Molds can be harmful to your health, primarily affecting your respiratory system. They can produce mycotoxins that can cause sickness or even death, depending on the length of exposure, amount consumed, and the health and age of an individual. Besides causing health issues, molds can also destroy your home by eating away materials, such as drywall, wallpapers, floorboards, carpets, ceiling tiles, and wooden studs in walls.
If you’re a neat freak, you have probably tried everything to remove molds in your house. While they are not visible in the early stage of development, you can usually tell their presence through their musty smell. Below are some natural home remedies with most materials available in your pantry to help eliminate molds:
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is helpful for all sorts of emergencies. It’s safe around your kids and pets but a very effective abrasive and excellent natural deodorizer. Mix water with one-quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda into a spray bottle and shake it until it has dissolved. Spray the baking soda and water solution to the moldy area while using a scrub brush to eliminate mold from the surface.
Remove residues and baking soda from the surface by rinsing them with water. Respray the area before allowing it to dry without wiping. This will kill the remaining molds and help prevent them from returning.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar has long been one of the go-to’s for cleaning molds, especially in the shower, toilet, etc., due to its acetic acid component. While all kinds of vinegar are an effective choice, white vinegar is the most popular and effective. Apple cider and wine vinegar are less popular since they contain sugar that promotes mold growth.
- Fill a spray bottle with undiluted vinegar. Diluted vinegar can become less effective as its acetic acid concentration will be lessened.
- Spray a generous amount into the mold until it’s fully covered and wet.
- Let it sit for around 2 hours so that it can penetrate the mold and kill it completely.
- After two hours, use a scrub brush, sponge, or toothbrush to scrub the moldy area until everything is removed. For tough spots, using an electric scrub brush can be the best option.
- Wipe the area with warm water and allow it to dry.
3. Lemon Juice
In addition to its ability to help eliminate molds, lemon juice can also eliminate the musty odors of molds. Juice up to five lemons, depending on the severity of molds, and pour them over to the affected area. Wipe it with a damp towel after five minutes.
If you see that the towel is ineffective, you may use a toothbrush to scrub the problem area. You can also mix lemon juice and a little water with any hand or dish soap available in your home. The soap will make the solution more effective. If you think the problem is extreme, you might need mould remediation services.
4. Tea Tree Oil Solution
While it’s not a great cleaner, tea tree oil has antifungal properties, eliminating mold effectively. Use a teaspoon of tea tree oil and mix it with water in a spray container. Shake well before applying to the affected area. After 20 minutes, gently sponge off the mold with warm water.
Keep in Mind
These DIY solutions work in eliminating mold but may not work for severe cases of molds. In most cases, mold that covers 10 square feet has to be removed by experts. Additionally, though you can not make your home completely mold-proof, some preventive measures can stop them from coming in.
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