Seems like we’re wondering at one point or another in our lives: how to get rid of molds in the house? In every home there is the opportunity for mold to grow. Damp basements and everywhere water goes in the house is a location where moisture can collect and grow stagnant, bringing with it the slimy, dark, smelly chance for mold. And while some mold is relatively harmless and easily treated, black mold can be harmful, especially for those with underlying medical conditions. In most cases, when you’re removing mold, you’ll probably want to wear a mask and goggles, to prevent spray from the products you’re using to kill it, and from the potential for illness if you inhale the mold. So how do you get rid of mold for good? Here are some handy “how to get rid of mold” home remedies.
10 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mold for Good
1. Vinegar
White distilled vinegar is a very useful cleaning tool to have in any home - for a variety of cleaning and disinfecting purposes. But to get rid of mold it is a great home remedy. In fact, vinegar can not only kill about 82% of known molds, but it can also prevent it from regrowing. White distilled vinegar in particular is best for removing mold, because of its high acidity and absence of color; you won’t have to worry about any discoloration as you might with other kinds of vinegar.
2. Baking Soda
Number two on the list of great how to get rid of mold home remedies is baking soda. Baking soda is great as an abrasive, and it absorbs odors, making it a good tool to get rid of mold. Simply make a paste of baking soda and water, and scrub the affected area. For lightly affected areas, apply the paste to mold stains and then brush it off. Follow up with a more diluted baking soda and water solution sprayed on the area to prevent future mold growth.
3. Vinegar and baking soda together
Two products that are so good at removing mold on their own, will be even better together. Vinegar can be combined with baking soda to get rid of mold because the two products kill and prevent different types of mold. Mix the vinegar and baking soda together in a spray bottle (carefully so as not to create a volcano effect like you did in your 5th grade science project), treat the area and let it sit for at least 15 minutes and then wipe it away.
4. Bleach
Harsher chemicals do not necessarily work any better when testing how to get rid of black mold in your home. Chlorine bleach is a very harsh chemical that can be used to treat mold, but be sure to dilute it before using it. Chlorine bleach will do a good job of removing discoloration, but when it comes to how to get rid of molds in the house, it isn’t always the best solution. Never combine bleach with any other chemical or product; only water, and don’t use bleach on porous surfaces like wood, as it may discolor it as it’s removing the mold stains.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
A less harsh chemical to get rid of mold and lighten stains is hydrogen peroxide. It has antimicrobial properties and can kill bacteria, viruses and mold spores. Make a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water and spray it on moldy surfaces. But, as with bleach, avoid using it on wood and other porous surfaces as it may bleach it.
6. Grapefruit Seed Extract or Tea Tree Oil
If you’re looking for another how to get rid of black mold home remedy, there are also several natural products that can treat even black mold. Tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract are considered very effective, non-toxic alternatives for how to get rid of black mold in your home. Both of these oils are known to kill mold and deodorize, easy to find in retail stores and online. Simply dilute a teaspoon of either (not both together) in water and spray on moldy surfaces until they are saturated and let sit for a few minutes. Scrub with a brush until the mold is gone, but don’t rinse the area. Instead, once the mold has been removed, give it one more spray to prevent future mold from growing.
7. Lemon Juice
The acidity in lemon juice is similar to that of vinegar, so it can be used in the same way to get rid of mold. Combine it with some salt to act as an abrasive, or squeeze four or five lemons and apply it to the mold the same way you would the vinegar, letting it sit for a few minutes. Add a few drops of dish soap to help it stick to the moldy surface.
8. Over-the-Counter Products
If you’re not comfortable playing chemist with DIY ideas or natural products for how to get rid of molds in your house, any home improvement or retail store that carries cleaning supplies will have products specifically made to get rid of mold.
9. Techniques for Antiques (and Other Surfaces)
Mold doesn’t just show up in walls and floors in bathrooms and basements. There are many techniques to get rid of mold from other surfaces. Soft, porous materials like clothes, furniture, leather, or supplies, and family heirlooms should not be stored in a place where moisture tends to collect. But if they are exposed to moisture, and you catch it early enough, you may be able to treat just about any surface.
Clothing, leather and furniture can be wiped down with white vinegar and warm water and be allowed to dry. Books and papers should not be treated at all until they are completely dry. It may be possible to salvage carpets and rugs but if the mold is too deeply infiltrated, they may have to be thrown out.
10. Hire Professionals!
The best way to keep mold at bay is to prevent it in the first place. You’ve Got Maids® of Northern Virginia’s cleaning teams will help clean and prevent the spread of mold spores in your home. In severe cases, you may need to call an expert mold removal specialist. Staying on top of your cleaning in advance is the best method for prevention.
Give us a call today and let us help you get rid of mold in your home today!
