Mold on the wall looks very unsightly, and on top of that it poses a serious threat to our health. It most often appears in autumn and winter, and the main reason for its formation is excess moisture. Before we reach for specialized preparations, it’s worth trying home remedies to combat dark efflorescence, which are cheaper, safer and also effective. Thanks to them, the fungus and mold on the wall will disappear without a trace.
Mold in the house – where does it come from?
Mildew and fungus on the wall mainly occur in rooms with specific conditions. The most common culprit is high humidity, which creates ideal conditions for the development of efflorescence. Another cause is inadequate air circulation, which prevents excess moisture from draining from the walls. It is also worth remembering that mold and mildew can appear both where it is cool and in conditions of increased temperature. Dark efflorescence often occurs in the kitchen and bathroom, but mold also occurs in the bedroom or living room. Mold in the home is not only an aesthetic problem. Regardless of the reasons for its formation, it poses a major threat to our health.
Staying in a room with mold can cause a number of serious ailments. Fungal spores spread through the air and can get into our bodies when we breathe. Among other things, they can cause allergic reactions, and people who are allergic to fungi and mold can experience symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy and red skin, and even headaches. It’s also worth knowing that prolonged exposure to such spaces, can cause serious respiratory problems, which can eventually lead to chronic diseases (such as asthma). In order not to risk the safety of yourself and your loved ones, the fight against mold should begin as soon as possible.
How to remove mold and mildew from walls? Home remedies
There are many home remedies that can prove effective in removing various types of mold and mildew. But before reaching for them, you should start by verifying the cause of the problem. Otherwise, all ways will have a temporary effect. After finding the source of the problem and eliminating it , we can proceed to remove the fungus and mold from the walls.
- Vinegar – studies have shown that this product can kill up to 82% of mold species, making it an effective solution to combat the problem. For better results use vinegar without dilution. Just pour it into a spray bottle, spray the area where the fungus appeared and leave it for an hour. Finally, wipe the area with a damp cloth and let it dry. To mask the specific smell of vinegar, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to it.
- Ammonia – will help get rid of fungus and mold on smooth, non-porous surfaces. Just mix it with water in a ratio of 1:1, spray the infected surface, and then leave it for an hour or two. After this time, wipe the wall with a damp sponge.
- Peroxide water – this is a strong remedy that is found in many first aid kits. Just spray it on the moldy surface and leave it for 15 minutes. Then scrub the wall with a damp cloth and soap. When doing so, it is worth remembering that hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties.
- Citric acid – just dilute a tablespoon of powder in a glass of warm water, then apply the solution to the surface with a sponge. Leave it for 15-30 minutes, and then wipe the wall with a damp towel.
- Bleach – we mix it with water in a ratio of 1:10, and then spread the solution on the molded wall. We leave it for a few minutes, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth. It is worth remembering that bleach is an aggressive agent, so it is advisable to wear safety glasses, gloves and a disposable mask before proceeding.
- Copper sulfate – to remove mold and mildew from the walls, dilute 10 grams of copper sulfate in a liter of water, and then apply it to the molded surface with a cloth or atomizer bottle. After a few minutes, wipe the wall and you’re done.
- Tea tree oil – just add 2 tablespoons of oil to 300 ml of water, mix thoroughly and pour into an atomizer bottle. We spray such a mixture on the moldy areas, and after 3 days wash off the remains of mold with water and soap.
If home remedies do not work, you should reach for specialized preparations that will help effectively remove unsightly patches of fungus and mold. However, it should be remembered that fungicides are highly toxic, so extreme caution should be exercised when using them.
