Mold and mildew removal is a common topic for many homeowners. While more common for those living in a humid subtropical climate, mold and mildew can build up over time due to warm, moist conditions that can allow spores to germinate and thrive over time. It is important to tackle mold and mildew problems quickly as these allergens can trigger respiratory issues and could even become fatal if ingested over long periods of time.
1. Natural treatment
There are several natural ways of implementing a mold and mildew removal regime, but it is usually best to attempt natural solutions before attempting a chemical solution. This is because both mold and mildew are erratic in their behavior and growth patterns. The two substances might react differently to different chemicals, which can lead to noxious fumes being emitted that can potentially damage the cleaner’s respiratory system. Mold removal products might also be unsafe for certain surfaces and could damage them, such as using a liquid-based cleaner on a moldy leather surface. It is therefore wise to attempt natural solutions to mold and mildew removal before reaching for chemical cleaners!
Three agents that are reported to work very well against mold and mildew are tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract, and white vinegar. Both tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract require dilution in water before they’re able to be used on moldy surfaces. Combining two cups of water with 20 drops of either product results in a mixture that can effectively tackle most mold spores. However, tea tree oil is known to produce a very strong odor when combined with mold, so those with odor sensitivities may want to opt for grapefruit seed extract as it is odorless when applied to mold while still carrying similar levels of effectiveness.
White vinegar is also an effective agent against mold. It can be applied neatly without dilution to the mold and is reported to successfully remove 82% of mold outbreaks. Like tea tree oil, white vinegar is known to produce a very strong odor when applied to mold, but it is said to dissipate within three hours of application.
2. Dehumidifier
Black mold removal and basement mold removal in home are two common areas that cannot be dealt with by using conventional cleaners alone. When mold has affected a large area or are in dangerous thriving quantities, it is necessary to implement commercial or industrial strength dehumidifiers in order to remove the humidity from the air; the mold and mildew’s life source. Running dehumidifiers over extended periods of time helps to suffocate what mold and mildew absorb for germination, which results in an area that is much easier to clean by using household cleaners. Dehumidifiers can also be combined with HEPA grade air filtration systems that help to remove 99.97% of airborne particulate that is no more than 0.3 micrometers in diameter, which include mold and mildew spores. These two applications can also be implemented into a year-round solution for hot, humid areas that routinely fall victim to mold and mildew breakouts, which include attics.
3. Chemical solutions
Most homeowners typically purchase chemical treatments for mold and mildew applications as a first line of defense. There are many solutions in this department for cleaning mold and mildew, but Tilex mold and mildew remover stands out as one of the better chemical solutions. It is advertised as tackling 99.9% of mold when applied to hard and nonporous surfaces. One of the main ingredients in the Tilex product is Chlorox brand bleach, which in itself is very effective against mold and mildew breakouts. Chlorox bleach is composed of sodium hypochlorite and when diluted creates a strong disinfectant. This disinfectant helps to eliminate mold at the root, but is not typically effective on porous surfaces that absorb liquids and do not allow the entire solution to reach the source of the problem. Because of this, bleach is not a typically effective treatment on wood surfaces and would be better dealt with using a natural solution.
4. Replacement
Ultimately, there are some mold problems that cannot be cleaned away. If a mold and mildew problem has been left to become deeply embedded within its surface over a long period of time, then it is unlikely that routine treatments will be effective at combating mold at the root. In this situation it will then be necessary to remove the infected surface or object and replace it altogether. Mold and mildew removal should be one of the homeowner’s top priorities to ensure that this does not happen!
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Tags: cleaning mold and mildew, Mold And Mildew Removal, mold removal in home, tilex mold and mildew remover