Mold is a fungus that spreads through spores in the air. The most optimal temperature for its development is +20°C, the humidity level is 90% or more. Once on a wet surface, the mold sprouts with mycelium, which in the process of life secrete various substances, essential oils and carbon dioxide.
Mold damage
Mold in the apartment is a common occurrence. It poses a risk to human health due to the toxic fumes produced by many types of fungus and their spores. Only on one square meter, the mold produces millions of spores every day, they settle on surfaces and begin to actively develop. And what will happen if she stays on the wallpaper in the apartment for several months?
Moreover, spores can enter the human body through the skin, nose and mouth. In contact with the skin, the fungus can cause many diseases, for this reason, a certificate confirming the absence of fungus on the skin and nails is required to visit the pool. If an unpleasant taste and smell of mold is felt during the brushing procedure, it means that the toothbrush is a carrier of the fungus, so it is recommended to replace the accessory immediately. A more frequent reaction of the body is an allergy, especially children and the elderly often suffer from it. Depending on the susceptibility, the severity of the disease may vary.
Diseases
The most common diseases in the presence of dampness and mold in the apartment are: bronchial asthma, skin rashes, pneumonia, sinusitis, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, nosebleeds, headaches.
Many types of mold that are common in the CIS countries are pathogenic forms. Mold in the corners, on the ceiling, in the bathroom - prolonged contact can lead to such serious pathologies as damage to the liver and kidneys, emphysema.
What else is dangerous mold in the apartment
Besides negative impact on the body, it causes harm to property, especially wooden products. One type of mold - wood-destroying fungi - is able to make wooden structure rubbish in a short time.
Reasons for the appearance
Fungus spores are everywhere, in water and air, getting into an environment favorable for them, they begin to grow rapidly. Especially the fungus loves insufficient ventilation and high humidity. "Damp" premises, apartments located next to the basement, misapplication humidifiers, lots of different indoor plants- this can lead to the destruction of mold in the apartment .
Among the finishing and building materials, regardless of their cost, it is perhaps impossible to find one that is not susceptible to the formation of fungus. It can often be found in toilets, bathrooms, refrigerators, washing machine. Also, mold often forms in the apartment on the ceiling.
The main sign of the appearance of the fungus is the unpleasant smell of sharpness and dampness. Further, spots of whitish, black and gray shades appear.
How to get rid of mold
How to get her out of the apartment if she has already appeared? First of all, the problem of ventilation should be solved and high humidity. Otherwise, no matter what you do, it will appear again and again.
Recovery requires a holistic approach. It is not enough to scrape and wash the fungus, it is necessary to create a certain microclimate in which mold cannot develop.
The main measures to eliminate mold in the apartment:
- Needs to be cleaned mechanically flooring, ceiling, walls, all cracks where there is mold;
- Treat affected surfaces special tool;
- Get rid of things that have become unusable;
- Ventilate the room regularly and maintain an optimal level of humidity.
Tip: if wallpaper, upholstered furniture and other products made of porous material are affected by mold, do not try to clean them, it is better to replace them with new ones.
Means of struggle
After the mandatory measures described above, it is necessary to treat the room with special antiseptics which can be easily found on store shelves.
Important ! Any preparation for cleaning the fungus contains a lot of chemicals and is poison for humans. Therefore, work with them as carefully as possible, after protecting your hands with rubber gloves. And before you start, carefully read the instructions.
Antiseptic primer
You can get rid of mold with a special antiseptic primer. The tool can be purchased at any building materials store. The primer will solve several problems at once: it will destroy the mold, and also prevent its occurrence in the future.
The primer is easy to use and often does not need to be diluted with water. However, when working with the tool, it is recommended to strictly adhere to the instructions.
Before applying the agent, the surface is cleaned, up to the removal of the top layer of plaster. Apply a primer on a dry wall of the simplest paint brush, and after drying, you can start wallpapering or painting.
Bleach
With home remedies that are sure to be found in the house of every housewife, you can also eliminate mold in the apartment. For example, bleach, which is no less effective than an antiseptic primer.
With bleach, the main active ingredient of which is sodium hypochlorite, you can clean any type of fungus, including its spores. The tool is easy to clean the tiles in the bathroom, mirrors, glass and.
Important ! When using bleach, be careful - many things can lose their original color.
