In our previous blog, we discussed what causes mold to grow in Brevard County homes and touched on some ways to identify if you have a mold problem. We talked about some of the health safety risks associated with mold and gave our readers guidelines to follow in order to determine if their mold or mildew issue is something they can attempt to treat themselves or whether they should call a professional. To reiterate, if in doubt, call a reputable mold removal company. If you’re more of a DIY type of person and the mold is caught at an early stage and hasn’t spread to a large area, we’d like to give you some pointers on DIY ways you can treat mold naturally.
First off, we want to remind you that safety is key. Breathing in the spores produced by mold can be toxic, so be sure to wear a mask over your nose and mouth when near mold.
Tea Tree Oil
This natural essential oil has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial values and can be effective in killing mold. Simply mix about 10 drops of tea tree oil with about a cup of water and pour the solution in a spray bottle. Thoroughly spray the affected area and allow it to sit for a few hours. Then, scrub the area with a rag or scrub brush and spray the area with the solution again.
Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most popular natural cleaning agents, and for good reason! It has antimicrobial properties and is not nearly as harsh as commercial cleaners, which is why it’s great for most types of cleaning (mold included). Pour or spray distilled white vinegar on the area affected by mold, let it sit for about 30 minutes, and wipe it off with a cloth. For added power, you can mix baking soda with water and spread the paste onto the area afterward. Give it a good scrub, then rinse it off with water.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Since this common household item is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral, it can be quite effective against mold. Mix the hydrogen peroxide with water and spray it onto the area. After it sits for 15 minutes, wipe the area and finish with the baking soda paste we discussed earlier.
With any luck, these natural cleaners will get rid of a mild mold problem. To prevent the mold from growing back, check that the affected area is not continually being exposed to water or dampness. You can purchase a dehumidifier to remove some of the moisture from the air to make the room less hospitable for mold to grow. If your problem is a leaky faucet, an ill-fitted pipe, or condensation in your air conditioning vent, you’ll want to call a professional plumber to repair the fixture. Sun Plumbing has been meeting the residential and commercial plumbing needs of people in Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Viera. Call us today for a qualified plumber near you.
