How to Get Rid of Mold Naturally
Prism Specialties
Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning moldy surfaces. These four natural ways to kill mold are easy, safe, and effective at removing mold fast!
Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning moldy surfaces. These four natural ways to kill mold are easy, safe, and effective at removing mold fast!
Mold poses real risks to your health and home. After a loss event, a basement flood, or a freshly discovered leak, water damage promotes rapid mold growth that could negatively impact indoor air quality and quickly cause lasting damage to drywall, textiles, and valuable documents. Homeowners and property owners can take proactive steps to mitigate the impact.
First, contact a mold remediation specialist to assess the extent of the contamination and recommend a course of action. Extensive damage will require professional remediation, but there are ways homeowners can use household natural mold killers to stem the tide.
Does vinegar kill mold and mildew? It does, and it’s not your only option. Natural cleaners like tea tree oil and citrus seed extract are all highly acidic. In the right concentrations, these environmentally safe cleaning options quickly kill mold on a range of surfaces, including moldy fabric or paper. Remember to use a mask near mold, especially while cleaning.
Undiluted white vinegar kills 82% of known mold spores in just a few hours. Vinegar’s mold-fighting power is as strong as its scent, so avoid cutting it with water to maximize its effectiveness. Apply to the affected area and carefully scrub with a brush.
Tea tree oil is an effective natural mold remover that packs a serious punch. Unlike vinegar, it’s best to dilute tea tree oil before applying it to a moldy surface or item. Mix at a ratio of one teaspoon of oil to one cup of water and apply liberally. Note that tea tree oil’s strong scent will linger for a few days but avoid rinsing the item to ensure complete mold eradication.
For those with an easily offended nose, try citrus seed extract. It has little odor and fights mold just as well as its more odiferous alternatives. Add 20 drops of extract per two cups of water in a spray bottle for best results. Don’t rinse the area and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Mixed with vinegar or water, baking soda is a mild, low-scent option that kills mold quickly. This is the mildest option, so you may need to repeat the process once or twice to ensure you’ve addressed the entire affected area. Mix ¼ teaspoon baking soda with two cups water in a spray bottle. Soak the moldy item, rinse, and allow the item to dry before repeating the process, if necessary.
In a pinch, property owners can tackle moldy items after a loss event. For valuables and heirlooms, contact a local Prism Specialties for rapid and professional restoration services. Our teams can help assess, restore, and return damaged items to their pre-loss condition in just a few days.
While our proprietary methods deliver better results, homeowners can tackle light mold damage themselves.
White vinegar is the best option for food surfaces. Use undiluted white vinegar to thoroughly soak moldy wood. Vinegar penetrates deep into the grain to kill mold at its roots. Always let it soak and avoid rinsing to keep mold from returning.
This is another ideal job for white vinegar. Apply undiluted white vinegar to the moldy fabric and let it soak. Allow the item to dry completely and examine it closely before storing it away.
Cleaning moldy paper is all about patience. Start by moving the affected sheets to a dry place and separate pages with mold from those without. Place the papers in direct sunlight for an hour or so. When the mold turns to dust or powder, remove it with a soft brush and dispose of it in an outdoor garbage can. Again, always wear a mask to avoid breathing in mold spores.
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Mold and mildew carry considerable health and safety risks. Count on Prism Specialties to provide prompt, professional attention to remove mold growth and prevent its return. With locations nationwide, there’s a mold remediation expert near you who’s ready to help. To get started, find a location near you or submit a claim online today.
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