And you need to use it with rubber gloves, as chlorine corrodes the skin of the hands. In addition, the room should be thoroughly ventilated after treatment. Whiteness is diluted in a ratio of 1:10.
Vinegar
You can also fight mold with vinegar, which is an acid, so it can eliminate the fungus and prevent it. further development. Vinegar has a specific smell, but unlike bleach, it does not emit toxic substances. It is applied to damaged surfaces with a sprayer and wiped wet wipe. After keeping the solution for about an hour, the surface is treated with water. As preventive measures the procedure is recommended to be carried out weekly.
Hydrogen peroxide
The fungus in the apartment can be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide, which is an antibacterial and antifungal drug. Hydrogen peroxide solution is non-toxic and does not emit harmful substances. The tool is suitable for removing mold from many materials, but it has a bleaching property.
Ammonia
Ammonia is able to destroy the fungus on non-porous and non-solid materials, such as glass, tiles.
The agent is diluted with water 1: 1 and the resulting solution is sprayed onto the walls. After a few hours, rinse thoroughly with water.
Attention ! Bad smell ammonia can cause severe headaches and a sore throat. It is forbidden to mix ammonia with bleach, as such a mixture emits toxic gases!
Baking soda
Mold after flooding the apartment or in any other case can be removed with baking soda. It kills fungus spores, but unlike other products, it is a safe and natural household cleaner and will not harm humans or furry pets.
A spoonful of soda must be dissolved in 200 grams of water and the surface treated. In case of a serious damage to the mold, the soda can not be washed off, this will stop the growth of the fungus.
Where to complain
If you have tried a lot of ways, and black mold does not recede from the apartment, you need to contact the appropriate services. However, before writing a complaint, you should make sure that this is not happening through your vein. Next, an application is drawn up addressed to the chief sanitary doctor of your area with the requirement to carry out the necessary studies of the microclimate in the house.
If, according to the results of the examination, it is revealed that the relative humidity exceeds the permissible figure - 65%, then the room is unsuitable for living. The sanitary doctor is obliged to issue a document on the conduct of research. Next, representatives of the housing office should visit you and make repair work at the expense of the state.
Mold on the wall brings disharmony both to the aesthetics of the interior and to the health of the residents of the troubled house. Microorganism colonies destroy wallpaper, walls, furniture and immunity, forcing the homeowner to spend money on new furnishings and the treatment of serious illnesses. Therefore, in this article we present the most effective ways removal of mold from urban and suburban dwellings.
Where does mold appear in the house - causes and consequences
Mold in an apartment or a private house starts from excess moisture. Microorganisms and fungi love "room" temperature, which encourages the growth of colonies of microorganisms. And if ventilation does not work in the apartment and there is excess humidity, then the appearance of mold is only a matter of time.
The sources of infection are spores and mycelia, which have been present in the air almost since the appearance of life on Earth. Moreover, they can be removed from the gaseous medium only in laboratory conditions, by repeatedly filtering the required volume and sealing the room.
Unfortunately, it is technically impossible to get rid of mold in an apartment using this technique. The dwelling maintains a constant air exchange with the street, so mold spores and mycelium of fungi are always present in the room air. And no filters will solve this problem. Here, complex therapy is needed, based on knowledge of the weaknesses of each variety of room mold.
Therefore, our fight against mold will begin with the study of varieties of fungi and microorganisms, as well as favorable conditions for their development. By destroying the latter, we will be able to suppress the growth of the colony and remove the traces of mold in the walls of our apartments and houses.
Varieties of house mold
Removing mold and fungus is a very time-consuming procedure. Therefore, to guarantee the success of this enterprise, you should familiarize yourself with the basic varieties of house microorganisms. After all, the removal technique largely depends on the type of mold or fungus being destroyed.
The most common types of microorganisms living at home include the following types:
Aspergillus niger is the same black mold, and in fact, the mourning color does not mean a high degree of danger, but a readiness for the spread of mycelium (puberty of the fungus). Aspergillus niger colonies live on any building or finishing material- from concrete and plaster to wood and whitewash, deeply penetrating into its structure, which collapses as the mold stain grows. In addition, black mold is not killed by the cold, such a plaque is not afraid of the cold, so it remains to live even in abandoned houses.
Black mold on the walls of the apartment is very bad. Moreover, the danger threatens not only buildings, but also people. This mold causes a severe disease - aspergillosis, manifested in the form allergic reaction(in healthy people) or severe illness (in immunocompromised patients).
