Dealing with molds can be a daunting challenge, whether you are moving into a new house or simply deep cleaning.

Foul-smelling and slimy; mold growth at home can prove to be quite dangerous for both families and pets.

Below, we have articulated some efficient methods to get rid of mold from every home surface. Good Luck!

Know the Type of Mold

You may think mold is mold.

Well, there is a difference. Every house hosts a diversity of molds, and each one requires a slightly different cleaning technique.  So, before you begin the mold-cleaning quest, an important thing to equip yourself with is knowledge about mold type.

·        Mildew

Mildew, a surface mold, is the most commonly found type in houses. It survives and grows on warm and damp surfaces, including in bathrooms and basements. If you have things stored in a damp basement, it is likely that mildew will infest those items too.

This particular mold type has a white/grey, powdery, and clumped appearance. However, with time, the mold will turn darker in color (brown or black). Hence, imitating soil accumulation.

Sometimes, it is difficult to identify between soil and aged mildew. To unravel, you can dab the stain with a cotton swab soaked in chlorine bleach. The stain will lighten if it’s mildew.

·        Mucor

The mucor is an allergenic mold type that grows in thick patches.  It has a white-greyish appearance and forms colonies quickly.  This particular mold type is present near air conditioning systems and damp places.  However, it is much less common than mildew.

Common Moldy Places in your Home & Solutions

Generally, mold grows in damp and humid places only.  That is what you might have heard from everyone, right?  Well, then, you might be highly mistaken!

Mold is present almost everywhere. It is on all the surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. However, it requires moisture and food energy to get activated and establish a colony that is visible to the average human eye.

Below, you will find some common moldy places in your home and ways to clean them. If you have a large mold problem, removing it yourself can be dangerous. It is best to call a mold remediation professional to handle the removal of significant mold growth.

Household Appliances

Yes, it’s quite gross, but mold tends to grow in appliances and devices that we use regularly. These include:

• Washers
• Coffee Makers
• Blenders
• Refrigerators

All of these household devices offer moisture, heat, or food to encourage mold growth.  However, at times, mold also survives and grows on items like ceiling fans.  Perhaps, this is why regular maintenance and cleaning of the house is highly recommendable by healthcare experts.

You can get rid of mold in washers by running a cycle of hot water and chlorine bleach. (Please do not put in any clothes while cleaning!) Practice this method once every month.

For other appliances, you can use distilled white vinegar to clean as well as inhibit mold development.

Fabric/Upholstery/Curtains

Mold accumulation can grow in fabric if you reside in a damp and humid climatic zone.  However, do not worry!

You can clean mold from carpets, upholstery, clothes, and any other surface with fabric easily. First, remove all the mold patches by brushing.

Ensure that you are in a place where the mold spores cannot make it indoors. Then, if the item is washable, create a solution of hot water and disinfectant. Scrub the affected area with it.

If the stain remains, then create a solution of oxygen bleach and water and soak the fabric in it for few hours.

Tiles and Grout

Cleaning mold and mildew from tile and grout is quite simple. You can purchase a cleaning product, though chlorine bleach and water are quite effective too.

To clean, create a solution of these two liquids with the ratio of 1:16. Let the solution remain on the affected area for at least 15-minutes.  Then rinse with water and let it dry.

Some Effective & Organic Cleaning Methods

There is a diversity of chemical cleaning solutions and products available in the market. However, there is a collection of organic methods that you can use too. These include:

·         Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial solution. You can use it on a variety of surfaces, such as tiles and hard flooring.

To use, pour a 3-percent concentration of Hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and apply to the affected area. Leave it on the surface for approximately 10-minutes before scrubbing. Once scrubbed, wipe the surface dry.

·         Baking Soda

It would not be wrong to refer to baking soda as a magical remedy for all home problems considering its versatile usage.  Apart from odor and dirt removal, you can treat the toughest of mold patches with it too!

The baking soda can remove all the moisture that encourages mold growth as well. To clean, add ¼-tbsp of baking soda in a spray bottle filled with water.

Shake it thoroughly to ensure every particle dissolves.  Apply it to the affected area, scrub to remove the mold, and then rinse the surface.

Next, spray the solution again and let it dry completely. This particular step will ensure the mold does not return.

·         Tea Tree Oil

All the essential oils are an effective method to treat mold build-up. The tea tree oil is an insect repellent, antiseptic, and deodorizer. It is also a fungicide that can eradicate all molds upon contact.

Simply mix one teaspoon of the oil in one cup of water in a spray bottle.  Shake vigorously to blend both together. Spray on the affected area, leave to dry, and wipe with a towel.

·         Lemons

Believe it or not, lemons are excellent at getting rid of molds too.  Lemons have high concentrations of acid that breaks down mold and makes removal easy. These acids possess antiseptic, stain removal, and deodorizer properties.

Apply lemon juice on the affected moldy area, let it sit for 4 to 5-minutes, and wipe the surface.

Final Thoughts

Mold growth and build-up on home surfaces can cause serious health concerns, such as respiratory infections.  It is important to keep all home surfaces clean and mold-free for a healthy lifestyle. However, you should not try DIY mold removal in cases in which there is extensive mold growth. In these cases, it is best to call a mold remediation professional who can remove large amounts of mold and restore the damaged areas.