How to Remove Mold

Water damage and mold are two very common occurrences for the average home and business owner in the United States. Water damage is specifically one of the most filed claims for insurance. Where there is water damage, mold is found not far behind. Mold can grow and begin spreading in as little as 24 hours after a damp surface is introduced. Mold can grow anywhere in a building, the attic, bathroom, living room, to the basement, it’s a concern for every room.

If you’re experiencing mold you may want to undertake the project yourself. Before you start this process you are likely asking yourself “how do I remove mold?” There are several different ways to remove mold from your home or business. These methods can be cost-effective and can help return your home or business back to normal.

Before starting to remove mold, you should assess the affected area to ensure you are up for the challenge. You should only try to remove mold if it is only affecting a small portion of your building. United Water Restoration Group would like to provide you with a few tips to help you remove mold. If the task becomes too much for you, you can always rely on the professionals.

What is Mold?

Mold is a microscopic spore that is naturally present in nearly every environment and room in the world. No room is ever truly free of mold due to that reason. Even opening up a window for a few moments leaves the room susceptible to accumulating mold spores. With that said, not all mold is harmful. These spores only become problematic when they find a damp surface to latch onto and create a colony. Mold colonies can spread quickly and that is the main concern when it comes to mold damages. You should do your best to remove mold before it begins to spread and cause serious problems. Mold is easy to spot as it typically is a darker splotch of color that looks very out of place. 

Preventing Mold

The best way to remove mold is to prevent it altogether. Mold can hide in unchecked areas and spread quickly. The best way to prevent mold is to address breeding grounds before they spread and become an issue. Here are a few other ways you can prevent mold from growing:

1. Eliminate moisture in a room with a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier is a great way to remove mold and prevent it altogether. 
2. Clearing your gutters frequently can help prevent mass blocks and water build up outside of your home or business. Be sure these are able to properly drain and prevent water build-up.
3. Leaks are also another way mold grows and thrives. To prevent mold damage and the need to remove mold, frequently have pipes inspected. 
4. A great way to prevent mold in your bathroom is to add an exhaust fan in it. Exhaust fans can be added in any room and are a great method of removing moisture from the air. 

Non-Toxic Ways to Remove Mold

Once you discover mold you may be wanting to find a way to remove mold naturally or with non-toxic products. While there are many products that can help one remove mold with ease, some people prefer natural remedies. Here are a few natural ways you can remove mold with common items:

1. Using undiluted white vinegar is a safe and easy way to remove mold and prevent spread. White vinegar is a mild acidic liquid that is known to kill over 80% of all mold strains. To best utilize this liquid, place it in a spray bottle, spray the affected areas, and allow the liquid to sit for a few minutes.
2. Another great and natural remedy against mold is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is known for having many uses. If you place a teaspoon of tea tree oil in a spray bottle and mix it with a cup of water, you have a solution to remove mold. Spray the concoction on the affected areas and leave it there for around an hour.
3. Though lemon juice may not be your go-to way to remove mold, it can help. Lemon juice is another mild acidic liquid that is known for eliminating mold and other bacteria. Lemon is a natural deodorizer, antiseptic, stain remover, and cleaner. Simply squeeze a few lemons and place the juice in a container and place it on the affected area. Let the lemon juice sit for around 5 minutes. The juice will not just remove mold, it’ll also leave you a fresh citrus aroma!
4. From absorbing undesired smells in a fridge to helping relieve heartburn, baking soda is a tool with a lot of purposes. Though the first use of baking soda isn’t to remove mold, it can be formulated to create a perfect mold removal tool. Add one-quarter of a teaspoon to a spray bottle, fill it with water, and shake until the powder is dissolved. Spray the affected areas, let it dry, and then use a wet cloth to wipe it dry. If you want to remove mold that is tough, mix a solution with two parts baking soda and one white vinegar. This concoction will eliminate even the toughest, most durable black mold.
5. Hydrogen peroxide also provides an easy, non-toxic way for one to remove mold. Hydrogen peroxide can be placed in a spray bottle and used to remove mold. It is safe to use in spots like cabinets, counters, tubs, appliances, and flooring. Be sure to only use a 3% concentration as higher concentrated peroxide may cause staining. Spray the affected areas, allow the peroxide to work for 5-10 minutes, and then wipe the area clean and dry.

What If the Problem Persists?

Though you may be able to remove mold, there may be another problem if the problem persists. If this is the case or if your mold problem is too big for you to handle, United Water Restoration Group has you covered. United Water Restoration Group is a company with offices located all around the United States with a focus on water, fire, and mold damage.

No problem is too big for United Water Restoration Group’s technicians! We can help remove mold and ensure that it isn’t a persisting problem for you. You can contact United Water Restoration Group’s hotline at (800) 430-5838, which is open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week! To find a United Water Restoration Group office near you, search our database! We provide services in Ormond Beach, Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, Daytona Beach, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida, Melbourne, Florida, and many other locations around Florida!