Penicillium is a green and bluish mold that needs organic matter to grow. She usually appears on food products or on a thin film of fatty deposits that have settled on the walls, ceiling and floor of the kitchen. Compared to the black variant, green mold is relatively harmless. However, despite the fact that the first antibiotic, penicillin, was obtained from Penicillium notatum, it is not necessary to breed such mold on the wall in the apartment. After all, it can cause allergies or spoil food supplies.
Fusarium is a white or brown mold that lives on houseplants. For the walls of the house, such a fungus is relatively harmless, but for plants, fabrics, leather products and paper, Fusarium poses a very tangible threat. Therefore, in this case, you must deal with mold on the walls of your apartment with the same diligence as in the case of the green variety. In addition, Fusarium is a suspected cause of dermatitis in humans and animals.
Well, how to do this, we will consider below in the text, paying attention to each type of mold. After studying our tips, you can get rid of mold on the walls in an apartment or private house with minimal effort on your part.
We remove green and white plaque - effective methods and means
What to do if you see a green or white mold on the wall in the apartment? Of course, remove it as soon as possible, until you or your household has a chronic allergy. And it's better to do it like this:
- 1. Wet a cloth with warm, soapy water to which a little chlorine bleach has been added, and wipe the mildew stains. So you remove the surface layer and designate the "place of residence" of the colony.
- 2. If stains don't come off with a cloth, try an iron dish sponge or a toothbrush with the hardest possible bristles. With its help, you can scrape the mold from the wall in the apartment and complete the external (cosmetic) removal.
- 3. Prepare any chemical agent(preferably in advance) and apply to the wet spot in a thick layer. If the stains were old, apply a couple more layers of the product after the previous one has dried.
Almost all Construction Materials have the ability to absorb liquids, so repeated treatment of mold spots will help to impregnate the "mycelium" with a poisonous (for microorganisms) substance. Well, without impregnation of the mycelium, you can only organize cosmetic removal of mold in the apartment. After 3-4 weeks, she will return to her place and bloom on your walls with renewed vigor.
The list of tools with which you can remove mold from the walls of your home is as follows:
- Mellerud liquid - this preparation can even be applied over wallpaper. But ideally, it is sprayed on tiles, plaster, concrete or wood wall. The tool allows you to remove the fungus on the wall with a 100 percent guarantee.
- Aerosol Schimmelentferner Dufa is a ready-made preparation with which you can remove the fungus on inner wall in the apartment or on the facade of the house. The aerosol disinfects surfaces because it contains chlorine.
- Boramon C30 is an antiseptic for fighting mold in an apartment, in the interior of which there are beams and wooden panels. Suitable for floors too. This drug penetrates deep into the tree and allows you to clean off the mold without damaging the structure of the base.
- Snezhka Impregnation - this tool is useful in an apartment as a primer or additive used to knead tile adhesive. If you use Impregnation during repairs, then mold will not bother you in the next couple of years.
- PS 50 is a preparation for drywall and plaster. With it, you can remove mold on the walls without injuring paper base drywall or decorative plaster.
For the green and white varieties, these products will be enough, but to effectively deal with black mold, you need completely different solutions to the problem.
Fighting black mold - technology and preparations
Removing black mold from walls is not easy. After all, the core of the colony is not on the surface, as is the case with a green or white coating, but in the thickness of the building material. Therefore, along with chemical impregnation in this case, you will have to apply mechanical or thermal effects to the damaged area. As a result, the process of dealing with the black problem is as follows:
- 1. We mark the damaged area, describing a circle, the radius of which will be 2-3 times larger than the corresponding parameter of the mold spot.
- 2. Remove the stain with a wet cloth or steel wool to prevent the spread of mature spores.
- 3. We clean building materials softened by mold in a marked radius using a steel brush, a chisel with a hammer or a perforator.
- 4. We stop cleaning the stain after clearly "healthy" concrete, brick or wood appears (they will resist mechanical stress more than the affected area).
- 5. We treat the damaged area with potent chemicals. Moreover, in order to remove black mold from the walls in the apartment, you need to take at least three processing cycles, with a half-hour break between applying layers.
- 6. After drying, the removed area is puttied with a putty mixed with the same chemical preparation.
In the final, after the putty has hardened, the wall surface is treated with a chemical preparation again. The list of suitable drugs is as follows:
- Belinka is a drug for external and internal works, relieving black fungus on the walls without harm to human health. Also suitable for other types of mold.
