How to Remove Mould from Every Room in Your House-CLEANING SERVICE

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How to Remove Mould from Every Room in Your House

 If you think black mould spots only appear in dark, damp basements, think again!

If there is uncontrolled moisture in your home, these unsightly spores can infiltrate any room. While a small amount of mould is unlikely to make you sick, it is critical to remove mould as soon as possible. "If mould is left untreated, it can spread to other household items and cause health problems for family members," Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, says.

The best thing you can do in your home is to prevent mould from growing. The key to prevention is to keep your home's rooms dry and cool. But, despite our best efforts, we sometimes find ourselves staring at those stubborn spots. When you have a mould problem at home, here's everything you need to know to handle it quickly and easily.

Mould vs. mildew

Mildew is usually more visible in its early stages, appearing as white or grey powdery dots. It may turn yellow or brown, but it generally stays flat. Mould appears darker, often in red, green, or black, and has a fuzzy texture. While mildew is less dangerous than certain types of mould (such as black mould), both microscopic fungi can cause health problems and property damage. While mould and mildew can be treated in similar ways, if mildew is suspected, consult our mildew removal guide.

How to Remove Mould from Shower Tile and Grout

Mould thrives in warm, moist environments, making it difficult to keep the shower tile and grout free of these tenacious stains. If they appear, you can quickly and easily remove them with the appropriate cleaner.

1. Take appropriate safety precautions. Wear eye and hand protection, and if you are particularly sensitive to fumes, consider wearing a mask. Before you begin, open the window and turn on the bathroom fan for proper ventilation.
2. Cleaner should be sprayed on mouldy areas. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a grout cleaner or mould remover.
3. Before you scrub, observe and wait. In some cases, you may not even need to scrub: Clorox Tilex Mould and Mildew Remover spray removed stains in our tests after only a few minutes of work. In addition, it kills 99.9% of mould and bacteria on nonporous tile in just five minutes. If the spots persist, scrub them away with a non-scratch scrub sponge or grout brush.
4. Rinse the affected area with hot water. Allow to air dry or wipe dry with the shower curtain or door open to allow any accumulated steam and moisture to escape.

How to Get Mould Out of Shower Curtains and Liners

When mould grows on your shower curtain, it's tempting to throw it out and start over. But there is another option. Actually, there are two simple ways to keep these unsightly spots off your plastic shower curtain or liner. (If your curtain is made of fabric, see the instructions for removing mould from fabric below.)

1. Cleaner should be sprayed from within the shower. Put on your protective equipment, ventilate the area, and then use a mould cleaner that is safe for plastic, such as Clorox Tilex Mould and Mildew Remover, while the curtain or liner is hung. This makes it easier to see and spray spots, and any excess cleaner will drip into the tub, where it can be easily washed away.
2. Allow up to five minutes for the stains to fade. Mould stains should begin to fade quickly. Make sure to move to a well-ventilated area while the cleaner works its magic, and never let it dry on. Rinse it immediately.
3. To thoroughly rinse, use a handheld showerhead. Because you'll want to use the hottest water possible, it's best to do this from outside the shower. Fill a cup with water and pour it on the curtain to rinse if you don't have a handheld sprayer.
4. Allow it to dry halfway open. Place the curtain or liner with loose folds to allow the surface and the shower itself to dry completely

Mould Removal from Walls and Ceilings

If you find mould on sheetrock or plaster walls or ceilings, you can remove it without replacing any materials. However, if mould appears on a porous surface, such as a ceiling tile, it is best to replace it immediately.

1. Clear the area. Put on your safety equipment and make sure the area is well-ventilated. Combine a small amount of dish detergent, such as Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid, and water. Apply the solution in small circular motions with a sponge or brush.
2. Allow to dry after rinsing. Clean the sponge thoroughly, then wring it out thoroughly before wiping the surface clean. Allow it to air dry completely.
3. Follow with a water-bleach solution: mix 34 cup chlorine bleach with a gallon of warm water, or 3 tablespoons bleach in 1 quart of water for smaller spots. Apply the water-bleach mixture to the stains with a sponge or cleaning brush while wearing rubber gloves.
4. Allow for five minutes before scrubbing. Allow the water bleach solution to penetrate the mouldy spots before gently agitating the area with a sponge or brush in small circles.
5. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. Wash the area with warm water and blot dry with a clean cloth before allowing it to air dry.

