How To Kill Mold

For those who live in a poorly ventilated home—mold can be a cause for concern. It’s unhealthy, regardless of whether or not you are allergy-prone. It’s important to act fast when you encounter mold. No matter its location! It may be found on a tiled bathroom wall or on patio furniture seat cushions. To kill mold (or its fungal cousin, mildew), homeowners have a handful of options. Choose your weapon based on the type of surface on which the mold has been growing. Here’s how you can effectively deal with the most common instances of household mold.

How To Kill Mold in Walls and Tile

Mold thrives in areas that are damp and humid. It is most likely to appear in your bathrooms or kitchen. A solution of diluted bleach offers the fastest way to kill mold on the walls or floors. Prepare the solution by adding one cup of bleach into a bucket containing a gallon of warm water. Then proceed to scrub the mold vigorously with a stiff-bristled brush. Repeatedly dip the tool into the potent bleach mixture. In the bathroom specifically, where mold often inhabits the gaps between tiles, opt for an old toothbrush. A larger brush will be less effective for grout lines. Remember that whenever you are working with bleach, it’s important to wear the appropriate protective gear. Choose rubber gloves. And ensure that the room is sufficiently ventilated before you begin the job.

How To Kill Mold in Fabric and Upholstery

Before you give up on any fabric that has fallen victim to mold growth, try the following procedure. It may allow you to salvage the garment, rug, seat, or pillow cover after all. First, take the moldy item outdoors. Its mold spores may spread throughout your home. Next, use a stiff-bristled brush to clear away as much mold as you possibly can. Now pre-treat the item with either bleach (white fabrics only). Or, try a store-bought stain remover that’s clearly designated for use on the type of material in question. Finally, wash the clothing in hot water. As you take the item out of the wash, check it carefully for signs of mold. More than one round of pre-treating and washing may be necessary.

How To Kill Mold with Natural Solutions

If you’re one of the many who prefer to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, plain white vinegar can be a decent substitute. For best results, combine the vinegar with baking soda and water. This will create a briskly foaming liquid. You can then use to scrub the moldy wall or tiled area with a stiff-bristled brush.

How To Kill Mold – Prevention

Preventing mold in the home is essentially a matter of minimizing dampness and maximizing air circulation. Start by installing quality vent fans in bathrooms and above the range in your kitchen. Once they’re installed, don’t forget to actually turn these on when you’re showering or cooking. Keep them on for about 10 minutes after you’ve finished!