- Well Done is a universal preparation that allows you to remove the fungus from walls covered with plaster, tiles or oil paint. Disinfects surfaces, stopping further colony growth.
- Antialga B25 is a low toxicity preparation that can be used to remove black fungus from any surface. It is prepared on a water basis, but contains algicine and fungicide, therefore, before treating the walls, take care of personal protective equipment.
- Spectrum Fungicide - allows you to remove mold from damp corners both outside and inside the house. A very effective tool that allows you to remove the fungus even in paintwork.
- Astonish is a drug that destroys mold on plastic, ceramics and faience. Does not harm the structure of polymer products. Therefore, it can be used when cleaning windows without fear of damaging the rubber seals and clouding the plastic frame.
Important note: during the application of these substances, as well as during mechanical cleaning, you must use a respirator or a gauze bandage soaked in water. Otherwise, the risk of catching aspergillosis will increase.
Getting rid of house fungus
Let's clarify right away - this is a very big problem, because in order to remove the fungus on the walls, sometimes you have to remove entire sections of logs. After all, a fluffy coating of house fungus is just the tip of the iceberg. The mycelium itself can hide in the thickness of the wood. Therefore, to combat the fungus, the following technology is used:
- 1. First you need to remove the fungus from the walls. For these purposes, use a planer, chisel and hammer. The loose area will have to be cut off the wall completely. If the log is completely affected by the fungus, we do not scrape it, but remove it completely, replacing the damaged crown with a new one.
- 2. After that, the fight against the fungus enters the chemical phase. You impregnate the wood with special substances, applying 3-5 layers.
- 3. In the final, you restore the selected area using a wooden patch or insert and wood glue.
As a chemical preparation with which they fight the fungus, extremely fragrant agents are usually used - creosote or tar. Therefore, when we breed Serpula lacrymans from wood, we need strong ventilation and a respirator.
In addition, it must be understood that chemical processing wooden walls from the fungus is very toxic. And both the mold colony and the person who organized the fight against it can suffer from such drugs. However, to our happiness, in addition to dangerous chemistry, relatively safe folk remedies also affect the mold, the best of which you can find below in the text.
Effective folk remedies for mold removal
The most effective folk remedies with which you can remove mold or fight fungus on the walls include preparations prepared according to the following recipes:
Take 70% hydrogen peroxide and soak a sponge with it. Use this sponge to wipe mildew stains or damp spots machining walls. Peroxide fights all types of mold, but we do not recommend using such a product on painted surfaces - their color may fade.
Remove the cap from the bottle of bleach "Whiteness", punch holes in it and return to its place. Now Whiteness can be used as a spray, moistening surfaces cleared of mold. In addition, bleach can be used to treat tiles, unpainted plaster, and exposed wood.
Pour a 10-liter bucket of water, add one and a half liters of food vinegar, half a kilo boric acid and a kilo of borax. Heat the water to 50-60 degrees Celsius (this can be done ahead of time, before adding chemicals). Next, to remove the mold on the walls or floor in the apartment, you need to spray this composition from a spray bottle or apply it to the surface with a wide brush.
Buy two liters of concentrated vinegar (essence) and stir a pound of copper sulfate in this liquid. With this tool, you can even get rid of black mold. Just don't forget to ventilate the room to get the vinegar fumes out. Otherwise, instead of mold, you will poison yourself.
Dissolve soda in water, getting a liquid slurry. With this putty, treat the place cleaned from the mold stain. And do not wash off the soda paste - it should remain in place. This option is suitable for remote and hard-to-reach corners, which are difficult to get close to during normal cleaning.
Important note: remember that with folk remedies you need to follow the same precautions as with chemical preparations. For example, Whiteness can burn mucous membranes, concentrated peroxide easily injures the skin, so you should not be deceived by the household accessories of the components.
Any drugs - home or store - should go hand in hand with personal protective equipment. As a last resort, you can use rubber gloves. Otherwise, eliminating mold in the house, you can make yourself more problems than before.
What can I do to keep the mold from coming back?
First, ventilate the room. It is enough for you to open the vents or windows for half an hour a day, and the risk of mold will decrease by a quarter.
Second, do wet cleaning using antibacterial supplements. By mixing a cap of Whiteness into a bucket of water, you eliminate favorable conditions for the development of bacteria.
