Black or greenish stains on the walls represent a serious problem that requires a quick response. Fungi that appear in living spaces can seriously endanger your health. Excessive humidity and insufficient ventilation encourage their growth – see how to effectively get rid of this problem and prevent it from happening again.

In the article you will learn:

  • Reasons for the appearance of mold
  • Molds and their impact on the health of residents
  • Effective methods of combating mold
  • What if there is a lot of mold?
  • How to prevent the reoccurrence of mold?

Reasons for the appearance of mold

Mold is most likely to appear in areas where moisture accumulates. Bathrooms, kitchens and rooms where you dry laundry are most at risk. Near the windows, the problem is aggravated by the temperature difference between the rooms and the surroundings of the building. Everyday activities in the home have a significant impact on the level of humidity in the home. Cooking without the steam extractor on, taking a long bath or drying laundry in unventilated rooms increases the risk of moisture.

Mold often occurs as a result of leaking plumbing or a leaky roof. Watch out for damp spots on the walls, when the painting is peeling or when you smell a musty smell – these are the first warning signs.

The condition of a building’s insulation has a major impact on mold growth. Insufficient insulation of external walls often leads to the formation of thermal bridges. In such places, water vapor condenses particularly intensively and creates ideal conditions for mold growth.

Molds and their impact on the health of residents

The presence of mold in the interior causes many health problems. Airborne spores primarily attack the respiratory and immune systems. Fungi are the most dangerous for children, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system.

The most common diseases associated with the presence of molds are:

  • chronic headaches and feeling tired;
  • recurrent respiratory tract infections;
  • exacerbation of asthma and allergy symptoms;
  • sleep and concentration problems;
  • weakening of the immune system;
  • skin and mucous membrane irritation.

Effective methods of mold control

Before you start fighting mold, prepare the necessary measures. Protect floors and furniture with painter’s foil. You will also need: wire brush, sandpaper, protective gloves, dust mask and safety glasses.

Start by thoroughly drying the affected areas. The next step will be to remove the top layer of plaster or paint – preferably to a depth of a few millimeters beyond the visible area of ​​the mold. Do not forget to open the windows wide during work: good ventilation is essential.

Home methods have proven effective for small clusters of mold. You can use vinegar mixed with water in a ratio of 1:2. Apply the solution with a brush or sprayer, wait 15-20 minutes and then wipe the surface dry. It is worth repeating the treatment 2-3 times.

A paste made of baking soda can deal with the color change. Mix baking soda with a little water to get a thick consistency. Then apply the mixture to the affected areas, leave it on for an hour and then wash it off with a damp cloth. Also try a hydrogen peroxide solution. This popular disinfectant effectively destroys mold spores and prevents their further growth. Spray it on the affected surface and let it dry.

What if there is really a lot of mold?

If the fungal blooms are really extensive, it is better to reach for specialized anti-fungal preparations. First, treat the surface with a deep-penetrating product. Apply the fungicide according to the manufacturer’s recommendations – several coats are usually required.

After the preparation has dried, paint the walls with fungicidal paint. Choose products with increased moisture resistance. Some colors also contain ingredients that prevent the growth of microorganisms.

If the mold is strong, you cannot do without removing the plaster down to the brick or board. After exposing the surface, clean it thoroughly and treat it with a fungicide. Use plaster with anti-fungal additives for surface treatment.

How to prevent the recurrence of mold?

What can be done to prevent mold from appearing on the walls? Above all, regularly ventilate the apartment – but with your head. You will achieve better results with a short intensive ventilation than if you leave the windows open for a long time. Install an exhaust fan in the bathroom, preferably with a humidity sensor.

Maintain a constant temperature in the apartment. Large fluctuations promote condensation on the walls. Do not forget about sufficient air circulation – you can improve it by moving the furniture away from the outer walls.

Place a dehumidifier in areas prone to moisture. If possible, dry the laundry on the balcony or in a specially ventilated room. Turn on the hood when cooking and wipe wet surfaces after bathing.

Regularly check the condition of the water supply and ventilation system: this way you will detect any malfunctions before they lead to mold growth. Don’t forget to check the window and door seals – their failure often results in damp walls.

The sooner you react to the first symptoms of mold, the easier it will be to deal with the problem and prevent its recurrence in the future.

Three ingredients, 10 minutes and you’re good to go. Rub gently and watch the mold disappear