Mold is a persistent problem in many a modern dwelling, thanks to better insulation, combined with stable temperatures and high levels of humidity. These conditions provide mold with a perfect habitat, allowing it to flourish. While mold spores are a common particle in household dust, should their concentration reach high levels, they can have ill effects on our health, so getting rid of mold should be a priority.
What is mold?
Mold is the name for a large group of fungi, characterized by discoloration of a surface, followed by a fuzzy-looking growth over the affected area. Mold causes biodegradation in organic material, causing food to spoil and wood to rot, among other things. Mold can also be beneficial for producing antibiotics, enhancing the taste of certain kinds of cheese, and serving in the production of drinks and food. The kind you usually encounter in your home is the unwelcome kind.
Health risks:
Mold exposure in infants can lead to respiratory problems, and studies have shown a direct correlation between high levels of mold exposure and the development of asthma. People with higher sensitivity to mold can develop chronic lung illnesses. Mold can also cause allergic responses in children and adults.
Symptoms of mold exposure:
How to get rid of mold:
First, we need to find it - search the house for mold, starting with the most likely places:
Look for discoloration, black or white spots, fuzzy-looking spots, and a musty smell. Check walls, floors, and ceilings.
Measure the area the mold covers – if the area is greater than 10 feet (3 meters) across, you will need a professional cleaning. If the area is smaller than 10 feet, you can take care of it yourself.
If water damage caused the mold, make sure that the leak has been fixed, otherwise, the mold will simply return.
Move furniture from mold-infested rooms to mold-free rooms, and then cover any air vents with plastic sheets. We do this to prevent mold spores from spreading to uninfected areas, then open the windows in the room to reduce humidity and temperatures.
Prepare by wearing safety goggles, a dust mask, gloves, and clothes you wouldn’t mind throwing away once you’re done.
Prepare a solution that kills mold
Borax and vinegar: Add one cup of borax per one gallon (3.5 liters) of water, and then add a cup of vinegar to the mix. The combination of these two natural cleaners will kill most kinds of mold, thanks to the vinegar overlapping the mold borax can’t kill and vice versa.
Baking soda and vinegar: Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda to 4 cups of warm water, then add one cup of plain white vinegar. Like the borax, the baking soda overlaps the vinegar’s mold-removing abilities.
Pour the solution into a spray bottle, and spray the affected area. Wait for about 15-20 minutes and then scrub the area thoroughly until there are no more signs of mold, and allow to dry. (Food preparation areas must be rinsed afterward)
Prevention:
Mold loves to be left undisturbed in an area with humidity and darkness. These are the most effective prevention methods. Fix any and all water leaks. Areas that can’t get enough sunlight (like ceilings) or have high levels of humidity (like showers), should be checked for new signs of mold and treated as soon as they appear. Using dehumidifiers and air-conditioning also reduces the likeliness of mold forming in your home.
No More Rice Bowls! Four Ways to Salvage a Wet Phone
Getting your phone wet can be stressful, so here are four tips on how to save it from water damage, from tech experts (there is no rice involved...)
Offset Smoker: Indispensable Fire Management Tips
Maintaining a steady fire and consistent temperature in an offset smoker can be tricky. This video offers some indispensable tips for your next BBQ
Read These Tips Before Trimming Your Own Hair
Cant wait until social distancing is over and hair salons and barber shops reopen? We have collected the best tips on how to trim your own hair
7 Items You Should Never Clean with Paper Towels
As useful as they are, paper towels are not fit for any task. Here are 7 items you should never clean with paper towels.
Remove Hard Water Stains Easily With Natural Solutions!
Hard water stains can be pesky and persistent. Here's how to easily remove them from different surfaces in your home.
Bored of the Outlet Covers? Here's How to Paint Them Well
In this article, we'll learn how to paint and wallpaper plastic or metal outlet covers effectively and professionally.
8 Adorable Mini Indoor Plants to Liven Up Any Small Space
These low-maintenance houseplants aren’t just cute, they hardly take up any space!
Why You Need to Avoid Palm Oil Right Away
Palm oil is harmful to the environment. Here's what to do about it.
How To Keep Your Bread Fresher For That Much Longer...
if you're wondering how to make your bread last longer, read the following article and learn about 5 different methods of doing just that!
FINALLY I Get to Use My Leftover Butter!
The butter you have left in your fridge finally has some great uses for you.
7 Common Sofa Arranging Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Make sure you don’t make these common sofa arranging mistakes in your living room.
Step-by-step Guide for Removing Scratches from Wood
Use this handy guide to restore hardwood floors and wooden furniture to their former glory.
Loop, Knot, Drape: Fall Scarf Tying 101
This lovely woman demonstrates the better versions of how to wear a scarf, what not to do and how to easily make beautiful fashion choices.
Watch This and Become a Knot Expert!
Become a knotting expert with this educational guide. Some of these knots can be life-saving...
Mouthwash Can Do So Much More Than Freshen Your Breath
Did you know mouthwash is the number 1 household product you should keep at hand? Discover its fantastic multiple uses to see why.
