So You Have Black Mold? Use White Vinegar
by Dave Johnson on Sep.06, 2010, under Mold, Mold Inspection, Mold Removal, Mold Testing
Many houses across the country including Utah are finding that with the onset of Autumn and more moisture in the air, those nasty mold stains are returning. Just because you have mold doesn’t mean your property is dirty. In every home, miscellaneous parts crack over time and sometimes it takes a while to notice it. These cracks are a home for those molds and until they start to smell or the stain becomes evident then the mold continues its relentless breeding. Mold can also be a problem in some houses all year round in places that there is high dampness such as the bathroom and kitchen. Nevertheless, the answer to this dilemma is the same, whichever the case.
Do-it-Yourself or Experts
Of course there are plenty of companies out there that would happily solve this dilemma for you, but since many people think twice before spending money on work they can do themselves, here’s some DIY, eco-friendly solutions. Having said that, should you discover that the area affected by mold is rather vast (ie over 10 sq ft or so), calling an expert mold removal company would be a good idea.
Be aware of safety before you attempt to solve the dilemma
Even though most types of mold are innocent to humans, there are certain kinds (like black mold) that are rather toxic. So before you start any cleansing, arm yourself with a pair of sturdy rubber gloves and an N95 respirator. To find out the type of mold and for your own peace of mind, mold testing is available from a local professional. The mold test kits you can use yourself give very limited information, they give no quantitative information they only identify types of spores. In other words the information is almost worthless, the cost of the professional testing is worth it if you want some test results.
Environmentally friendly solutions
For cleaning surfaces like tile & grout, window sills, etc. white vinegar is a good option. Flexibility is another reason why vinegar is number one, it dissolves lime scale, drives away ants, but it also kills the fungi and bacteria that causes this unsightly mold. For an inexpensive option to expensive anti-fungal solutions in the shops, that actually works, use distilled white vinegar, which is biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Removal and Avoidance
Mold and its removal has to have more than a solitary treatment. The space the mold has appeared must be carefully cleaned. Try to find out what produced the mold in the first place and find a solution to the situation. This means diagnose and prevent future dampness. To avoid mold spores becoming airborne, where you can wet the area before you endeavor to clean it. Once you have finished cleaning, completely dry the surface.
It is nearly impossible and at best extremely tough to rid surfaces that are porous of mold. We would suggest you dispose of these items and buy new ones. To avoid mold returning is a fairly easy thing to do. Try to rid your home of the situations where mold breeds, such as leaky water pipes; also keep a watch on the humidity in your home with a hygrometer so you can take preventative action if it gets too high. Simple protective steps such as frequent airing is essential. Controlling the humidity to less than 60% helps prevent mold coming back. When its hot use an air conditioner, making sure you have cleaned the filters; this assists you to control the level of humidity. On the opposite vein, buy a dehumidifier for those cold and damp days. Good luck! Hopefully by using our advise you can minimize or prevent your house from being a home for mold.
