If you have noticed mold and mildew growing in your kitchen or shower, you may be alarmed. Mold and mildew are indeed harmful; the spores given off by mold can cause serious medical complications for those who have breathing problems or allergies. The good news is that in most cases if you catch mold and mildew early enough, you can remove them quickly and easily and prevent the problem from coming back.
In this article, we will go over what mold and mildew actually are, where to look for mold and mildew in your home, how to remove mold and mildew from your home, and how to prevent them from coming back again in the future.
What are mold and mildew?
In simple terms, mold is a fungus. A fungus is a biological spore-producing organism, and the term mold is used to describe a variety of different types of fungus or fungi. On the other hand, mildew is just one specific type of mold, but it’s the one that appears most frequently in our homes, and so for the purposes of this article, we will focus on mildew.
Where to look for mold and mildew in your home
Mold can show up just about anywhere, including on your clothing, books, furniture, or in your home on the walls, floors, and ceilings. The spores that are given off by mold thrive in damp, warm environments, and so, areas such as your kitchen and washroom are particularly susceptible to mold and mildew.
How to remove mold and mildew from your home
When it comes time to clean and remove the mold and mildew from your home, there are a few options in terms of cleaning products. There are some excellent cleaning products on the market that do a great job of removing mold and mildew from the surfaces in your home. Alternatively, you can make your own mold and mildew cleaner.
Here are two good recipes for making an easy DIY mold and mildew cleaner:
Homemade DIY mold and mildew cleaners
The first option is to combine 2 ounces of chlorine bleach with 16 ounces of cold water to produce a bleach-based mold and mildew cleaner. The second option is to mix 2 ounces of white vinegar with 2 ounces of Borax and 16 ounces of lukewarm water to produce a natural mold and mildew cleaner. Both are great options but try to avoid using the bleach-based cleaner on wood or other sensitive materials. Also, never use multiple cleaning products together at the same time as this can cause more damage and can even harm you.
Once you have purchased a mold and mildew cleaning product or made your own with the recipes above, you can move on to actually removing the mold; the process is really easy. First, make sure you put on proper PPE, such as a mask, to prevent yourself from breathing in any harmful spores. Next, spray the mold with the cleaning solution and wipe the area down. Then, apply another coat and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before wiping the area down again. Repeat the next day if necessary.
How to prevent mold and mildew from coming back
Because mold and mildew thrive in moist, dimly lit environments, you can prevent them from coming back by making sure that your home isn’t welcoming to them. Some good tips are to wipe down your shower and the areas around your sink after use so that they aren’t wet.
A dehumidifier can also help by reducing the amount of moisture in your home. With regular care, the issue should not be a recurring problem; just make sure to be aware of any damp areas in your home and take the time to dry those surfaces thoroughly so that mold and mildew don’t settle in.
Mold and mildew can be removed easily
Mold and mildew not only damage your home, but they can also harm your health, especially if you have allergies or a breathing issue. Whether you choose to use a commercial mold and mildew cleaning product or make a DIY mold and mildew cleaner at home, either way, by following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you’ll be able to quickly and easily get rid of mold and mildew once and for all.
