One of the biggest concerns in every household is how to get rid of molds. They thrive in places where there is excessive moisture like leaking roofs and pipes as well as in carpets, wallpaper, upholstery, and fabric. Molds can also get inside the home through open doors, windows, air conditioners, clothing, shoes, and even pets. Finding the best solution on how to get rid of house molds is essential to keep the family and your furry friends always safe and healthy.
Eliminating molds from every nook and cranny at home must not be taken lightly. Molds can cause health problems such as sore throat, coughing, nasal congestion, and respiratory ailments among others. People suffering from asthma and allergic rhinitis can have severe reactions while those with chronic lung disease may have infections in their lungs due to molds. Your family and pets are not safe when there are molds around the house. Knowing how to get rid of house molds is the first step to protect yourself from health risks.
Safety Precautions When Removing Molds
- Open the windows and doors to let in fresh air and ventilation during cleanup.
- Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners because they can produce poisonous gas that is lethal to your health once you inhale it.
- Always follow carefully the manufacturer’s instructions on how to get rid of house molds when using bleach or any other cleaning product at home.
- Wear protective equipment like face masks, goggles, and rubber gloves while cleaning the area with molds. Its spores can cause irritation and infection once they get inside your eyes and on your skin. Face masks keep you safe from inhaling any mold spores or dust.
BestLab’s Face Mask 3-Ply protects you and your family from viruses. These high-quality face masks can filter out dust, pollen, and pollution in the air that is dangerous to the health once you inhale them.
You may also want to find out the most common types if you need to know how to get rid of house molds.
Types of Mold
- Cladosporium – this is colored green, brown, or black and thrives in warm and cool areas. It is commonly found on carpets, fabrics, and wood.
- Aspergillus – comes in white, green, or gray with dark spots and powdery appearance. It grows in attics, walls, basements, and dry food items.
- Penicillium - this fuzzy mold is in shades of blue, yellow, or green. You can find them under the carpets, in basements, and insulation when there is water damage.
- Stachybotrys chartarum – also called black mold. It is greenish-black and frequently seen on cellulose materials like paper or drywall.
There are several ways on how to get rid of house molds and avoid getting sick. Some molds are easier to remove while others are more difficult and may need sufficient time to eliminate them. Here are some safe methods on how to get rid of house molds from every surface of your home.
How to Get Rid of Molds at Home
1. Walls
If you are concerned about how to remove mold from walls, you must first identify if these are made up of a non-porous or porous material. The wall must be completely dried if it is non-porous like stone or finished wood. Use a dehumidifier, a wet vacuum, or proper ventilation before a damp-wipe down of the affected area to eliminate most of the mold. You can use cleaning products designed for mold removal.
If you are thinking about how to get rid of mold on walls that are made from a porous material like gypsum drywall, unfinished wood, or wallpaper, you must know that the mold cannot be removed entirely from the small nooks and holes. These portions on the wall must be cut out and changed.
Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean the area and its surroundings to end mold removal. Do not also apply paint over the mold without removing it. The paint will flake and peel. If this happens, the mold will still be present on the wall when the paint comes off.
2. Ceiling
When the problem is on how to get rid of house molds from a ceiling, just follow the necessary steps in removing the molds from a wall. But check properly the spot above the ceiling to see if there is no mold buildup over it.
3. Fabric
It may no longer be possible to save fabric items and clothing that were submerged in water if you are thinking of how to get rid of house molds that have been left to grow for several days due to flooding. But mildew can still be removed from most fabrics that are machine-washable if it is discovered quickly.
For visible mold, you can get rid of it outside the house using a soft-bristled brush. Take the affected item outside before brushing off the mold to avoid the spores from spreading at home.
Follow carefully what is written in the care label instructions using the suggested hottest water setting and laundry disinfectant when washing a garment. An oxygen-based bleach can help eliminate mildew stains. For fabrics that only need dry cleaning, take them to a professional and show the problematic spot.
4. Leather
Brush away any visible mold from leather shoes, purses, or bags outside the house using a soft-bristled brush.
One of the best ways how to get rid of house molds from a leather item is to wipe it using a soft cloth soaked with distilled white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Squeeze tightly the cloth to avoid dripping then wipe gently the item inside-out. After using, rinse the cloth in hot water frequently because the mold has been transferred. Dampen it again with vinegar or alcohol.