Thirdly, to purchase and use prophylactic, chlorine-containing aerosols in damp rooms. Treat corners in the bathroom and toilet with such products, and you will not have mold either in winter or in summer.
Fourth, control the microclimate in the house. Finally buy an air dryer. Such devices are inexpensive and very helpful in summer time. And in winter, drying is not needed - it will be replaced by a regular radiator.
Fifth, check ventilation system. If it does not work, then all the tricks described above will not be useful to you.
Black spots in the corners and on the walls, dampness, putrid smell not only worsen the aesthetics of the room, but also harm health. Residents of houses, especially those built two or three or more decades ago, often complain: “Mold has appeared on the wall in the apartment. What to do? Is it possible to quickly remove harmful plaque?
The fight against microorganisms that have settled in damp, poorly ventilated areas often drags on for years. Many tenants make the mistake of trying to mask (paint over) mold stains or just wipe the black coating off the wall. It is important to know how to act if mold "attacks" the home. Tips for the qualitative removal of unaesthetic stains that pose a threat to the body will come in handy for many.
Reasons for the appearance
It is important to understand why the walls in the apartment are often covered with gray-black or yellowish-green, with a brown tint, with a coating. Mold is a toxic fungus actively settling on stone, brick, plaster, concrete, wooden surfaces.
Mold plaque indicates a disturbed microclimate: the room is too damp, ventilation does not respond sanitary standards. The lower the temperature in the apartment with high humidity, the higher the risk of mold growth.
Mold types:
- fungi. They multiply on painted surfaces, concrete, stone;
- putrefactive fungi. Brown rot corrodes the tree, it is difficult to remove;
- dangerous mushrooms of blue color most often they are active on wooden surfaces. This type of rot prefers pine.
The main causes of high indoor humidity are:
- installation plastic windows without a sufficient level of air exchange in an apartment or house;
- freezing of poorly insulated walls;
- low room temperature for a long period;
- low-quality brickwork;
- malfunction, absence or incorrect installation of ventilation systems;
- humidity in the house or apartment is above 60%;
- a bad habit to almost always keep the windows closed;
- sewerage leakage, provoking excess moisture;
- incorrect laying of insulating material between the vertical and horizontal foundation.
Warning! Not all tenants know how dangerous mold colonies are to health. Microorganisms dry up, turn into dust, fall on the floor or mix with air, enter the lungs. Mold particles provoke lung diseases. Patients suffering from bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, allergic rhinitis, frequent colds, note an increase in cough when they are in a damp room. Harmful microorganisms negatively affect the immune system, weaken the body.
Where does mold appear
Dampness, lack of sufficient inflow fresh air in combination with low temperature - ideal conditions for the development of colonies of fungi that cause the appearance dark plaque, black spots in various parts of the room. Mold most often affects poorly ventilated areas, places where the hostess does not always get to clean and disinfect.
Folk remedies
With a small area of damage, the detection of mold fungi on concrete or stone will help home formulations based on natural and chemical components. Industrial preparations are more effective, but sometimes the treatment of walls affected black mold, gives a positive result when using home formulations.
Proven recipes and folk remedies for mold on the wall in the apartment:
- tea tree oil against fungus. For 500 ml warm water you will need 10 drops of useful ether. A noticeable effect from the action of a natural antiseptic is manifested if the composition is applied several times. It is not necessary to wash off the product;
- table vinegar. Pour an undiluted agent (ordinary 9% vinegar) into the spray bottle, several times (with an interval of several hours) treat the walls on which black spots are noticeable;
- hydrogen peroxide 3%. The composition is suitable for processing small areas. Several times you need to wipe the moldy areas, wash off the caustic composition;
- soda solution against mold. Dissolve a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate in half a liter of water, treat the affected area. After 15 minutes, carefully scrape the surface with a metal brush, wipe with a washcloth, repeat the procedure after an hour, dry the wall well.
Preventive measures
It is easier to prevent the growth of dangerous fungi on the walls and in the corners than to try long and unsuccessfully to remove various types of mold. It is important to eliminate the cause of the appearance of dark spots - high humidity.
- regular ventilation of residential and commercial premises;
- thorough waterproofing of various parts of the premises;
- monitoring the condition of pipes;
- wall insulation;
- sufficient ventilation;
- dampness prevention: avoiding excessive shading of the room;
- a moderate amount of flowers in the room;
- drying clothes only on the balcony or in the yard;
- using a kitchen hood.