How to Remove Mould from Fabric

Mould can appear and flourish when clothing, towels, or stored fabrics are exposed to humidity or dampness for an extended period of time. When you find mould on machine-washable fabric items, follow these steps.

1. Brush away any excess mould. Bring the item outside first to prevent mould spores from entering your home. Apply your safety equipment, then gently move a dry cloth, brush, or paper towel back and forth over the area a few times to loosen and remove any mould from the surface.
2. Spots can be treated with liquid laundry detergent. Apply a few drops with your gloved fingers. Wash it in the washing machine on the hottest setting safe for the fabric, with chlorine bleach or non-chlorine bleach, according to the care instructions on the item. (Confirm with the care label.)
3. Allow to air dry. Avoid tumble drying the item until the mould spots have been removed.

How to Get Mould Out of Wood

Mould may grow on wood cabinets, vanities, furniture, or panelling in areas with high humidity and poor ventilation, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or basement, especially if the surface is losing its finish or seal.

1. . Remove any loose spores with a hoover. Put on your safety equipment and make sure the area is well-ventilated. Using a HEPA-filtered vacuum, go over the spots a few times with the soft brush attachment.
2. Apply a soapy solution with a sponge. Mix a few drops of dish detergent with some water and dab the solution with a sponge onto the surface, being careful not to saturate the wood. To remove mould spots, rub gently.
3.  Wipe down with a clean, damp cloth. Before wiping the surface clean, soak a cleaning cloth in clear water and wring it out thoroughly.
4. Wipe down the surface with a clean, dry cloth. You don't want the wood to be wet for too long or the finish will be damaged, so work quickly and wipe away any remaining moisture.

How to Prevent Mould Growth in the First Place

The EPA states that "there is no practical way to eliminate all mould and mould spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mould growth is to control moisture." Even if the mould is cleaned, it will return if the room is humid and poorly ventilated, or if there is excess moisture from a leak, no matter how small.

That means that the only long-term solution to mould is prevention. After you've repaired the leaks and eliminated any moisture issues, follow these steps to create an environment in which mould cannot grow:

• Install one or two dehumidifiers in your home. Humidity levels should not exceed 50% to prevent mould growth. Make sure you're using the appropriate dehumidifier for the area you're treating. For a 500-square-foot room, a dehumidifier with a 10-pint removal capacity is ideal. After that, every 500 square feet will require an additional 4 pints.
• Moisture-generating sources should be vented to the outside. Bathroom fans and clothes dryers should have outside vents.
• During showers, leave doors and windows open. This will help your bathroom exhaust fan by allowing moisture to escape during and after showers.
• After using the shower, dry or squeegee it to remove as much excess moisture as possible.
• After showering, leave the shower door open. When you close your curtain or door, moisture takes longer to evaporate and dry.
• After showering, stretch out the shower curtain to allow it to dry quickly.
• Reseal the grout lines in the bathroom tile. To help waterproof your walls and floors, repeat the sealing process every year.
• Items should not be stored in damp areas. If air-tight storage containers aren't available, this may imply keeping linens, books, and furniture out of your basement or attic.

What are some natural mould removal remedies?

If you're looking for a natural mould removal solution, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are two options to consider. However, they may take longer to work than bleach and may not remove stains or be as effective on all types of mould or on all surfaces:

• Hydrogen peroxide: Fill a spray bottle with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the affected area. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing the mould away.
• Vinegar: Fill a spray bottle halfway with undiluted white vinegar and spray the mouldy area. Allow it to sit for an hour before wiping it clean with water and allowing it to dry.

When do I require the services of a mould removal company?

If the mouldy area is widespread and larger than a 2-foot by 2-foot area, contact a professional to have it safely removed. When you have more than a few mould spots, it could be an indication of a larger moisture problem. To assess and address the problem, contact a contractor who specialises in water damage restoration or waterproofing.