Buzz
Black mold (Stachybotrys Chartarum) is not only unsightly but also a health hazard when it appears in your home. When the mold spreads significantly, it requires professional treatment with the appropriate cleaning agents. However, smaller mold patches can be effectively treated with organic white vinegar.
Steps
Remove Mold
Be determined to eliminate mold. Mold growth in the home can lead to severe health issues. Individuals sensitive to mold may experience irritation in the throat, eyes, skin, and lungs. It is essential to remove mold to create a safer, cleaner indoor environment that promotes better health.
- Mold can worsen existing allergies.
- Mold is linked to respiratory diseases and lung conditions.
- Mold may trigger coughing, wheezing, and exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Wear waterproof gloves when cleaning with vinegar. Vinegar is an organic and natural substance, but prolonged exposure can irritate the skin. Protect your hands by wearing gloves when working with vinegar.
Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle. Do not dilute the vinegar with water. Ensure you have enough vinegar to treat the entire surface that needs cleaning.
Spray vinegar onto the moldy area. Apply vinegar generously to the affected surfaces. You need to use enough vinegar to ensure the mold is effectively eliminated.
- If you don't have a spray bottle, you can use a cloth. Soak the cloth in vinegar and wipe it over the moldy area, ensuring the surface is thoroughly dampened with vinegar.
Leave it for an hour. Vinegar needs some time to take effect and break down the mold. Wait at least one hour before scrubbing off the mold.
Use a brush and warm water to scrub the mold. Scrub the moldy area where vinegar has soaked in. Rinse the brush with warm water after cleaning the moldy surface thoroughly.
- Using a brush will make it easier to remove the mold; it also helps to minimize vinegar contact with your skin during the scrubbing process.
- Choose a brush that fits the job. You might need a larger brush to clean wide surfaces or a smaller one to reach cracks and corners.
Clean the surface thoroughly. Once you've removed the mold from the surface, use warm water to clean the area and let it dry. If stubborn mold persists, repeat the entire process until it's completely gone.
- Vinegar can leave a smell, but it will dissipate within a few hours.
Combine vinegar with other products to enhance mold removal. Vinegar is believed to kill up to 82% of mold types. If true, this means there's still a 18% chance that some stubborn mold may remain. If vinegar alone doesn't work, try mixing it with borax, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or salt.
- Only mix one product with vinegar at a time. If it doesn't work, try combining vinegar with a different product.
- Never mix vinegar with bleach as this combination creates toxic fumes.
- If these mixtures don't work or the mold area is too extensive, you may need to hire professional cleaning services.
Wear an N95 mask when dealing with widespread mold. You can purchase N95 masks at hardware stores. Follow the instructions on the packaging to wear it properly for optimal protection if you're handling large mold areas.
- An N95 mask is not necessary for small mold patches or routine cleaning tasks.
Prevent mold from returning
Prevent mold growth by spraying vinegar and leaving it. There's no need to rinse off the vinegar. Once you've cleaned the surface, spray vinegar on it and leave it to help prevent mold from coming back.
- Keep a vinegar spray bottle in the bathroom and use it on surfaces a few times a week.
- Wipe floors with vinegar to prevent mold in damp areas.
Fix water leaks in your home. Water can leak through the roof, plumbing, or windows. Clean up any water spills and address any leaks to keep your home dry and mold-free.
- Check for roof leaks and replace or repair areas where water may enter your home.
- Fix plumbing issues immediately to prevent water from dripping and overflowing.
- Ensure windows are sealed properly and replace any areas where water could leak inside.
Control humidity in mold-prone areas. You may need to purchase a dehumidifier if you live in a high-humidity area or if certain areas in your home lack ventilation and are prone to moisture, which can encourage mold growth.
Ventilate areas susceptible to dampness. Mold thrives in dark, damp areas. Ensure that air and sunlight reach damp spaces to help control mold growth. Use fans when cooking, bathing, or doing laundry.
- Install exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room to improve airflow.
Regularly clean your air conditioner. Air conditioners have water collection trays that gather excess water. Clean them regularly to prevent mold from forming and spreading indoors.
- Turn off the air conditioner before cleaning the water tray.
- A wet/dry vacuum can help remove water and prevent spills.
- After removing all water, scrub any dust or mold that may have formed in the tray before returning it to its place.
Tips
- Label the spray bottle to remember its intended use for the next time you clean. It's best to empty the vinegar and mix a fresh batch each time, unless you plan to use it again within a short period.
- If the mold has spread extensively, you may need to use one cup of bleach mixed with 4 liters of water to clean the affected area.
What you'll need
- Rubber gloves
- Pure white vinegar (do not use synthetic vinegar)
- Spray bottle (mixture of 80% vinegar and 20% water)
- Water
- Clean bucket of water for rinsing the brush
- Microfiber cloths and/or a stiff brush
- Protective goggles and a mask if you are sensitive to mold, as the brush could spread mold spores or cause mold fragments to fly into your face.