The optimal air-thermal regime prevents the development of mold fungi on various surfaces. Mold on walls is a common occurrence. It is important to know what to do when a fungus appears, what industrial preparations, chemicals and folk methods help to fight black plaque on the walls.
How to get rid of mold and dampness on the walls in the apartment? We listen to useful recommendations:
Mold is called microscopic fungi that, like moss, multiply on various surfaces. Mold appeared on Earth about 200 million years ago, and today more than 100 thousand species of this life form have already been studied. The "war" of man and this fungus has been going on for more than one millennium, but, unfortunately, the second one often leads in it. There is still debate about who will outlive whom: mold or humanity.
Mold is increasingly becoming an uninvited guest in many apartments and houses. It is generally accepted that it only starts in abandoned buildings, basements, attics or in emergency houses, but this is not always true. Mold can also start in clean, well-maintained apartments with European-style renovation.
This is not surprising, because every year these mushrooms adapt better to human conditions, despite chemicals, polluted air and environmental problems. What can I say, mold survives even in outer space.
Dealing with such a problem is not so easy, but possible. Mold is indeed very difficult to remove, but there are ways to do it. There are many chemical means to combat this kind of pest, but they are quite expensive and not always effective. Today, the whole world is actively fighting this phenomenon, and let's talk about home methods of getting rid of mold, which have been tested for years by our grandmothers. But still, the most important thing in this matter is to identify the "enemy" in time and immediately begin to eliminate it, because, as you know, mold is an extremely dangerous microorganism for human life.
Mold damage
The harm from mold is difficult to count on the fingers, because it is an endless list of various diseases that are difficult to diagnose. The human body is able to fight many microorganisms, but it is mold spores that are firmly fixed on the lungs, thereby accumulating there. Permanent stay in a room infected with mold threatens with severe respiratory diseases. These include bronchial asthma, various eczema and even rheumatism. For young children, the fungus is extremely dangerous, its influence can be displayed in the form of a constant cough or allergy.
Parents, afraid to let the child through, do not dare to ventilate the room often, but the harm from mold is much greater than from cold air. We have already said that it is not easy to find out the cause of ailments provoked by mold, so the only way to find out the cause is to change the situation or move.
In addition to harm to health, the resulting "moss" negatively affects the aesthetic appearance of your apartment. It can spoil the decoration of walls and various surfaces.
The first signs of the appearance
The first sign of mold is an unpleasant, damp smell. It is very brightly felt when entering the room from the street. The appearance of a variety of grayish or yellowish spots on the walls or other surfaces is also a "call" to start action.
It is not necessary to get rid of mold locally, but in general throughout the apartment, because its exact location is not always easy to determine. Be sure to regularly ventilate the room and monitor its heating, otherwise you yourself will create a “cozy home” for the mold. Clean regularly, but do not overdo it - we do not need extra moisture. Try not to force the room with flowers, they can increase the humidity. If the problem of "infection" is large-scale, then it is worth uniting with neighbors and fighting together. Even if such an “union” does not help, then you should immediately contact the ZhEK.
And so, let's look at 5 main ways to deal with mold.
1. Antiseptic primer
An antiseptic primer is a finish on various materials to protect against rot, insects and, directly, mold. It is this primer that is one of the effective means to combat the fungus. For active action, it includes additives that are divided into certain types: fungicides - from mold, algicides - from moss, algae and lichen, bactericides - from bacteria.
To combat mold, it is better to opt for a fungicidal primer. It will help to overcome the fungus even in, and prevent its occurrence in the future. You can buy an antiseptic primer at any hardware store. You need to apply it only on a wall cleaned of mold, because the fungus can infect the wall to the very base of the finish and even penetrate the tile.
2. Bleach kills mold
Bleach, thanks to the sodium hypochlorite in its composition, is also one of the effective ways to combat mold. Unlike a primer, this will be a gentler cleaning method, because bleach does not contain such aggressive components. The product can be used to treat tiles, glass or floors, but, unfortunately, it is not suitable for all surfaces. Bleach should be diluted with water in a ratio of one to ten. At the same time, it is necessary to adhere to safety measures, because bleach reacts aggressively not only to mold, but also to the skin of the hands. In order to protect yourself, you should use durable rubber gloves.
