Got a dampened corner or area around your house or room? Mold spores everywhere? Are there any forms of leaks? Since mold itself is a natural byproduct of a humid environment, does that mean they can be eradicated naturally!? What then is how you can get rid of mold naturally? You might want to go for harsh chemicals like Borax or bleach! But don’t think of getting those as they can be natural and non-toxic!!!
To naturally kill mold spores in the air around your house, some of these household items come into play. They are the likes of; tea tree oil solution, citrus or lemon seed extract, and water inclusively; others are baking soda and vinegar.
Use of tree tea oil solution: it is one of the natural made and natural mold remover, usually expensive products that have a quick removal action within a few days. Tea tree oil is quite the best, with a strong scent!.
To use: just two(2) teaspoons of tree oil mixed with two (2) cups of water, and your solution is ready for work! Spray the solution on the mold spores without rinsing them.
Citrus seed extract and water: usually, grapefruit is a source of citrus seed extract, so you can take the first step by getting one! They are void of odor.
To use, dilute about 20 drops of extract with a mixture of 2 cups of water, then get a spray bottle to get your mixture into one place. After that, spray the solution onto the mold. Make sure not to rinse just as with other solutions.
Hydrogen solution: it is an antifungal, antivirus, and antibacterial solution. This chemical is quite vast in its usefulness, and it is a potent cleaning agent.
Note: you must make sure to store hydrogen peroxide in a dark area or space but where light can reach.
To use, begin by spraying 3 percent of hydrogen peroxide from your spray bottle onto the moldy surface and let it be for about 10 minutes. After that, scrub and use a damp cloth to take care of the residual mold spores.
Baking soda: a natural and mild disinfectant. If you got this at home, then you have no problem. Baking soda is a multipurpose agent and is 100% effective at removing mold naturally.
To use, dissolve the baking soda into water and vinegar solution or water alone. Then spray onto the surface and allow it to get even. Wipe with a damp cloth after that. It leaves no scent even after use or cleaning.
Undiluted white vinegar: vinegar being mildly acidic, disinfects, cleanses, and deodorizes effectively. It thus eliminates over 82% of mold spores, including black mold, whether it is a porous or a non-porous surface! It is safe to use vinegar!
To use, get a spray bottle to pour a measured quantity of undiluted white vinegar but avoid adding water because white vinegar contains about 20% acetic acid! You can now spray on the moldy surface or mold-infested surface, leaving it for an hour or so. Lastly, do not forget to wipe the area clean with water and make the surface dry totally.
The only way is by using the spray but do you think there could be other ways? Either way, do you get a runny nose, watery eyes, or itchy eyes, sneezing every second while at home? Do you think there is a possible infestation in the air?
It may appear a nightmare to know that some annoying organisms are cohabitating with you, and it has gotten to the extent of disrupting your normal air. These pesky wild-growing organisms are called “mold spores” owing to the humid condition that has contributed to their growth.
What’s next? To get your room returned to giving you healthy air! And for an allergic individual, it can be more dangerous to their health!
Some of the short term solutions which you can carry out to get rid of these mold spores in the air are;
By providing an extra ventilation route via opening your doors and windows often would disrupt the infestation or settling of mold spores in your home.
The use of mold remover is quite the regular prerequisite, and it is a cheap option that you can easily get to purchase online or at any local store near you!
For a permanent control or remedy
Ensure you do a thorough cleaning in your home using some cleaning agents such as hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and vinegar, which are commonly and effectively used to get a better result. Your carpets, books, clothing, walls, tiles, and ceramics should not be left out too while cleaning.
For the furniture aspect, make use of a mixture of ammonia and water.
For carpets, use a vacuum for the entire area or space to clean as much of the mold spores from its surface. Secondly, by using a mixture of laundry detergent and cool water, then lastly, rinse and sundry your carpet.
- Maintain an optimal humidity level
Get to install an exhaust fan in areas that are constantly possible to get wet such as the bathroom.
- The normal home humidity level
The home should be kept at a humidity level of 60 percent during summer, and in winter, it should be kept at about 20 percent to 45 percent!
An appliance used for regulating humidity is called a “Hygrometer,” which assists in regulating indoor humidity levels and moisture.
- Ensure you wipe down your wet shower curtains every night, as this would prevent mold from settling down on them.
- Get a purifier, of which making use of a purifier should be done after you have taken care of the root source of mold in your home. An example of this is the High-Efficiency Particulate Air [HEPA], a recommended mold spore removal. Traps more than 99% of particles in the air! HEPA gathers air that consists of Penicillium, Aspergillus mold spores, and Cladosporium.
How long do mold spores stay in the air?
The primary aim of these mold spores in which we have been talking about is that they look for where they can finally settle or infest and, if possible, permanently and then keep reproducing!
Note: To get rid of mold spores, you have to get rid of the mold itself.
The probable duration of mold spores in the air is between 24 hours to 48 hours; so far as there is no attempt to take care of a damp spot, they will assemble to form quite a large number of mold.
You cannot possibly completely get rid of mold spores in your home, but you should make sure they do not get up to a large concentration as it will be a future threat to your health.
How do you kill airborne mold naturally?
Going green? Then that would mean you are not using chemical or harsh means of getting rid of mold in your house.
Ways by which you can kill airborne mold naturally are:
Through the use of sunshine
Open up your blinds, curtains, and windows because this allows some natural light in.
