Firstly, let us tell you what mold spores are. Mold is a fungus that thrives in moisture. Most homes have allergenic molds that require professional intervention. You can also try some DIY techniques to remove such mold. There are pathogenic varieties as well. Moreover, you might also encounter the more toxic variety that requires you to throw away affected things.
Mildew is the most common one to infect homes. It is a surface mold that thrives on damp fabrics and walls and forms whitish or grayish colonies. It also emits a musty odor. Mildew can discolor various surfaces and eat into them while damaging the surroundings. It’s therefore essential to prevent them. However, if your home is already attacked by those, start working on treating them. Read about a few ways to remove molds today.
Remove Mold from Tiles and Grout
Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and the basement are the perfect spot for molds to grow and thrive. You can use various commercial cleaners and chlorine to kill mold spores. Airflow is also limited to such spaces. You will find molds on the ceilings, walls, and tiles in these areas often.
Additionally, the grout is also affected. The grout is porous, allowing the mold spores to settle down. Once molds attack the grout and tiles, they start looking dirty. Moreover, they pose serious health risks.
You can keep these spaces guarded against the attack with some careful planning. Try to keep them dry, and you will not see them again. Run the exhaust fan for some time so that airflow is maintained. Moreover, you can drive the stale air out. Keep the windows ajar, too. After a bath, take care to wipe down the walls with a washcloth. Regular scrubbing in the areas above can keep mold away by preventing build-up.
Get Mold-resistant Material Indoors
You can try installing spray foam insulation for cracks and crevices. It acts as a great filler. Moreover, it forms a water barrier. The water-resistant properties make it resistant to mold as well. The closed-cell type is more beneficial than any other type. It guarantees to make the space airtight.
The material that is used is made from inert polymers. The material prevents moisture leakage. It is also impermeable to vapors. However, you cannot just get it installed anywhere you like. You need to get the space surveyed. The professionals will suggest the best way to fill the areas. This is just one of the ways you can prevent mold attacks.
Remove Mold from Paper and Books
You will also come across mold on old books and papers. The mold spores destroy the papers eventually. If it is an important book, you have to be more careful. Do not try to treat the damp paper. The mold smears easily.
Moreover, it will damage the pages. You can dry them in the sun or introduce the same inside an airtight jar containing silica gel. When the book gets dry, you can brush off the spores. You can also use hydrogen peroxide for the same. However, you have to ensure that you wipe down each paper, dry it, and then move on to the next.
Removal of Mold from Appliances
A few appliances work with the help of water and moisture. These appliances are refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and coffee makers, to name a few. You can clean the washers daily or at regular intervals.
Besides, you can visibly survey all the front-load washing machines and their corners to look for any mold. You can also use chlorine water without any cloth inside. As for the coffee and tea makers, you can use vinegar and water mix. It will help you get rid of a large portion of the mold.
Remove Mold from Carpets
Carpets come in a variety of sizes and types. Moreover, they can be synthetic, woven, or fuzzy. If water has entered your house due to natural calamity, it might have dampened rugs and carpets. Broken pipes also lead to such situations. Frequent power outages and damp surroundings allow the mold to form on carpets and permanently damage them.
You need to take immediate action by drying the carpets thoroughly in the sun after any water damage. Today, wet and dry vacuums are also available. They will help you get rid of the water from your carpets. Use fans to speed up the drying process. Dehumidifiers also help residential owners by removing the moisture and cooling the space. You can send your carpets for steam cleaning regularly. That will help to sanitize the object.
These are a few ways to keep mold from spoiling your home. Be mindful and alert before it is late.
