Getting mold and mildew out of your home might be difficult and sometimes even impossible. That is why it is always a great idea to not let it grow at all and control it as much as possible. Even if you spotted mold, however, do not give up! You can still control it so that you can minimize its negative impacts on your health.
For some people, mold can have a serious series of health deterioration effects like stuffy nose, sore throat, skin rashes, red eyes, coughing, or wheezing. More severe reactions are seen in people with asthma and people allergic to mold. So, whenever you have a mold issue, you should take serious action to solve it. But before that make everything possible to make sure mold does not become an issue.
We’ve gathered some natural ways to prevent mold and mildew thrive and then some natural ways to get rid of it if needed.
Steps to Prevent Mold Thriving
Keep humidity down
To prevent mold and mildew, make sure that the humidity level at home is no higher than 50% during the day and the night. Air conditioners will help you do that during the colder months of the year. If not enough, however, think about using a dehumidifier as well.
Let your home breathe
Make sure to always have a window cracked open so that the air flows in and out freely. Make sure to use good vents in the kitchen and in the bathroom. Air dry your clothes outside or if you need to do it inside, make sure to have an open window nearby.
Fix the leaks
Even the smallest leaks can help mold thrive so make sure to fix them in advance. That way mold will not have the needed moisture to grow.
Dry out your home quickly
If you’ve experienced leakage or flood, make sure to clean it up and dry it out completely and really quickly. It’s a matter of hours for mold to start growing so make sure to dry your home up within 24 hours for best results.
Move any soaked rugs, textile home décor, or upholstery outside in the sun if they can’t be dried right away
Anything soaked can be the best growing ground for mold and bacteria indoors. That is why you have to always get it out if you cannot dry it up right away. Do not use any heavy textiles, rugs, or upholstery in basements and bathrooms.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mold
If, however, for some reason, you already have a mold issue, you should be able to resolve it and clean the mold as soon as possible. Here are some all-natural and toxic-free ways to kill mold at home.
Removing mold using Tea Tree oil
Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as tea tree oil spray. It can be used successfully on moldy ceilings, musty rugs, moldy shower curtains, textiles, upholstery, etc.
You just need to mix 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil and 2 cups of water into a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse.
Removing mold using vinegar
Straight white vinegar kills 82 percent of mold species. Pour some white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle, spray on the moldy area, and let set without rinsing. Mold will dissipate in a few hours. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can add essential oils for a better scent.
Removing mold using baking soda
Baking soda does not only kill mold, it absorbs moisture that attracts it.
To prepare a baking soda kill mold remedy, add one-quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle of water and shake until it is dissolved. Spray the moldy area with the baking soda and water mix and use a scrub brush to remove mold from the surface. After that, rinse the surface with water to remove any leftovers and the baking soda itself.
Wool Pieces & Mold
You probably already know that one of the best qualities of wool is that it is mildew resistant, antimicrobial, and anti-bacterial. Wool fibers have a natural water-wicking property that prevents moisture from being retained in the fabric, naturally inhibiting mildew.
If you have mold at home, however, it can go on your wool items as well and spread on the ticking of your wool-filled creations. That is why it is extremely important to regularly check the slats or the frame underneath your mattress or cushion and make sure there is no mildew or mold on them. If your wool mattress or other wool-filled item gets wet, make sure to dry it out immediately.
In order to do that you need to use the zippers to reach the wet filling. Take it out, rinse it with water and leave it out in the sun to dry out completely. Take the whole item outside into the sun as well. Sun is antibacterial and will definitely help. After all is dry, comb the filling and put it back inside.
If however, there is already mold on the mattress, do not panic, but act quickly. The above natural sprays with tea tree, vinegar, or baking soda will help you a lot in that direction. But first, begin with assessing the wool filling through the zipper. If there is any mold on the filling, you should take that wool out and shuffle the other wool to restore the evenness of the mattress.
If you spray the ticking with the above sprays or rinse the ticking with water or liquids, place a piece of plastic inside, between the fabric and the wool filling, to protect the wool filling from getting damp. Then, put it out in the sun! Let it out for a day until completely dry.
With the above tricks and tricks, you will be able to prevent and clean mold in an all-natural way with no toxic chemicals.
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