3. Vinegar for mold
Vinegar is a less aggressive mold killer than the previous two, but doesn't fall far behind in effectiveness.
Not all surfaces can be treated with vinegar, because it is still an acid. To combat the fungus, you need to remove it with a sponge soaked in vinegar. This procedure can also be carried out as a preventive measure.
4. Hydrogen peroxide kills mold
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective antifungal agent. Its main advantage is non-toxicity. A three percent peroxide solution can be bought at any pharmacy for a penny, but the result will be really amazing. But, despite all the advantages, it also cannot be called universal, because use on many painted surfaces is not recommended.
5. Baking soda
Baking soda is popularly known as an excellent cleaning agent. It is also non-toxic and safe to use. Soda is not only a tool to combat mold, but also to prevent its occurrence. In order to treat the affected surfaces, it is necessary to dissolve one tablespoon of soda in a glass of water. This concentration will be enough. It is better to wash off the mold with a sponge dipped in a soda solution.
These methods will undoubtedly help you in the fight against harmful mold, but do not forget about the main reasons for its appearance. Do not forget to monitor the condition of your home and do not start this problem, because when it comes not only to beauty, but also to the health of your family, do not hesitate, because mold can “live” even in the most inaccessible places.
We hope that you will use our tips and get rid of mold forever.
The content of the article:
Probably, everyone has come across mold on the walls, which manifests itself as ugly black stains or green spots and has a very unaesthetic appearance. But few people know that this scourge must be disposed of when the first signs appear, since it is very dangerous for human health. That is why it will be useful for every hostess to know effective means and methods that will help to quickly solve this problem.
Mold is a microorganism whose spores are found in almost every home. But it is not always possible to detect it with the naked eye, so in some cases it may be necessary to use special equipment. When the most favorable conditions for mold appear, its intensive development begins, and the problem can become more widespread.
Traces of this microorganism can be found in the most unexpected places- for example, mold often develops on wood, concrete, protein glue, wood filler, paper, linen and food. Mold growth occurs in any area where there is high humidity.
Causes of mold
Before you start looking for methods that will help you get rid of mold once and for all, you need to accurately establish the reasons that provoke its appearance:
- Mold is a dangerous microorganism that can get inside the apartment on shoes, food, outerwear, animal hair, etc.
- After the particles of the microorganism enter the nutrient medium, intensive reproduction of spores begins and this process sometimes occurs at astronomical speed, so in the near future you can notice the fungus on wood, fabric, paper or houseplants.
- The ideal climate for mold growth is high air humidity (approximately 50-70%), as well as poor ventilation. Most often, mold appears in the toilet, kitchen and bathroom, after which it can spread throughout the apartment.
- As a rule, mold develops in apartments on the first and last floors of high-rise buildings, because in this case there is a damp basement with not very good waterproofing or poor roof insulation.
- Incorrect air circulation, resulting in stagnation of air in the room.
- Increased humidity in the room, which can be provoked by the frequent use of air humidifiers, the presence of a large number of flower pots in the room, the constant drying of wet clothes, etc.
- The use of drywall in the construction, as this material is one of the main reasons for the development and further spread of mold throughout the apartment.
How to remove mold from walls?
It is important to remember that only an integrated approach will help to completely get rid of mold. It will not be enough to simply clean the walls or get rid of old furniture, because you need to completely remove all toxic spores:
- Performed mechanical cleaning all surfaces affected by the fungus, all stains and black spots are removed.
- In areas where there was a fungus, a special treatment is carried out that destroys mold spores.
- We must try to completely get rid of things on the surface of which there is a fungus, since even after removing it, mold may reappear over time.
- It is important to regularly ventilate the premises to ensure proper air circulation.
- The overall level of humidity in the apartment decreases.
Effective products for removing black mold from walls
To date, there are quite a few a large number of the most diverse, effective and quite available funds, which will help to quickly get rid of the fungus.
Almost every housewife is familiar with such an active substance as sodium hypochlorite. This tool is not very aggressive and less toxic, unlike a special primer, while it is dangerous for the fungus and its spores. The simplest bleach will help get rid of almost all types of mold in the apartment.
This product is suitable for floor, glass and tiles. For this purpose, it is recommended to use a mixture of bleach and water (the components are taken in a ratio of 1:10).
