No homeowner wants black mould in their home. You need to act quickly and effectively if the problem occurs. This will protect your health and eliminate all traces. What is the best way to get rid of mould naturally?
Most of us have heard an old wives’ tale at some point in our life picking up a penny will bring you good luck all day or going out with wet hair can give you a chilly. But what about our cleanliness? Do we really want to believe an old wives’ tale about something that can be so harmful to our health?
The four most effective treatments for Mould Removal in Gold Coast have been tested and include everything from baking soda to bleach.
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Bleach
- Sprays for mould removal
When it comes to removing black mould, you want to make sure your home is as clean and safe as possible. Can we really rely upon home remedies to kill black mould?
Mold is not just an aesthetic issue. Studies have shown it to be harmful for your health. It can cause headaches, breathing issues, and even trigger asthma. It is therefore imperative to combat the problem as soon it appears. Mold can cause allergic reactions and in some cases produce mycotoxins that are harmful to your health.
There’s no shortage in black mould solutions today. The average DIY store stocks a variety of products that promise to eliminate the problem. Many homeowners turn to ‘old wives tales’ to eliminate mould. These are simple, natural, and according to some, very effective methods. How do they compare to modern treatments? And can any of them get to the cause of the mould, and solve the problem permanently?
Black Mould: Four Ways to Kill it
1) Baking soda and elbow grease
Baking soda is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to remove black mold. It is still used by many people. This method is certainly very effective. Baking soda is mildly alkaline, but its pH of 8-8.1 is still too high for mold to grow, making it a natural disinfectant. The natural bicarbonate solution is moderately effective for both porous and not-so-porous surfaces.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to two cups of water.
- Pour the solution in a spray bottle.
- Spray the area with water and scrub it using a brush.
- Rinse out the area.
- To prevent the mould from returning, treat the area with baking soda again.
Baking soda is a mild chemical that contains no harmful chemicals. It’s safe for your family, pets and property. Baking soda not only kills mould but also eliminates unpleasant smells and absorbs moisture. It will therefore keep mould away for a time, though not permanently. The concentration of bicarbonate soda will gradually diminish and the mould will return.
Baking soda, although effective in minor outbreaks of black mould, is not as powerful as commercial chemicals or bleach. If you have a serious black mould outbreak, it is best to use something more powerful.
2) Vinegar
Another old wives’ story is that you can fight black mold with vinegar. This is another old wives’ tale that has some science behind it. Because vinegar has a pH around 2, it attacks the mould’s structure, causing it to break down and ultimately kill it.
It couldn’t be easier to use vinegar. You can spray vinegar directly onto the mould or spray it on a rag, then wipe it off. Wait 15 minutes and repeat the process. Then, wipe off the mould with a wet rag.
Like bicarbonate soda, vinegar is also a non-toxic, natural cleaner that is safe for use at home. It can, however, leave behind a mild (if temporary), odour. Like baking soda, you can only use it to treat mild cases. For serious cases of black mold, you will need something more powerful like bleach or a chemical product that is available off the shelf. No matter how much you scrub, the problem will return if there is poor ventilation in your home.
3) Bleach
A significant number of homeowners reach for bleach when faced with an outbreak of black mould. This is a reasonable tactic. The chlorine in bleach has a high level of effectiveness in killing mould spores and other microbes. It is a very effective way to remove mould and surrounding stains.
You should be cautious and take precautions if you decide to use this method. Remember to wear rubber gloves, thick clothing (that you don’t care if they get ruined), and a mask as the fumes from bleach and mould can be harmful to breathe. Mix one part bleach and four parts water. Gently scrub the mould with a dampened cloth. After cleaning the area, use a soft towel to dry it thoroughly.
Bleach is not without its drawbacks. It emits toxic fumes that are dangerous and should not be used without extreme caution. It should not be used with ammonia and should be kept out of reach of children and animals. Bleach is not only hazardous but also ineffective. When it comes to mould, bleach is not very effective. It only stays on the surface of porous surfaces like wood or drywall.
4) Sprays and cleaners for specialist purposes
The old wives tales about natural remedies may be a good way to get rid of minor mould problems, but they are not always effective.
If you have a serious outbreak, it is time to visit your local DIY store to invest in specialist treatments. You’ll find a variety of products in your local store, with varying potencies and prices. HG Mould Remover Spray is a spray that’s popular among property professionals such as landlords, letting agents, and others. It removes stains from almost any surface. This specialist treatment is not to be used lightly, given its potency.
Basic mould and mildew products, such as those from major brands like Dettol promise to remove the mould and any black stains that may have been left behind. These products are particularly effective in removing unsightly marks from tile grout. They can also get into tight spaces and gaps. However, if a preventative step is not taken the mould will return over time.
Can We Help?
We can assist you if you are concerned about your health and have persistent mould in your home. Condensation is the most common source of moisture that can create conditions for mould to grow. Improved ventilation in the bathroom and kitchen will help reduce humidity and prevent mould growth.
Find a specialist in your area by entering your postcode. You can have a mould expert visit your house to do a free inspection to identify the cause of the problem and give you advice on how to eliminate it.