|  | Public Health Safety | Public Health

Household Mold Treatments

Mold, aside from being an unsightly nuisance, can also be a hazardous problem in the home. Killing mold is essential to prevent mold-born illnesses. Several methods remove mold in your home, including homemade remedies. Having information on these methods can help avoid a mold problem in your home.

  1. Bleach

    • Bleach is an accessible substance used for a plethora of reasons. Mold removal is one of those uses. Bathrooms are common mold infested locales. Bleach is an effective mold removal on non-porous surfaces; it is ineffective, however, on porous surfaces. Countertops, grout and tile can be treated with bleach for effective mold removal.

    Hydrogen Peroxide

    • Hydrogen peroxide is another accessible chemical effective for the treatment of mold. Simply pouring non-diluted peroxide in a spray bottle and spraying affected areas helps choke the mold out. All living organisms require oxygen to live and flourish. The chemical composition of hydrogen peroxide, when it hits an organism, separates the oxygen, leaving only the hydrogen, thus blocking the respiration of the oxygen.

    Lemon Juice and Salt

    • Lemon juice and salt can be used to safely remove mold from household fabrics and other porous substances. Rub the lemon juice on the mold, then rub salt over it. If the mold is on clothing or a shower curtain, place it out in the sun. This further kills the mold, as natural light discourages mold growth.

    Prevention

    • The best way to kill mold is to prevent in the first place. Several methods prevent mold from even starting to grow. Using Borax in mold-prone areas helps prevent growth. One tbsp. of Borax with 2 cups of water sprayed on mold-prone areas helps with prevention. Circulating air discourages growth. Darkness supports mold growth. In bathrooms, keep a night light and allow for natural sunlight to reach moldy areas.

    Additional Information

    • In situations of extreme mold infestation, household remedies will not fix it. You must hire a professional mold remover to clear the problem. These companies have commercial products and methods of removal that are not available to the public.

Public Health - Related Articles