The use of essential oils: This is a natural field form of plant medicine and has been in existence for thousands of years with the ability to heal, disinfect, and scent. You might have to use this method to get rid of airborne mold naturally!
General thorough cleaning
Some of these molds have been situated somewhere in your house for a long time; hence, they would be found to start assembling or congregating within the air with no thorough cleaning.
Note: while cleaning, carry protective measures using protective equipment; if not, you might get contaminated from it!.
Does Lysol kill mold spores in the air?
Yes!
Lysol contains hydrogen peroxide, also known as benzalkonium hydrochloride, as the active Ingredient! Other ingredients include alcohol, ethanol, potassium hydroxide, and isopropyl.
This very disinfectant is a mold and mildew remover, which is very effective. Let’s not forget that mold reproduces through the formation of tiny spores, and they get to infest a lot of surfaces around your house with which, if there is no early remedy, would tend to become impossible to get rid of.
To get rid of mold using Lysol: spray the Lysol solution directly on the mold growth till it gets completely soaked with the solution. Allow it to sit on the surface for about 30 seconds, then scrub off the area thoroughly to get rid of the adhesive effect of the molded grip on the surface. Using a clean cloth, wipe the mold spores and the Lysol. Lastly, dry it completely as the drying will ensure discouragement of mold from growing back!
Does vinegar kill mold spores?
Does vinegar do the magic? Do you have white vinegar in your household already or as usual? Then you should put it to use!
Vinegar contains between 5-8 % acetic acid, and this acid is a constituent with a pH of around 2.5, and it usually interrupts the growth of a range of microorganisms.
Vinegar works in killing mold spores, be it on concrete, mold on drywall, and leather! Nevertheless, you should know when to call or seek the assistance of a professional as advised by the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] for mold that has reached the extent of covering over 10 square feet of an area.
Also read:
Can mold grow after leak is fixed
What does mold on a mattress look like
Air purifiers that kill mold
For all conditions to be met in getting total rid of mold, you have to make sure there are no humid areas around your home. The fact is, air purifiers do not guarantee total mold removal. Still, in the meantime, these air purifiers do their best in removing airborne mold spores, which could cause lung irritation and promote allergic reactions to the health of an individual.
Hence, there are various types of recommended air purifiers that can help in managing mold.
Below is a list of the 6 Best mold air purifiers in 2021;
- Molekule Air: (Aesthetic Mold Air Purifier With PECO Filter)
2. Pure Enrichment Elite: (Best Smallest Air Purifier For Mold)
3. GermGuardian AC9200W: (Good UV Air Purifier For Mold)
4. InvisiClean Aura II: (Cheapest Air Purifier For Mold (Below $200)
5. TruSens Air Z2000AP: (Lightweight Air Purifier For Mold)
6. Air Oasis iAdaptAir: (Ultimate Best Air Purifier For Mold (Quietest With 3 Anti-Mold Filters; Most Effective)
How to reduce mold spores in house?
Mold spores are ubiquitous ( can be found everywhere), and dark warm, humid spaces provide a friendly environment for the growth of mold. As time goes on, they spread abruptly, and it then becomes challenging to control them. It is normal for every house to have mold spores in it. So it is impossible to get rid of them!
But, there are ways in which you can reduce the infestation of mold around your house.
To get rid of mold spores, begin by:
- Placing the HEPA filters on your windows and air conditioner; at a time, mold spores gain occupancy of the air surroundings, but when you use HEPA filters on your air conditioner or window, mold spores become unable to gain entry into your house. In addition, make sure to keep the AC drip pans and drain lines clean and dry to make the growth of mold condition less met.
2. Get a dehumidifier after which you have gotten one, run it in damp areas around your house.
3. Get rid of the source of dampness in your house.
4. Repair any leaks found around your house
Surviving toxic mold essential oils: essential oils that kill mold
Are there any essential oils that kill mold?
It is usually a shiver down your spine at the sight of mold in your home! And if that could be very dangerous to your family’s health. What next steps do you take after the reaction? Grab a chemical. But chemicals can be quite harmful to one’s health.
However, some of these natural mold killers are even common items you possess in your kitchen cupboards if possible, one of which is the essential oils!!
Essential oils that kill mold?
The following are the most recommended essential oil that kills mold;
Lemon Balm, Thyme, Sage, Peppermint, Coriander, and Cinnamon: generally, these herbs are known to effectively put an end to some mycotoxins.
Fennel, Caraway, and Lemongrass: They inhibit the active growth of mold, and most importantly, when you add it to your diet, they will get rid of the mycotoxins that microscopically become visible in your food.
Thyme: which has been known to have existed for a long time, is also known for its health benefits. The extracted oil from thyme is very rich in thymol- an active terpene that helps combat coughs.
Lemon and Clove: these have been proven to be very effective at stopping mold from spreading.
Clove: clove extract and clove oil are both known to prevent fungus.
Tea Tree Oil: a strong antifungal also called “Melaleuca”. It is highly recommended when treating small mold seen on fabrics and countertops. To use, get a spray bottle, pour it inside, and some water; lastly, spray your shower walls. In addition, you can also use it in the treatment of skin irritation.
Conclusion
Avoid using harsh chemicals to control mold to avoid health complications in the future. The control of mold spores begins with taking preventive measures! Dehumidify when necessary and keep your house properly ventilated. Lastly, seek the help of a professional when needed!
