Here’s How to Clean Mold and Mildew in Your Home

As the rain starts to pour down (we’re looking at you April showers!), the additional moisture in the air can mean mold and mildew in your home. Mold and mildew, both terms commonly used to describe fungi that grows on various surfaces, are not only unsightly but also unhealthy. And because these microorganism love to feed and grow wherever moisture is a mainstay, it’s up to your to make the fuzzy, colorful spots disappear.

What’s So Bad about Mold and Mildew?

In addition to the messy look and possible odor, mold and mildew can cause health issues for anyone exposed in their day-to-day living and working environments. People who are sensitive to molds–those who have environmental allergies or suppressed immune systems–may experience “nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And though people without sensitivity to molds and mildews may experience no health problems, it’s still a best to proceed by keeping mold and mildew contained to avoid future issues from evolving.

Cleaning Mold and Mildew

Ready to remove and clean mold and mildew from your home? Gear up with waterproof gloves and eye protection, and use these tips to treat all the spore-filled spots.

• Hard surfaces: In a bucket, mix one gallon of water with one cup of bleach. Use a clean rag or scrub brush to wash away the mold and mildew from the surface. Be sure to open windows and allow plenty of ventilation while cleaning. Make sure the surface dries completely after cleaning, using fans if necessary.
• Grout: The bleach solution is one option for grout, but for a second option, spray a one-part water to one-part vinegar mixture onto the grout lines. Use a small brush or old toothbrush and a circular motion to work in the solution. Next, make a paste of baking soda and water and repeat the scrubbing. Repeat this method until the mold and mildew are gone.
• Fabrics: Since bleach can ruin dyed fabrics, a better option is to run cloth items, such as throw pillows, blankets, and curtains, through the hot setting of your washer (unless manufacturer guidelines recommend otherwise) along with one cup of vinegar added to your usual detergent. For spot cleaning of fabrics that can’t go in the washer, such as furniture upholstery, try covering the area with a paste of lemon and salt and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing off by spraying clean water from a water bottle. Be sure to test this on a small hidden area first.

Spot Prevention First

Want to avoid having to clean mold and mildew? Stop the spots from popping up with these prevention tips.

• Fix leaks in your roof, plumbing, and walls to avoid creating areas of moisture.
• Install exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and other home areas where humidity is higher.
• Lower your home’s humidity levels to no higher than 50 percent.
• Add mold inhibitors to primers and paints.
• Clean and thoroughly dry damp areas following a flood or water leak. Consider bringing in a professional water mitigation service to make sure areas are properly dried and if necessary restored following any sort of water exposure or damage.

A&J Property Restoration’s Black Mold Removal Service

What makes us qualified to help you?

A&J Property Restoration are a certified mold remediation company, with more than 33 years of experience. Our mold remediation procedures follow all EPA and OSHA guidelines as well as industry standards defined by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), Restoration Industry Association (RIA) and other industry certification protocols.

Mold remediation may be done in conjunction with an Environmental Consultant or Certified Industrial Hygienist, if desired. We typically recommend some level of Post Remediation Verification (PRV), for most projects.