Molds can be harmful to your health, mostly affecting your respiratory system. They can produce mycotoxins that can cause illnesses or even death, depending on the length of exposure, amount consumed, and the health and age of an individual. Besides health issues, molds can also destroy your home by eating away materials, such as drywall, wallpapers, floorboards, carpets, ceiling tiles, and wooden studs in walls.
If you’re a neat freak, you have probably tried everything to remove molds in your house. Though they are not visible in the early stage of development, you can usually tell their presence through their musty smell. Here are some natural home remedies with most materials already in your pantry to help get rid of molds:
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a quick fix for all sorts of emergencies. It’s harmless around your kids and pets but a very effective abrasive, and excellent natural deodorizer. Mix water with one-quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda 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 eliminate mold from the surface.
Remove residues and baking soda from the surface by rinsing them with water. Respray the area before letting it dry without wiping. This should kill the remaining molds and help prevent them from returning.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar has long been one of the go-to’s for cleaning molds, especially in the shower, toilet, etc., because of its acetic acid component. While all kinds of vinegar are an effective choice, white vinegar is the most popular and effective. Apple cider and wine vinegar are less popular since they contain sugar that encourages mold growth.
- Fill a spray bottle with undiluted vinegar. Diluted vinegar can become less effective as its acetic acid concentration will be decreased.
- Spray a generous amount into the mold until it’s fully covered and wet.
- Let it sit 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, an electric scrub brush can be the best option.
- Wipe the area with warm water and let it dry.
3. Lemon Juice
Aside from helping eliminate molds, lemon juice will also get rid of the musty odors of molds. Juice up to five lemons, depending on the severity of molds, and pour them over to the affected area. Wipe it with a damp towel after five minutes.
If you see that the towel is ineffective, you may use a toothbrush to scrub the problem area. You can also mix 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. If you’re in Halton or Guelph areas, you may visit them here.
4. Tea Tree Oil Solution
While it’s not a great cleaner, tea tree oil has antifungal properties, which effectively kill mold. Mix water with a teaspoon of tea tree oil and pour it into a spray bottle. Shake well before applying to the affected area. Wait for twenty minutes before gently sponging off the mold with warm water.
Remember
These DIY solutions are effective in removing molds but may not help extreme mold situations. In most cases, molds that occupy over ten square feet must be eradicated by specialists, such as PuroClean. Moreover, though you can not make your home totally mold-proof, some preventive measures can stop them from coming in.
