Last time we shared with you how to prevent mould and mildew and keep them away. However, if there is mould growth in your home already, you need to act. We made a list of the 6most efficient mould removal products to help you clean mould and mildew and get rid of their spores in your home.
Ammonia
Ammonia can clean mould from hard non-porous surfaces like countertops, tiles, or glass but it is ineffective at stopping mould growth in porous materials such as drywall or wood. One of the biggest disadvantages of using ammonia is that this substance is highly toxic. When using ammonia to clean mould be cautious and use gloves, facemask and safety gaggles. Never mix bleach and ammonia – they release poisonous gas when combined.
Read aboutthe risks of using toxic products at home before using harsh chemicals.
How to Clean Mould with Ammonia
- Prepare a solution of 1 part clear ammonia and 1 part of water. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle and spray it on the surfaces affected with mould.
- Leave the room for 3-4 hours to let ammonia kill the mould spores.
- Wipe and rinse the ammonia from the surface.
Bleach
Bleach is very effective in killing mould spores and removing mould and mildew. After using bleach the surface is sanitized and resistant to mould growth. Unfortunately, just as with ammonia, bleach is only effective on non-porous surfaces and materials. It works great on tiles, mirrors, glass, countertops, sinks and bathtubs. However, when used on porous materials such as drywall or wood, bleach cannot reach beyond the surface – the spores within the material remain and the mould soon returns.
Check also: 7 professional tips to help you clean safe and easy.
How to Clean Mould with Bleach
Bleach produces toxic fumes this is why the area you clean should be well ventilated. Wear gloves, and face mask during the cleaning to protect your skin and lungs.
- For mould removal, pour 1 part of bleach to 10 parts of water.
- Use the solution on non-porous surfaces with mould growth. Apply with sponge, or pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Don’t rinse the surface after cleaning it, unless it is reachable by small children and pets, or if it is a food preparation area. This will prevent mould from re-appearing.
Before trying this mould removal product, you must know that bleach is a harsh and corrosive chemical – it is dangerous when inhaled; it can also deteriorate some materials and wear down the colour or coating.
Borax
This is one of the best products to use for mould removal around the house. Borax is a natural compound and although it’s toxic when swallowed, it is fairly safe to clean with this product. Compared to other mould removal products, borax doesn’t exude toxic fumes, doesn’t cause skin irritations and it isn’t harmful to the environment. Borax is used as a natural fungicide and herbicide, and can kill most types of household mould spores.
Learn how to prepare non-toxic cleaners for your kitchen, bathroom and laundry.
How to Clean Mould with Borax
- Add 1 part of borax to 10 parts of water and stir well.
- Apply the borax solution onto the surface. Use sponge or brush to clean off the mould and mildew.
- Don’t rinse the solution – it will prevent further mould growth.
- Leave the surface to dry completely.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a well-known safe and natural substance. It has various uses in household cleaning, one of them being in mould removal. Baking soda has neutral pH, which makes it suitable for cleaning when having small children or pets unlike most of the commercial mould removal cleaning products. Baking soda kills some types of mould spores, absorbs moisture and deodorises which is a great advantage if you need to get rid of mouldy smell in the house.
Learn how to clean green and safe when having a dog.
How to Clean Mould with Baking Soda
There are many different ways to use baking soda for mould cleaning. You can prepare a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 4 glasses of water and spray the affected area. Another method for mould removal with baking soda is:
- Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the mouldy surface and let it sit for an hour.
- Scrub the spot with hard bristle brush then wipe off the soda residues.
- Rinse the area with soapy water, or vinegar-water solution to remove any remaining mould.
- Let the surface to dry completely before use.
Vinegar
Vinegar is mild natural acid, which kills around 80% of mould species. It is safe to use for household cleaning, even for food preparation areas, nurseries, clothes etc. It is safe to use on almost any surface, however there are 8 things that should never be cleaned with vinegar.
How to Clean Mould with Vinegar
To clean mould and mildew and kill their spores you will need white distilled vinegar – the cheapest brand from the supermarket will do just fine.
- Mix 1 part of vinegar with 1 part water and pour into a spray bottle.
- Apply the solution onto the mouldy area and leave it to sit for one hour.
- Wipe the surface with damp cloth to “rinse” the acidic solution.
- Allow the area to dry completely. If there is a vinegar smell – don’t worry – it will disappear within a few hours.
Vinegar is very efficient for mould removal especially in the areas where you prepare or store food. If you need to clean slightly mouldy clothes, soak them in warm water and add a few tablespoons of white distilled vinegar.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is great green alternative to many mould removal products – it is eco friendly, safe to work with, doesn’t exude toxic fumes and doesn’t leave toxic residue. You can use hydrogen peroxide when cleaning mould from tiles, floors, kitchen surfaces and appliances, food preparation areas. This product has bleaching properties, so it can also restore the whiteness of clothes, enamel, tiles etc.
How to Clean Mould with Hydrogen Peroxide
- Get 3% hydrogen peroxide and pour it into a spray bottle.
- Spray the affected areas – the mouldy surface should be saturated with the substance.
- Leave the hydrogen peroxide to sit for 10 minutes – the time will be enough for substance to eliminate mould spores.
- Scrub the surface and wipe off to clean mould residues.
If you need help to deal with dirt, dust, mould or mildew don’t hesitate to contact a home cleaning service in your area.