Mix a solution of leather soap and warm water when the mold is eliminated. Wipe carefully the leather item with a clean soft cloth dipped in the solution. Air-dry it but keep it away from direct sunlight or heat source. Follow the directions on the label of a leather conditioner and apply it to the leather item. Doing these essential steps can help you solve how to get rid of house molds concerning your leather.
5. Household Appliances
- Refrigerator – the fridge contains all the foods like meat, seafood, dairy, and vegetables that the family consumes so it is essential to know how to get rid of house molds that may be staying in and out of the appliance. To clean the fridge, remove first all the items. Wipe down thoroughly the interior surfaces, gaskets, and exterior using undiluted distilled white vinegar. Frequently rinse the cloth while cleaning the refrigerator.
- Washing Machine – put two cups of chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide (remember not to mix them) into the washer drum. Run a hot water cycle with no clothing inside. Clean the door seals and gaskets with a clean cloth that was moistened with a bleach solution or hydrogen peroxide. After cleaning, leave the washer door open so the interior can air-dry.
- Clothes Dryer – if you are concerned about how to get rid of house molds from the interior dryer drum, all you need to do is dip old towels in a chlorine bleach and water solution. Squeeze out the excess moisture. Place the towels inside the dryer so they can spin on the air-only cycle for about five minutes. Then remove the towels and rinse the interior using a sponge dipped in plain water. Meanwhile, wet a cloth with the bleach solution and use it to clean the door seals, gaskets, and exterior of the dryer. Open the door and let it dry.
- Coffee Maker - fill the water tank with distilled white vinegar then run a brewing cycle. Remove the vinegar and later run two cycles of plain water to clean the interior of the coffee maker. This process not only helps how to get rid of house molds but the vinegar solution can also scour the mineral deposits that affect coffee taste.
You may have inhaled the spores or they have gotten inside your eyes and skin. Taking a bath or shower after cleaning is another way how to get rid of house molds from your body. BestLab Cherry Blossom Hand and Body Wash cleanses, sanitizes, and moisturizes the skin, leaving it naturally healthy. It also helps to wash and protect the body against skin irritations caused by fungus and bacteria.
Now that you have learned how to get rid of house molds, it is best to prevent molds before they start thriving at home and cause serious illnesses to the family. Here are some practical tips to avoid mold growth.
Mold Prevention Tips at Home
- Repair leaks in the roof, walls, or plumbing to prevent moisture that causes mold to grow.
- Keep the bathrooms and other parts of the house clean by using mold-killing products.
- Always maintain low humidity levels throughout the day. The more humid the air inside the home, the more likely mold will grow. Using an air conditioner or dehumidifier can help keep the humidity level low. The ideal is below 50%. Check the humidity levels frequently because they change during the day. While prevention is your first line of defense against mold buildup, monitoring the humidity levels is an effective method how to get rid of house molds.
- Let the air inside your home flow freely and out. Exhaust fans suck moisture from the air and blow it outside the house which is a way how to get rid of house molds. They must vent outside your home in the kitchen, laundry appliances, and bathroom to prevent molds from growing. Moisture can accumulate in different parts of the house that can become breeding grounds for harmful molds if left untreated.
- Clean and dry out your home within 24 to 48 hours after a flood. Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been drenched in the water and cannot be dried immediately.
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How to get rid of house molds is a big concern in every home. They are not only unpleasant to look at but molds can also cause health problems to the family. Molds can grow at every nook and cranny at home where there is excessive moisture. Eliminating house molds is the best way to avoid potential health risks. Some molds are easy to remove while others can take time and may even need the portion of the affected area to be replaced. Although knowing how to get rid of house molds is essential when there is a buildup, preventing it at the beginning from thriving and making your home its breeding ground is a good defense.
For added protection, disinfect using alcohol after removing molds in the house to avoid getting sick. BestLab 10-in-1 Protection 75% Ethyl Alcohol (1 Gallon) can help fight against viruses. It leaves a cool and fresh-smelling fragrance onto the skin. This ethyl alcohol has aloe vera extracts that help to soothe skin irritations caused by frequent handwashing. In need of effective alcohol products to protect your family from diseases and infections caused by mold accumulation at home? Choose from BestLab's several alcohol selections.