Finding household mold does not mean your home is dirty. Mold is a common problem in many homes with restricted airflow, often resulting in humid conditions that encourage dampness. If you have a basement, for example, finding mold patches is common, and bathrooms can also be a breeding ground for mold.
What Is Mold?
Mold includes all microscopic fungi species, and it releases spores that drift through the air until they find a damp spot to land to survive. It makes no difference what damp surface mold finds — it is as comfortable growing on food, paper, wood, carpet and plastics as on your household walls. If you see mold in your home, it’s essential to clean it off the affected surface and take steps to control the moisture content in the room going forward.
The longer mold remains in a room, the more it disperses spores that can be harmful, causing headaches, skin irritations, allergies, and asthmatic reactions. However, even black mold, a more notably hazardous form of mold fungus, is typically not life-threatening to most humans. Nonetheless, the less mold you have indoors at home, the less you risk developing unnecessary breathing and sinus problems that require additional treatment.
How to Sustainably Remove Mold From Your Home
Traditionally, people have used toxic chemicals to treat and remove mold. Borax, bleach, and ammonia are all common mold removers, but misusing them can be more harmful to your health than the mold itself. There are several eco-friendly ways to rid your healthy home of mold without running any additional risks by using toxic chemicals. Some of the safest, best, and most effective ways to eradicate mold include:
1. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) offers incredible, non-toxic cleaning qualities to improve your home environment. However, at full strength, it can also be dangerous to humans. Therefore, it should never be used without diluting in water and should always be kept out of the reach of children. You’ll often find 20% and 40% solutions in pharmacies for cleaning and drying out wounds, and the same principle applies when treating mold.
Spraying an even solution of H₂O₂ and water onto a mold patch on porous or nonporous material will cause it to bubble and destroy the mold. Leave it on for about 15 minutes after applying and then wipe it with a damp cloth. If any mold remains, repeat the process before wiping the mold-free area with a paper towel or a clean, dry cloth. Hydrogen peroxide is a safer and non-toxic alternative to bleach — make sure not to spill any on your colored clothing, though.
2. White Vinegar
White vinegar derives from diluted alcohol products and is a safe and natural mold killer. However, it will likely be ineffective against mold on porous or absorbent surfaces. Its acidity could also damage some surfaces in your home, so be careful where you apply it. Vinegar works well on leather and drywall surfaces — it is most effective when applied using a spray bottle while wearing a face mask, eye goggles, and nonporous gloves.
As the vinegar’s odor, while harmless, is immensely strong, open a window and leave the vinegar on the mold patch for at least an hour. If the mold remains after the hour’s wait, mix a teaspoon of baking soda, another common natural household cleaning ingredient, in two cups of water and spray it onto the remaining mold. Scrub the area after five minutes and repeat the process if necessary. Afterward, use a wet cloth to remove the excess solution.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemons have several cleaning qualities, and the juice from this natural antiseptic, stain remover, deodorizer, and cleaner effectively removes mold, including black mold, from most household surfaces. The high acidic concentration of lemon depletes the mold, making its removal from surfaces easy. Before applying the 100% lemon juice, wash the affected area with a soap and water solution before rinsing and letting the lemon juice work wonders.
Scrub the area immediately after application. Unlike vinegar, lemon juice has a fragrant aroma and is a natural air freshener, ridding the room of any lingering mold smell. If applied regularly, it will prevent mold from returning to the same area. Lemon juice is the perfect solution when cleaning mold off kitchen, bathroom, or shower tiles. However, apply another solution to remove the mildew smell from colored clothing, as lemon juice can cause colors to fade.
Preventing Mold in Your Home
While the mentioned solutions can rid your home of mold in an eco-friendly way, it will likely return without applying measures to keep it at bay. Here are some practical ways to prevent mold growth in your home:
- Run a dehumidifier in more humid rooms.
- Waterproof your bathroom tiles by resealing grout joints.
- Reinsulate your home to minimize condensation.
- Open windows and use ceiling fans in warmer weather.
- Open your bathroom window when bathing or showering.
- Leave your shower curtain or door open after use.
- Use an extractor fan in the bathroom and kitchen to expel damp air.
- Store your basement or attic items in airtight containers.
Avoid Potential Health Hazards by Eliminating Mold Entirely
While there are other non-toxic mold-cleaning agents you can use to eradicate mold in your home, the ones mentioned are the most effective. If you can destroy all existing mold spores and use the provided tips to prevent a reappearance, your healthy home will remain that way and encourage good health for you and your family.
Mia Barnes is a health and lifestyle writer with a passion for sustainable wellness and eco-friendly living. Mia is the Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind magazine with over 5 years of experience in freelance writing.
Image by Kayelle Allen
