DIY Mold Removal
Do not use bleach
The typical reaction to finding mold in your home is to grab the nearest industrial-strength cleaner, preferably with bleach, douse it, and frantically scrub. Surprisingly, bleach only kills surface mold, not the membrane underneath, which means it will grow back. Even worse, the mold will recognize the bleach as a threat and grow back even stronger.
Use vinegar to remove mold
There is a potent method for cleaning mold in your kitchen – white distilled vinegar. It’s a mild acid that kills approximately 82% of known molds and can help prevent future outbreaks. It’s possible to clean up small mold outbreaks on your own with white distilled vinegar. Follow these tips to clean them safely and effectively.
- Wear protective clothing to protect yourself from the spores when cleaning mold, including a mask, goggles, and gloves.
- Pour white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it onto the mold. Don’t dilute it and don’t substitute other kinds of vinegar. Don’t worry about organics or flavors; in this case, plain white distilled vinegar is the only kind that works, and the inexpensive brands work just as well as name brands.
- Let it sit for at least an hour without scrubbing. If scrubbing is necessary later, combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 cups of water, pour into a spray bottle, shake, and then spray onto the mold. Scrub with a brush or scouring pad.
- Rinse with warm water, then spray again with the vinegar mixture and let dry. The smell will dissipate in a few hours.
Mold Myths vs Facts
- Myth: No Odor, No Mold
Fact: If you can’t smell mold, don’t assume it isn’t there. Even if you can’t smell it, look for signs of mold growth. Check areas of your home where leaks are likely to occur, such as roofs and plumbing pipes. Bathrooms, basements and crawl spaces are other likely areas to check. - Myth: Mold-killing products are the solution to mold problems.
Fact: Mold-killing chemicals and paints might help, but they’re only temporary fixes. The mold will keep coming back until moisture issues are corrected. - Myth: Only black mold is harmful.
Fact: All molds are harmful, not just black molds. All molds can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues, and some molds can also lead to more serious health problems. - Myth: You should always test for mold.
Fact: Mold can be a serious health threat, but you don’t need to test for it as long as you can see or smell it. Neither the Environmental Protection Agency nor the Centers for Disease Control recommend testing in most circumstances. If you see mold, address it and the underlying moisture problem immediately.
How To Look For Mold – ServiceMaster Restore Video
Professional Mold Remediation
If moisture is present mold can spread quickly causing unhealthy living conditions and also cause structural damage to your home. If you find mold in your home or business in Houston, TX that’s more than you can manage on your own, call ServiceMasterRestoration and Cleaning. We are a state licensed mold removal company and our staff is trained and registered by the State of Texas to perform comprehensive mold remediation services. Our licensed managers will work with you to create an effective plan to remove the mold before it can damage your health or property.
Mold cleanup costs vary, depending on the extent of the infestation.
Why Call a Professional for Mold Removal – ServiceMaster Restore Video
