HOW TO CLEAN MOLD - Branch Environmental (2024)

FAQs

How do you get rid of mold in the environment? ›

The key to mold control is moisture control. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely.

Using gloves and goggles, add one cup (8 ounces) bleach for every gallon of tap water. Bleach (the active ingredient is chlorine) can reduce mold and bacteria on treated surfaces. Transfer the bleach solution into the second spray bottle (use gloves and goggles).

Yes, bleach is a potent biocide that can be used to kill mold. The active ingredient in bleach, sodium hypochlorite, reacts with water to form hypochlorous acid, which kills mold by denaturing proteins, inactivating enzymes, disrupting nucleic acids, and destroying other cellular components.

Use an air purifier: An air purifier can help trap mold spores in the air and prevent them from spreading. Be sure to choose a model with a HEPA filter, which can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. Use a dehumidifier: Mold thrives in damp environments, so reducing humidity levels can help prevent mold growth.

Use a non-ammonia soap or detergent in warm water and scrub the entire area affected by the mold. Use a stiff brush or cleaning pad on block walls or uneven surfaces. Rinse clean with water. Dry completely.

If you use cleaning products, do not mix cleaning products together. DO NOT mix bleach and ammonia because it can create toxic vapors. Don't cover it, remove it. Painting or caulking over mold will not prevent mold from growing.

Because spores spread through the air, haphazard or DIY cleaning methods could cause spores to enter the air and float to an unaffected surface or area. Instead of risking spreading mold further, contact the mold remediation professionals at your local Rainbow Restoration for mold cleanup.

One can create a natural mold cleaning solution by mixing 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with either two. cups of water or two cups of distilled white vinegar. Be prepared, as both the tea tree oil and vinegar can have a strong odor that can last for hours. The odor, however, is not harmful.

Vinegar is natural and safe mild acid that can kill 82% of mold species. Plus it doesn't give off dangerous fumes like bleach. If you want to use vinegar to prevent mold growth on surfaces, spray vinegar on the surface and leave it. Repeat every few days to keep the surface mold-free.

What does mold hate? ›

Sunlight and fresh air are about as “anti-mold” as it gets, plus it's easy to do.

Install an Air Purifier: Using an air purifier to remove mold spores in the air is one of the best ways to initially get the problem under control because they work by capturing and removing harmful pollutants in your home.

Allergy and irritation are the most common symptoms of mold exposure. Less common effects of mold exposure include infections and illness.