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.
Recovering From Covid-19? Try These 7 Easy Exercises
Exercise can help you recover from Covid-19 quicker, but being smart about it is crucial. Here are a few easy and safe exercises anyone can do at home.
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
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.
A Complete Guide to Solving Your Problems
Your ability to solve problems, or lack thereof, has a great bearing on whether you can be happy and successful. Try these 3 problem-solving methods.
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.
Why We Cope With Stress by Avoiding and How to Stop
Do you prefer to spend time on your own or tend to avoid social situations? Here is how to recognize and overcome avoidance behavior.
Spruce Up Your Dinner Table With These Napkin Techniques
Holidays are always a time of cheer. Spruce up your dining table with these 8 easy-to-try napkin techniques.
8 Best 'Cheesy' Tips For Your Home Cheese!
Cheese is a must in any kitchen, but did you know these eight cheese life hacks?
How to Choose the Best Kitchen Sponge for Your Home
What things should you consider when choosing the best kitchen sponge for your home? This video explains...
Wow! Even We Were Amazed At These 11 Ingenious Tips
Everyone needs some tips in life, and these 11 are worth remembering because they'll help you solve a variety of problems, make life easier and save money!
We Bet You're Not Aware of These Real-World Facts
Don't miss this random collection of interesting real-world facts from the world over that you are unlikely to have heard before
11 Things You Should NEVER Dump Into the Kitchen Sink
Even a garbage disposal won’t be able to handle these 11 things, so make sure to toss them directly into the trash instead of the kitchen sink
10 Excellent Uses for Mayonnaise Around the House!
Mayonnaise is a great complimentary condiment for food, but did you know there are multiple non-food-related uses for this kitchen staple?
23 Simple & Helpful Life Tips Everyone Should Know
Quick and simple tips that will help you handle many of life's more irritating moments...
Keep Your House Smelling Amazing with These DIY Tips
These are some of the best and cheapest things you can do to make any part of your home smell nice and welcoming.
WARNING: Why We Shouldn't Lie on Our Stomachs!
Lying on your stomach for long stretches of time or every day can have some negative consequences...
This Bizarre Soap Trick Can Alleviate Leg Pain
Did you know that placing a bar of soap under a bed sheet can help reduce restless legs syndrome symptoms? Learn more about this odd trick.
Dermatologist Shares Tips on Applying Makeup to Aging Skin
As we age, our skin changes and with it, the way we apply our makeup. Learn some tips on how to do this from dermatologist Dr. Cynthia Bailey.
Whoa! I Never Knew an Empty Plastic Bottle was So Useful
When you've finished with the contents of a plastic bottle, don't throw the bottle away as it can be used for so many different things.
62 Great Uses For Things You Have at Home!
If you keep finding random objects around your house such as rubber bands and old clothespins, don't throw them away just yet!
Financial Planning for Widowhood - 7 Important Tips
Losing a spouse can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. But there are some important financial steps you must take immediately.
Use This Genius Method to Revive Dirty White Socks
In this article, we’ll show you how to remove the dirt, the staining, and the greyness from white socks with regular home supplies.
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.
Using These 7 Words Will Add Positivity to Your Life!
Adding these positive words to your daily vocabulary will make a huge difference in your attitude towards life.
Maximise Your Kitchen Space with These Clever Hacks
Use these clever ideas to turn your kitchen into a room that works for you, with easier access to everyday items and better utilization of space.
7 Steps That Will Help Break Your Addiction to Sugar!
If you're addicted to sugar, following these 7 steps will help you break this unhealthy addiction.
10 Easy Ways to Remove a Troublesome Splinter
Splinters are painful and can be a nightmare to remove. However, the following 10 home remedies make removing a splinter easier than ever before!
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.
Here's Why You Should Start Using Eggshells in Your Garden
If you throw all your eggshells in the trashcan you're missing out as they can be very beneficial to your garden. Here are 6 garden uses for eggshells.
The Next Time You Travel, Use These Hotel Hacks
All set for your new trip? Make sure you keep these hotel-room hacks in mind.
10 Neat Kitchen Tricks and Hacks Every Cook Must Know
Neat tricks to help around the kitchen
This Handy DIY Project Will Have You Collecting Corks
There are so many useful things you can do with a cork. Start collecting your now!
10 Terrific Life Hacks For the Winter Days Ahead
This video will show you some fantastic, yet simple, tips and tricks for this winter.
What to Do if Someone is Drowning: The Complete Guide
Whether someone is a strong swimmer or not, drowning's always a potential risk. So you need to know how to deal with the situation. Here'a complete guide.
Tips For a Happier Life: How Much Free Time Is Optimal?
People love fantasizing about a world with unlimited free time. But is having a lot of free time always the best option for one's well-being and happiness?
How to Distinguish between Chinese, Korean, and Japanese
After reading this guide, you'll be able to tell the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese languages apart!
These Potatoes Will Definitely Make Your Dish Stand Out
Every great dish needs a great side dish to complement it. These Baked-twice potatoes are such a side dish.
You Need to Wash Your Towel More Often Than You Think
With all the germs your towels may be harboring, here's how they should be washed.
27 New Life Hacks and DIY Ideas For Your Home
Here are 27 fresh DIY ideas chosen especially for our crafty readers, with some handy wellness tricks sprinkled through the video as well
There's a Secret Trick to Understanding Chinese...
This brilliant lecture will teach you the basics of Chinese
How to Beat Knee Pain While Going Up and Down the Stairs
Knee hurts while climbing stairs? These tips might just help.
WARNING: These 11 Carcinogens are Lurking in Your Home
There are many things lurking in our home that are dangerous to us, but these 11 items are the most surprising!
Got Dark Knees and Elbows? 8 Remedies That'll Help
Put an end to dark knees and elbows with these 8 natural remedies.
These Body Language Tricks Will Make You Seem Confident
Use These body language tricks to help you appear more confident in a social gathering.
If You Have Gum on Your Clothes, Here's How to Remove It!
It's extremely annoying when you get a piece of chewing gum stuck to your clothes. Thankfully, there are many ways to remove it easily!
Borax Has So Many Uses! Here Are 26 of My Favorite
Did you know about these intriguing uses for Borax?
Book Recommendations: 10 of the Best Reads for Dog Lovers
If your best friend is a dog, then you’ll this list of the best book about dogs.