Have you recently found black spots around your home or detected a musty smell when you walk through the door? There is a chance that mould is present in the house.
Don’t worry, a small amount of mould will not cause illness. However, it’s important to address mould as soon as possible and take steps to prevent its growth. As mould can spread quickly, it’s crucial to address the issue while it’s still contained in a small area.
If you find yourself dealing with mould, here’s our comprehensive guide on how to remove it from:
- Tile and grout
- Fabric
- Leather
- Washing machine
- Exterior concrete, brick and stone walls
Safety Considerations
Mould spores can spread in the air when cleaning, so make sure to wear protective gear while cleaning to limit your exposure. Wear long rubber gloves to protect your hands and forearms, and don’t forget goggles to protect your eyes. We also suggest wearing a respirator or face mask during cleaning.
If you find the mould problem on your hands is severe, it’s best to call the professionals to remove all the mould safely.
Remove Mould From Tile and Grout
Keeping your shower tile and grout mould-free can be tricky since it’s a damp and warm environment, perfect for mould growth. If you spot some mould, you do not need to worry. There are plenty of effective grout cleaners on the market.
If you prefer the DIY route, follow these instructions:
- Mix a cup of bleach with a gallon of water.
- Using rags and a brush, apply a generous amount of the mixture to the mould-affected areas.
- Let the mixture sit for at least fifteen minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
- Rinse and wipe dry. Treat any leftover spots again if necessary.
Remove Mould From Fabric
Have you left your damp clothes sitting for a little too long? Damp towels or gym clothes can create an optimal environment for mould to flourish over time. But, if you catch it early, mould can be easily removed from machine-washable fabrics.
Start by taking the item outside and brush any surface mould off with a bristle brush or toothbrush. Brushing it outside will prevent the spores from spreading in your home and making the problem worse.
Next, throw the item in the washing machine, ideally with bleach if the fabric allows, and run the machine on the hottest setting possible. If the item cannot be machine washed, use a mould removal product for the fabric or bring it to a dry clean professional.
Remove Mould From Leather
Like fabric, mould on leather can be taken outside to be brushed. Make sure to use a soft bristle brush, as leather is very delicate and can be easily scratched.
Next, dip a rag in distilled white vinegar or rubbing alcohol and carefully wipe away the mould spots. Do not use bleach or hydrogen peroxide, because these chemicals can damage the leather.
Follow up with a wipe-down with soap and warm water before letting the item air dry completely.
Remove Mould From Washing Machine
The rubber seals in washing machines are particularly vulnerable to mould as they are designed to keep water locked inside and tend to collect moisture. Over time, the mould can eat away at the seal and cause the machine to leak.
To keep your washing machine mould-free, gently wipe a rag dampened with white vinegar around the entire circumference of the seal. Make sure to get into the folds and turn out the seal to ensure any remaining mould is wiped away. Rinse it thoroughly with some warm water and leave the door open to let the seal dry completely.
Remove Mould From Refrigerator
If you suspect your fridge might have mould, don’t panic. Start by removing everything from the fridge and wiping the inside surfaces with distilled white vinegar. Avoid using bleach, as it’s not safe to use near food.
Afterwards, wash any rags you used and throw away any paper towels immediately.
Remove Mould From Concrete, Brick and Stone
Bleach works best for any mould spots on exterior walls. Here’s what you need to do:
- Mix a cup of chlorine bleach with a gallon of water in a bucket.
- Use a garden sprayer to apply the solution to the wall. For smaller surfaces, use an abrasive sponge to scrub the mould spots off.
- Wet the mouldy areas with plain water, then again with the bleach solution. This time, allow it to sit for several minutes.
- Rinse the area with plain water or scrub again. If the stain is still visible, the mould may require multiple treatments.
- Make sure to give all surrounding areas a rinse once the spots have been lifted.
How To Keep Mould At Bay
The key to avoiding mould is to control the moisture in your home. Humidity levels above fifty percent can make it difficult to control mould growth. Even if you clean up the mould, it will come back if the room is humid and poorly ventilated or if there is excess moisture from a leak.
This means that prevention is the only permanent way to keep mould at bay. After you’ve repaired any leaks or moisture issues, follow these tips to create a mould-free environment:
- Use a dehumidifier at home.
- Open bathroom doors and windows, or turn on the exhaust fan during and after showers and baths.
- Leave the shower curtain open to help it dry.
- Avoid storing items such as linens, books and furniture in the basement or attic.
- Seal bathroom tile grout lines every year to ensure that your walls and floors are waterproof.
Having a hard time keeping your home mould-free? Maid4Condos is the deep cleaning service that Toronto trusts to put everything in order. For more information, give us a call at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.
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