Organisms like Fungi have another name to it; molds. Molds are stains or undesirable dark patches of black, brown, green, orange and foul smelling organisms found both indoors and outdoors.
Molds can damage the structure of buildings and cause health issues in some cases. Hence it is very important to remove the mold to prevent it from spreading and causing further damage.
IS IT MOLD OR MILDEW?
Determining the difference between mold and mildew is important because a different approach has to be taken for cleaning the latter.
Mildew: A patch of dark grey or white fungus found on damp and moist surfaces. However, it doesn’t destroy structures and can be cleansed easily compared to molds.
Molds: Molds are dark patches of black, brown, green etc on damp and moist surfaces which has a bad odor. Unlike mildew, it requires vigorous cleaning.
EFFECTS OF MOLD ON SURFACES:
One evident effect of mold infestation is discolored surfaces. However, there are more outcomes:
- Stains or patches on damp surfaces
- Cracked paint
- Swelling of walls
- Damp smell
- Recurrent soot or black streaks
PLACES SUSCEPTIBLE TO INFESTATION OF MOLDS:
Places with high humidity are more prone to the growth of molds. This includes indoor areas like bathrooms and basements without proper ventilation. Humid areas cause condensation which makes the surface damp and allows mold to grow on the walls.
Shower places are prone to molds because of the wet walls. Jacuzzi or hot tubs which are improperly installed can also result in the growth of molds. Water leaks also cause mold growth within walls which need expert attention because it is difficult to spot.
MAKING THE NATURAL MOLD REMOVING SOLUTION:
- 2 tablespoons of borax
- ¼ cup of white vinegar
- 2 cups of warm water
Mix these ingredients in a container and stir properly until a solution forms. Transfer the mixture in a spray can and apply it to nonporous objects like tiles, painted walls etc. Scrub the surface and wipe it before spraying again. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Lastly wipe it again to dry out the surface.
MAKING SOLUTIONS FOR BLEACH BASED MOLD REMOVERS:
- ¼ cup of bleach
- 2 cups of warm water
Mix the ingredients and pour it into a spray can. Spray the solution on nonporous objects and scrub them thoroughly. Wipe it off and spray another layer and wait for 15 minutes to wipe the surface.
Never use another cleansing product before or after using this solution in a day as it can cause major health issues.
WAYS OF REMOVING MOLDS FROM DIFFERENT SURFACES:
Proper ventilation and allowing more air to pass through is a good idea to prevent the growth of molds. However, different surfaces require different measures that need to be taken.
- Removal from painted walls or surfaces – It is always best to approach these problems with natural methods at first. Vinegar/ water/borax can be used to remove molds. However, you must wait for two days or so to see if the molds return. If they do, a different method has to be applied to fix the problem.
Bleach can be used in this case but we have to be careful while using it as it can cause health issues like irritated eyes, lungs, skin etc. You must keep in mind to not mix cleaners or use another one immediately after using one cleaner because it can cause vigorous reactions which might be lethal. So rinse the surface properly before using another cleanser. For example, it is never a good idea to use vinegar or ammonia-based products after using bleach because it can form toxic clouds which can cause irritation to the eyes, skin and lungs. Turn on bathroom fans for proper ventilation so that you don’t inhale the toxic fumes. Always wear gloves while using strong cleaners to prevent burns or irritations on your skin. Immediately remove the gloves after use so that you do not contaminate your surroundings with mold spores.
REMOVING MOLD FROM CEMENT:
It is wise to use the bleach solution method directly in this case as molds growing in basements are barely noticeable. It is necessary to check the basement several times in a year especially during monsoon when the walls are usually wet and damp to prevent the mold from growing.
REMOVING MOLD FROM DRYWALL:
Porous objects like walls and popcorn ceiling can cause the molds to spread onto the surface and within. In such cases, we can use both the solutions but if the mold grows back, it is likely that you might have to change the drywall and call for professional help.
SAFETY MEASURES TO PREVENT THE GROWTH OF MOLD:
Here is a list of ways that can prevent this;
- Turn on the bathroom fan after showering for proper ventilation
- Shake the shower curtains after a shower to remove the water droplets
- Allow air to pass through by opening the glass shower doors
- Hang up wet towels to dry after use
- Use home-made solutions of vinegar as bathroom cleaners ( do not mix bleach or ammonia with vinegar)
- Spray the shower area with a cleaner daily
- Clean up the kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms regularly
Regular cleaning and regulation of the humidity of your home or workplaces will save you from the trouble of cleaning molds. Also, fix water leaks and other problems immediately to skip these hazards.