Those smooth orange spores around your kitchen drain, those frizzy white stains on your basement floor, or those slippery black stains on your shower curtain are far worse than unsightly. Exposure to mold, particularly toxic black mold, can lead to a wide variety of health effects, ranging from a simple allergy to lung cancer. Immunocompromised individuals are generally very sensitive to mold exposure. These can be children, the elderly, patients with chronic lung disease, and others who have serious medical conditions.
Whether or not you are mold sensitive, it is important to clean the mold, fix the problem that is causing moisture, and remove it. Here are about ten non-toxic, natural solutions to getting these molds out of every corner of your home.
Undiluted white vinegar
While it only contains 20% acetic acid, undiluted white vinegar or just white vinegar can kill 82% of all types of mold, including the toxic black mold. It is a multi-purpose product that can clean, disinfect and even deodorize both porous and non-porous surfaces. The best part is that white vinegar is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, so it is safe to use. It also keeps shapes of leather products (e.g., coats, shoes, purses, etc.), furniture, household appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines, or coffee makers) in check.
Be careful with your moldy leather. Wipe the affected surface with a cloth dipped in distilled white vinegar, then with leather soap, and finally with warm water. Then let it air dry for an hour. After it is completely dry, apply a good leather conditioner to the product. Another thing is that most people are confused between "undiluted white vinegar" (a.k.a. spirit vinegar) and "distilled vinegar" (a.k.a. virgin vinegar). Remember that distilled vinegar only contains 5-8% acetic acid in the water. It is much more ideal as a household item (e.g., for treating warts or relieving sunburn) than as a cleaning agent.
Lemon juice
Let's say you are running out of vinegar or you are not using it at all. Instead, opt for lemons as an alternative. Its high acid concentration makes it a natural cleaner, stain remover, bleach, deodorant, antiseptic and antifungal agent. The citrus aroma is also beneficial! Mix half lemon juice and half water, or spray or pour raw lemon juice (3-5 lemons) directly onto a moldy surface. Another variation is to create a stronger antibacterial paste by mixing lemon juice with salt or borax. Let the juice or paste sit for five minutes before wiping the surface with a damp towel.
Baking soda and borax
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and borax (sodium borate) both contain high pH levels, high enough to prevent mold growth. Not only do they get rid of mold, but they also absorb moisture, which also attracts the mold. It's also non-toxic and very cheap, like vinegar. Mix a quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda with one part of warm water or vinegar. For tough Mold removalIncrease the amount of baking soda in two. It's up to you whether you want to make an aqueous solution or a thick paste. However, let the mixture dry on the moldy surface (at least 30 minutes) before scrubbing the molds and rinsing the surface. Apply again if necessary. Conversely, borax works well on mold that is accompanied by persistent staining, but not as well as other stronger cleaning products. For better results, mix 1/4 cup of borax with half a cup of vinegar for every quart of slightly warm water. Mix the solution well and use a scrub with a sponge to remove the mold. Apply again if necessary.
Essential oils
Essential oils haven't made aromatherapy just a household word. They also do wonders for your place of residence when it comes to fighting off mold. These natural compounds act as an insect repellent, antiseptic, deodorant, antimicrobial and antifungal.
Here are some of the essential oils you can spread around your home to help get rid of mold:
- Grape seed extract
- Cinnamon oil
- Thyme oil
- Clove oil
- Tea tree oil
Of all of them, tea tree oil works best. It is a natural fungicide that is considered one of the best natural mold killers. However, if you're looking for the best of the best, mix the above essential oils together to create a mold preventing powerhouse. Not only that, but their scent is sure to make your home smell fresh and clean! Combine a teaspoon of the above essential oils (or a drop of each of them if you want to combine all of them) with a cup of water or vinegar (for harder forms) in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously. Spray the mixture directly on the moldy surface. Let it sit for 30-60 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing the molds.
Hydrogen peroxide
The combination of hydrogen and oxygen, or hydrogen peroxide, is a well-known antifungal, antiviral, mild antiseptic, and antibacterial solution. There are different potencies depending on the intended use, e.g. B. 3% for household use, 6 to 10% for hair bleaching, 35% for food and 90% for industry. The 3% hydrogen peroxide is an effective mold treatment. The solution quickly releases oxygen, oxidizes and breaks down molds. It's also the best alternative to harsh chlorine bleach. Unlike bleach, it doesn't contain any toxic residue or fumes, so it's safe to use.
Put the 3% hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Saturate the moldy surface and let it sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing the area. Use enough force while brushing, just enough to remove the shapes and not the parts of the surface. Finally wipe dry. Hydrogen peroxide is safe to use on a number of surfaces, including bathroom fixtures and bathtubs, kitchen appliances and furniture, and walls and floors. While it has a bleaching effect that can kill mold and lighten the stain, it can cause discoloration or damage on some surfaces. It is best to try an inconspicuous part of a moldy area first.
Bring away
Always keep the humidity in your home under control to prevent spores from setting. You can install mold and mildew air filters or use an industrial fan. Commercial products can fight off mold more easily, but they contain toxic chemicals that can be very harmful to your health. It's still best to resort to non-toxic (and inexpensive!) Methods.
About the author
This article is by Daniel Blake, who balances his time as a freelance writer and as a design student. His writing career is reflected in many articles published on various websites and in magazines. His strength lies in real estate, design and technology. Daniel is also a seasoned bookworm who reads thrillers whenever his time permits.
