Are you wondering how to get rid of mold?

Contrary to popular belief, mold isn’t just caused by a burst pipe or water damage. If you live in any area with humidity levels over 60%, there’s likely mold in your house.

The good news is that it’s relatively easy to get rid of mold in your house. All you need are a few common cleaning products and a little bit of patience.

Read on for our expert advice on getting rid of mold.

Safety First

Before you get started, keep in mind that some types of molds can be toxic to humans.

Even if the mold growing in your home isn’t the dangerous type, it can still cause allergies and skin irritation. For this reason, you need to take a few safety precautions before you begin.

Start with rubber gloves that go at least halfway up your forearms. Never touch mold with your bare skin!

Protective eyewear is also a good idea, as mold spores can drift through the air and cause eye irritation. To avoid inhaling mold spores, wear a doctor’s mask while you work.

Cleaning Supplies

What are the best cleaning supplies for getting rid of mold?

While there are specific antimicrobial cleaning agents, you might be able to use some supplies you already have on hand:

  • Bleach
  • Borax
  • Baking soda and vinegar
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Ammonia
  • Tea tree oil

While bleach is the strongest defense against killing mold, it’s also the harshest. Only use it in well-ventilated areas, and never mix it with other cleaning supplies.

Keep in mind that it will also discolor any surface that isn’t white.

To remove mold from most household surfaces, warm water combined with one of these cleaning agents should do the trick. Scrub the area until there’s no visible mold or musty smell.

For larger patches of mold, you may have to scrub and dry the surface several times for the best results. Always make sure the area dries completely, as moisture will invite new mold growth.

Areas to Consider

Even if you have an otherwise spotless bathroom, there could be mold lurking in the cracks.

Bathrooms are a common area for mold growth, but it’s not the only part of your house you should inspect. You might also check:

  • Attic or roof incline
  • Windows
  • Areas around heating or cooling vents
  • Corners
  • Door seals
  • Kitchen and basement walls
  • Areas around pipes, sinks, and toilets

What if you had water damage and there’s mold in your floors or carpeting? It’s almost impossible to clean them effectively, and there’s likely to be mold underneath that you can’t reach.

In this case, replacing your flooring is your best bet.

Getting Rid of Mold: Now You Know

There’s nothing pleasant about getting rid of mold, but it’s best to tackle it now before it turns into a bigger problem.

If you have mold in your home, use the tips listed above to remove it. The integrity of your house and your family’s health depend on it!

As an alternative, you might also consider contacting a professional cleaning company. The Home Keepers offer many cleaning services in the Houston area.

Click here to learn more.