaccessible spaces. A company that specializes in mold removal in Toronto says that in most of the cases, the spores are present in narrow crawl spaces, basements and attics. In fact, most homeowners don’t have any idea their properties are invaded by these nasty little spores.
Most often than not, a short visit from a company able to identify problem areas is more than effective to figure out is and where mold is present. They can recommend the necessary steps you should take to remove the little enemies in your home.
Some of the areas where mold is most commonly found in a home, as described by specialists are:
- In and around the shower and bathtub.
- In and around the sink and toilet.
- Inside the walls of under your flooring.
- The refrigerator and pantry.
- On the mattress
- In the ventilation system (this is the most dangerous situation since it can easily spread in your entire home).
- Fireplace and/or chimney.
- In the attic, especially if you know there have been issues with leaks and insulation in the past.
- Near your water heater or boiler.
- In the basement, especially around pipes and ducts.
- Near a sump pump.
- Near basement windows, since these are most frequently subjected to leaks.
Always make sure to check for mold in these areas, even if you don’t notice any signs of spores in your home.
If you notice that members of your family (especially children and elders) inexplicably start sneezing when entering a room, if they develop other symptoms associated with mold exposure (runny nose, red and itchy eyes, skin rashes, breathing difficulties, etc.) you may have a case of mold infestation.
How do you clean mold and mildew in your home? Please share your non-toxic ideas and tips with us in the comment section below. Please share this article to help make this world a little bit safer for our families and help keep our planet healthier.
