One of the top ten reasons why people remodel their bathroom is because of mold and mildew. If not taken care of, it can literally take over your home. This takeover then can cause serious problems to your health and damage your house and your belongings. Do not let these bacteria ruin your house. Instead, follow this ultimate guide in removing mold and mildew from your home.
DIY Methods
The first route many homeowners take on removing mold and mildew from their homes is to try DIY methods. There are a few ways to clear this bacteria from your home, and you most likely already have some of the products in your own cleaning supplies:
- White vinegar
- Bleach
- Dish soap with bleach
- Ammonia with water
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda
- Essential oils
- Lemons
Always research each solution before using it. Also, NEVER combine bleach and ammonia. It creates dangerous fumes that can harm you. If you use any mold and mildew store-bought cleaning solutions, always read the instructions before applying them. For more natural ways or the proper mixtures, check out this guide from The Maids.
Grout Lines
Those tiny lines aka grout lines between your tiles easily trap mold and mildew if you do not properly clean your floors or walls. All the moisture and dirt that accumulates in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens are the perfect environment for mold and mildew. While there are many commercial grout cleaners, the best method is bleach and water. Mix one cup of bleach and one gallon of water to create the cleaning solution. Then apply the solution to the problem areas and let it sit for 15 minutes. After that, scrub and repeat and the process until all the mold and mildew are removed. Afterward, rinse the area with water and open a window or door for ventilation.
Carpet
Carpet is very absorbent. Trapped liquids can eventually grow and spread bacteria. When removing mold or mildew from your carpet, you need to first vacuum the area. Once you finish vacuuming, either remove the bag and throw it away or remove the canister and clean it outside. Then, mix one tablespoon of liquid detergent and two cups of cool water. Lightly sponge the area with the solution. Repeat the process until the stain disappears. If you have cannot remove deep stains, then it is best to call in a professional carpet cleaning service.
Walls
Flooding, dirt, stains and excessive moisture can trap mold and mildew in your walls. Mix one tablespoon of bleach and three cups of water to create the cleaning solution. From there, dampen your sponge or cloth in the bleach and water mixture and apply it to the moldy areas. Once the mildew and mold disappear, dry the area with a towel.
House Exterior
Your house’s exterior protects you from the outside world. And while it is busy keeping you safe, it can go under attack thanks to mold and mildew. Bleach will be your best option for cleaning your property’s exterior. It works on most sidings, concrete, brick and stone. To properly clean the area, mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water and place it in a garden sprayer or pressure washer. You will first wet the area with water and then spray on the bleach and water solution. Wait several minutes to see if the mold lightened up. If the stain remains, grab a sponge and scrub the bleach and water solution into the area. If the mold did lighten, then you can move onto the next section. Then, repeat the process until all mold and mildew are cleared. Here are a couple of tips: cover all plants and grass before spraying bleach and rinse the entire area after you finish cleaning.
Tips to Limit Exposure
Mold, especially black mold, and mildew can be very dangerous for your health. So while you are cleaning the area, you need to prepare yourself.
- Wear a mask or N-95 respirator to avoid breathing in mold.
- Wear gloves that extend to your forearm. Household rubber gloves work.
- Wear goggles that do not have ventilation holes to avoid mold and mildew from entering your eyes.
If the mold or mildew is too much for you to handle, contact a cleaning service or home service company right away. Living with mold is VERY dangerous for you, your family and your pets.
Tips to Prevent
Now that you have removed all the mold and mildew from your home, it’s time to learn about the different ways to prevent it from returning. First and foremost, after you finish cleaning all the mold and mildew, you need to dispose of or wash the items you used. Place the cleaning rags you used in a garbage bag. Tie the bag immediately and throw it away. We recommend using old rags or towels that you do not want to use again. Then, you need to wash everything that you were wearing. If you have old clothes that you do not mind throwing away, those are recommended. Cleaning experts also recommend that you shower or bathe to make sure all chemicals have been washed from your body. Other steps you can take include:
- Using humidifiers, fans and opened windows to reduce the moisture in your home.
- Fixing all leaks as soon as you spot them.
- Checking for exterior and interior holes or openings.
- Clean fabrics, carpets and grout lines routinely.
- Store all items in a dry, well-ventilated area.
By following these tips, you can efficiently remove mold and mildew from your property. If there are areas that you are having trouble with or cannot reach, contact Valor Home Services. We can help you get your home back in tip-top shape.