It is necessary to take into account the fact that bleach has corrosive properties, which is why it can discolor colored products. During the treatment of surfaces on which spores of the fungus have appeared, it is necessary to use protective equipment so that the chemical solution does not come into contact with the skin, otherwise serious burns may result. During operation, it is necessary to open the windows in the room to ensure effective ventilation.
Vinegar is a weak acid solution that can neutralize approximately 80% of various kinds mold fungus. This product is less toxic than bleach, but it does not leave the most pleasant specific aroma, which will take some time to get rid of.
To remove fungus from the walls, it is necessary to treat with vinegar all areas where traces of mold were noticed. To make it convenient to work, you can pour the product into a spray bottle, after which all infected surfaces are processed.
After an hour and a half, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse all treated areas with plenty of pure water and ventilate the room to remove the strong smell of vinegar.
As a preventive measure to prevent reappearance mold, it is necessary to treat infected surfaces with vinegar every 7-10 days.
Hydrogen peroxide
This tool has antifungal and antibacterial action, which is why it is ideal for fighting fungus. Today you can buy hydrogen peroxide 3% at any pharmacy. This drug is not only effective, but also completely safe, so it will not harm your health and there will be no unpleasant odor.
All areas where traces of mold have been noticed should be thoroughly washed with hydrogen peroxide. Then you need to wait 10-15 minutes and clean the surfaces with a stiff brush.
Before using hydrogen peroxide, it is important to remember that this product has the same effect as bleach, so it can highlight treated areas and is not recommended for use on painted surfaces.
This product perfectly removes traces of fungus, and is also suitable for treating non-porous glass or tile surfaces. But it is not recommended to use it for cleaning porous materials from mold.
To remove the fungus, mix in equal amounts water and ammonia, after which the composition is poured into the sprayer, and the foci of the fungus are processed. After a few hours, all treated areas are washed with clean water.
If ammonia is used, it is necessary to work in a special protective mask, as an unpleasant sore throat and a severe headache may appear.
It is strictly forbidden to mix bleach with ammonia, since the resulting composition will emit toxic gas and there is a risk of serious poisoning, which in the most severe cases is fatal.
Baking soda is one of the most effective and completely safe means to remove mold. It contains no aggressive substances, so this method will not harm health and can be used at any time, as well as as a prevention of the re-development of the fungus.
First you need to prepare a cleaning composition - water is mixed (1 tbsp.) And baking soda(1 tsp). All problem areas are treated with the resulting mixture, after which it is not necessary to rinse the soda with water. The resulting layer will be an excellent protection against the re-formation of the fungus.
It is one of the most popular and effective folk remedies, which helps to get rid of the fungus on the walls in a relatively short period of time. Borax has pronounced herbicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties.
It is a natural mold inhibitor, so an aqueous solution of borax helps to quickly get rid of the appearance of mold and remove ugly black stains from walls and furniture.
Before applying a solution of borax to the infected area, it is necessary to treat it with a vacuum cleaner brush. Next, borax (1 tbsp.) Is mixed with water (2.5 l). The resulting solution wipes the infected area and the treated area is blotted with a dry cloth, as it is necessary to remove excess moisture.
The borax solution does not have to be washed off the wall or furniture, since after drying it creates a reliable protective film, preventing the recurrence of mold.
To remove mold from the walls in the bathroom, a solution of copper sulphate can be used. To prepare it, it is taken blue vitriol(100 g) and dissolves in water (10 l). Before using this tool, you must take into account the fact that it can leave a slight blue tint on the treated surface.
You can use this tool if the mold problem has not become global and has not spread to large surfaces. To combat the fungus, it is necessary to use a solution of laundry soap, which contains alkali.
To remove moderate pockets of mold, you can use essential oil tea tree. 2 tsp dissolves in 2 glasses of water. oil, after which the resulting composition is poured into a spray bottle and sprayed onto the infected areas. After this product dries, a thin layer forms on the treated surface. protective film, which does not need to be rinsed off.
Cool water is drawn into the glass, after which the grapefruit seed extract is dissolved in it (it will take about 10-15 drops of a disinfectant). The resulting composition is poured into the sprayer, and all infected surfaces are treated. This solution does not have to be washed off, since after drying a protective film is formed that will prevent the reappearance of the fungus.
Regardless of which tool will be used to combat mold, in order to completely get rid of it, it is necessary to take appropriate measures when the first signs of fungus appear.
How to remove mold from the walls, you will learn from this video:
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