How to Use Natural Products For Mold Removal

mould removal

If you want to clean mould from your walls, there are several natural options available. Some products require a little more work than others but the results are worth it.

To get rid of mould on non-porous surfaces like walls, you can use a mixture of water, white vinegar and borax. This mixture will also eliminate the spores that cause the mould.

Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most commonly used mould cleaners in homes. It is an effective sanitizer for non-porous surfaces and can kill all types of surface molds, as well as their spores. It also contains acetic acid which is an effective wood preservative.

It can be used to pickle food (an ancient technology) or to add flavor to foods, such as salad dressing, chutneys and marinades. It can also be aromatized with herbs and spices like tarragon, basil, garlic, rosemary, shallot and elder to make different types of vinegars.

When using vinegar, make sure you have good ventilation as it can cause a strong odor. For larger areas, a mask should be worn to protect against the airborne spores. Avoid washing moldy walls or ceilings as this will just result in the spores returning to the surface. Rather, damp and unvented rooms should be improved by stopping leaks, providing better ventilation and sealing up any soft rotting wall and floor sheathing with a suitable preservative such as Dryzone Mould Prevention Kits.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a colourless compound that contains oxygen and hydrogen. As an oxidising agent, it can oxidise the membranes of microorganisms like mould spores and break down their proteins. This makes it a popular cleaning hack as it does not produce toxic fumes and can be used safely on many surfaces.

You can find 3% hydrogen peroxide in most home medicine cabinets, and it works well as a mould killer for hard surfaces such as glass and counters. Simply spray the surface, wait for it to stop fizzing, and then scrub until the visible mould is gone.

However, 3% hydrogen peroxide won’t work on porous surfaces or soft fabrics such as clothing and upholstered furniture. It also won’t kill mycotoxins, the harmful substances that some types of molds produce and can trigger serious health problems. It is therefore important to eliminate the root cause of the moisture and avoid re-infestation with mould. To do this, make sure to fix any leaks and keep humidity levels below 50 percent.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural and non-toxic cleaning agent that can be used on most surfaces to kill mould, remove mildew stains, and prevent future mold outbreaks. It’s a mild disinfectant and neutralizes odors by absorbing moisture. It is a safer alternative to bleach, as it does not release toxic fumes and is less harsh on surfaces. It is also suitable for use around pets and children.

Mix equal parts baking soda and water in a spray bottle and apply to the affected area. Scrub the area with a brush, rag, or other non-abrasive tool to remove light mold stains. Spray the solution again, and allow to dry thoroughly. Baking soda will leave a protective layer that discourages further growth.

Vinegar and baking soda both kill mould on their own, but they work even better together. The acetic acid in vinegar kills a majority of mould species, and baking soda absorbs the moisture that encourages growth.

Bleach

Bleach is a powerful disinfectant and works well to kill spores leaving surfaces sanitized and resistant to mould growth. It’s effective on nonporous surfaces such as tiles, sinks and glass. However, it is ineffective on porous materials like wood and drywall. Molds use hyphae to penetrate deep into these materials for nutrients. Bleach only kills the surface spores that it comes into contact with but if the hyphae remain and the source of moisture is not addressed, the mold will return.

Many people attempt to clean mouldy areas of their home using bleach and other household products. According to mycologist Heike Neumeister-Kemp this is one of the worst things you can do! Why? Because fungi produce melanin which bleach takes out leaving the spores behind. Within six weeks the mould regains its colour and grows back. To get rid of the mould you have to kill all of the spores and eradicate the source of moisture.



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