Mold is everywhere, and for the most part, that’s a good thing. Molds and other funguses play a vital role in the natural ecosystem, breaking down waste and other organic materials.
But in the home, it can be a different story, damaging materials and potentially causing health problems. And once it takes root, you can struggle to figure out how to get rid of mold.
To help, here are some key mold removal strategies.
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How to Get Rid of Mold in the Bathroom
The bathroom is the place you’re most likely to find mold, and because of the warm and wet conditions keeping the room clean can pose a challenge.
To treat tile and grout, a dedicated mold-remover like Tilex is the best choice. Often you don’t even need to scrub these cleaners in; merely spray them and rinse them once a week or so.
But if you prefer a natural approach, a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution will uproot most mold. Spray it on, let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub the mold away.
For plastic shower curtains, a plastic-safe mold remover should do the trick with ease. Alternatively, running it through the washing machine on a delicate setting with warm water, laundry detergent, and bleach should clear away any mold.
Getting Rid of Mold on Walls
Clearing mold off of non-bathroom surfaces depends on the material. Unfortunately, if it’s a porous material like ceiling tiles, there’s probably nothing for it but to replace them. For walls of plaster or sheetrock, though, you can take care of it if you act fast.
First, clean the surface with water and detergent, using a brush or sponge to apply it. Follow that up with a solution of ¾ cup of chlorine bleach to a gallon of warm water.
Using a sponge or brush and remembering to wear gloves, apply the solution to the stains. Let it sit for five minutes, then scrub, rinse, and air dry.
Calling in the Professionals
While you can often get rid of mold on your own, a lot of your success depends on finding it early.
Once it’s taken root, the odds of it having sent spores elsewhere into the building increase, and you could end up chasing it from one area to another.
So if you think this might be the case, it’s time to call in professional aid.
Usually, mold remediation technicians will use a technique like media blasting to destroy patches of visible mold before following it up with a specialized antimicrobial agent to ensure no spores are likely to survive. When dealing with a major infestation, it’s often the only way to ensure you completely eradicate the mold.
When In Doubt, Don’t Take Chances
If you spot the signs of mold early, figuring out how to get rid of mold is rarely an issue.
But if the infestation is widespread, or you think it’s one of the especially harmful types of mold, it doesn’t pay to take chances. For your own health and the health of your home, it’s important to know when to hire a professional.
And as always, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For ways to prevent mold and other damaging elements in your home, be sure to keep up with all of our latest homecare guides.