Everything You Need to Know About Hearing Aid Fitting
So how does one choose the best hearing aid for them? This video will explain.
Do You Know All 22 Unique Ways to Use Baking Soda?
Baking soda is amazing - Baking soda can help clean grease off floors, freshen your breath, and even relieve insect bites!
20 Ways to Use Lemons You Never Knew About
Lemons are so wonderful - have you ever tried any of these uses?
9 Tips to Ensure You Drink Enough Healthy Water Every Day!
Water is so important for our health it's hard to overstate. But most people find it rather dull. So, here are some tips to make sure you get enough.
A Super-Quick & Easy Method For Removing Labels From Jars
If you use jars for storage, here's the quickest and easiest way of removing pesky brand labels from them. Two ingredients and a few minutes are all you need.
10 Smart Ways to Treat Your Dry Skin!
Suffer from dry skin? You can find these next natural dry skin treating ingredients right in your home...
Calculate How Much Food & Drinks to Serve Your Guests
Planning out the perfect quantity of food for a party can seem like a tough task, but this guide makes it as easy as pie!
29 Facts That Show Truth Can Be Stranger Than Fiction
History is rich in plot twists and these amazing stories are strange but true, proving history is sometimes stranger than fiction. Which one of these will blow your mind?
How to Clean and Organize a Leather or Fabric Wallet
Your wallet has more germs than a toilet, but most rarely clean theirs. This guide will walk you through deep cleaning and organizing your wallet.
WAIT! Don't Throw Out Your Old Food Just Yet...
Whether you're a penny-pincher or just don't like wasting food, these 16 tips will show you what you can do with food you used to throw away.
Why Buy Candles When You Can Make Your Own at Home?
Why spend money on expensive candles when you can easily make your own? This guide will show you how.
9 Ultimate Methods for Stain Removal around the House
Things we;ve had for a long time tend to lose their fresh-out-the-box look but this can be remedied! These methods will help you remove those stubborn stains!
Did You Know This Handy Trick?
How to divide paper into equal columns without having to calculate strange numbers. Simple life hack to help at school or in the office.
WATCH: I Had No Idea Coconut Oil Was THIS Useful!
Coconut oil is a substance you need both in your kitchen and in your medicine cabinet, as you're about to see with these 10 unexpected uses.
10 Ingenious Uses for Your Old Rubber Bands
These are the rubber band uses that you never considered. Some of these are amazing!
Make Your Own Laundry Soap for Just $1 a Gallon!
Making your own, much cheaper, liquid laundry soap is straightforward and can save you a lot of money. The best bit is that it only requires you buying 3 very cheap ingredients.
Start Managing Your Time Right With These 5 Techniques!
Even the most organized people find themselves with little time on their hands throughout the day, but with these techniques, you can get it all done!
The Ultimate Makeup Guide You Need in Your Life!
Learn how to prepare makeup for day-to-day as well as special occasions the right way thanks to the nifty tricks given by this life-saving infographic!
The BEST Craft Idea For the Little Princesses in Your Life
Make this cute princess charm you can hang on a bag, and it's both easy and fun!
10 Reasons Why You Should Drink More Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has an incredible amount of uses! Check out our top ten here.
Most Plant Owners Ignore This Crucial Plant Care Detail
Successful houseplant owners always pay close attention to their plants’ light needs. Let us teach you to do just that in this brief but informative guide.
The Best Way to Clean Your Oven Racks
Let's dive into this clever solution that is set to make your kitchen life a lot easier!
8 Things You Need to Do With Your A/C to Save on Money
Not looking after your AC properly will decreases the efficiency of your system, meaning you’re losing a lot of money.
Experts Warn Against Ordering These Foods at Restaurants
According to the experts, you should avoid ordering the following 8 foods at restaurants. You'll want to heed their advice.
15 Easy Ways to Repurpose Household Waste in the GARDEN
Learn how to reuse waste and old or broken items to give your garden a real upgrade!
Spruce Up Your Garden With These Brilliant DIY Ideas
This brilliant video contains 16 different DIY ideas that are perfect for any garden. What's more, they couldn't be any simpler to make!
Chef's Tips: Chop Your Veggies Quickly Like a Pro
If you want to save yourself some time in the kitchen, follow these fantastic veggie chopping tips from the experts!
Psychiatrist Gives 10 Tips For Being Happy & Harmonious
What does it take to live a happy and harmonious life? Read through these tips of the psychiatrist, Mikhail Efimovich Litvak.
Granny Always Knows the Answer to Life's Problems
Life is full of little problems. So that's why you need to ask your granny for the answers.
This Guide Will Have You Doing Origami Within a Minute!
Always wanted to try folding paper sculptures? Well now with this easy guide you'll be folding them like a pro.
9 Tips to Organize Your Kitchen for Weight-Loss Success
Looking to lose weight? Start by organizing your kitchen first.
Can't Fall Back Asleep? Try These 8 Genius Tricks
Do you wake up in the middle of the night? Thankfully, there are some natural remedies you can try, that will get you back to falling asleep quickly, making any unwelcome moments of wakefulness seem like nothing more than a fleeting dream.