Mold mildew removal is nothing new to many housewives who have to tackle the fungus at least once a year. And chances are you’ve probably already had several areas in your home become affected by mold and mildew. However, all is not lost in the battle against the fungus and with a little knowledge and some cleaning, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy home in no time.
If you’re smelling the mold problem, but not seeing it, the best solution most people would assume is to follow your nose. However, some mold may be invisible so it’s also a good idea to look in the most common spots for clues. Look for leaky faucets, pipes and sweat on walls or floors.
Also, don’t forget the most obvious places such as in the refrigerator or on cabinets where food is forgotten. Basements, bathrooms and kitchens are all likely places where mold can accumulate, but don’t forget attics, roofs and outside buildings like sheds and garages.
In general, most people believe that bleach is a great solution for mold and mildew. Bleaching is okay if the surface isn’t non-porous, meaning nothing can get below the surface. However, bleach is a chemical one which many people can’t stand to be around. It burns the lungs and isn’t good for the environment.
A better alternative for non-porous surfaces is vinegar. Of course if you’re not fond of the smell you may not want to go this route, but if you can get beyond the pungent aroma, it’s an excellent alternative for cleaning mold.
If the surface you’ll be working with is porous, you’ll need to choose a mold and mildew removal product that is made specifically to absorb deep down into the surface. There are many products made for the task, but the best are the organic ones since they are better for the environment and our health.
Even when using an organic black mold removal product, you should open windows or find some way to create ventilation in the area where you will be working. A dehumidifier is one good way to ventilate the room. You could also use a fan as long as it isn’t blowing on the area you’ll be working in.
Some good items to have on hand along with the product of your choice are a scrubbing brush, a soft rag, and rubber gloves. If you know that you’ll be working around black mold, you will also want to wear a paper surgical mask to protect yourself from the toxic spores of the fungus.
If you’ll be working around a delicate area that is inhabited by mold or mildew such as clothing, require a little more care than your standard wall or floor. If the article of clothing can be bleached, you can wash it alone with a solution of bleach and cold water. It’s best not to use hot since heat can sometimes cause stains to set in place.
If you’re not able to bleach the article of clothing, you may want to look for a product that can kill mold, yet is safe for fabrics. In some cases it may not be possible to remove the mold or mildew from some fabrics just as some materials such as drywall may not be salvageable even with the use of a mold mildew removal product.