Mold is a persistent problem in many a modern dwelling, thanks to better insulation, combined with stable temperatures and high levels of humidity. These conditions provide mold with a perfect habitat, allowing it to flourish. While mold spores are a common particle in household dust, should their concentration reach high levels, they can have ill effects on our health, so getting rid of mold should be a priority.
What is mold?
Mold is the name for a large group of fungi, characterized by discoloration of a surface, followed by a fuzzy-looking growth over the affected area. Mold causes biodegradation in organic material, causing food to spoil and wood to rot, among other things. Mold can also be beneficial for producing antibiotics, enhancing the taste of certain kinds of cheese, and serving in the production of drinks and food. The kind you usually encounter in your home is the unwelcome kind.
Health risks:
Mold exposure in infants can lead to respiratory problems, and studies have shown a direct correlation between high levels of mold exposure and the development of asthma. People with higher sensitivity to mold can develop chronic lung illnesses. Mold can also cause allergic responses in children and adults.
Symptoms of mold exposure:
How to get rid of mold:
First, we need to find it - search the house for mold, starting with the most likely places:
Look for discoloration, black or white spots, fuzzy-looking spots, and a musty smell. Check walls, floors, and ceilings.
Measure the area the mold covers – if the area is greater than 10 feet (3 meters) across, you will need a professional cleaning. If the area is smaller than 10 feet, you can take care of it yourself.
If water damage caused the mold, make sure that the leak has been fixed, otherwise, the mold will simply return.
Move furniture from mold-infested rooms to mold-free rooms, and then cover any air vents with plastic sheets. We do this to prevent mold spores from spreading to uninfected areas, then open the windows in the room to reduce humidity and temperatures.
Prepare by wearing safety goggles, a dust mask, gloves, and clothes you wouldn’t mind throwing away once you’re done.
Prepare a solution that kills mold
Borax and vinegar: Add one cup of borax per one gallon (3.5 liters) of water, and then add a cup of vinegar to the mix. The combination of these two natural cleaners will kill most kinds of mold, thanks to the vinegar overlapping the mold borax can’t kill and vice versa.
Baking soda and vinegar: Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda to 4 cups of warm water, then add one cup of plain white vinegar. Like the borax, the baking soda overlaps the vinegar’s mold-removing abilities.
Pour the solution into a spray bottle, and spray the affected area. Wait for about 15-20 minutes and then scrub the area thoroughly until there are no more signs of mold, and allow to dry. (Food preparation areas must be rinsed afterward)
Prevention:
Mold loves to be left undisturbed in an area with humidity and darkness. These are the most effective prevention methods. Fix any and all water leaks. Areas that can’t get enough sunlight (like ceilings) or have high levels of humidity (like showers), should be checked for new signs of mold and treated as soon as they appear. Using dehumidifiers and air-conditioning also reduces the likeliness of mold forming in your home.
How to Support a Healthy Range of Motion: 3 Easy Exercises
Is sitting down and reaching up getting harder? Your range of motion may be declining. Here is how you can improve it and why doing so is essential.
Don’t Toss Old Garments: Here Are 7 Better Ideas
Not all the cast offs from your closet are destined for the trash. In fact, there are plenty of better things you could do with your old clothes. Here are 7 examples.
No More Rice Bowls! Four Ways to Salvage a Wet Phone
Getting your phone wet can be stressful, so here are four tips on how to save it from water damage, from tech experts (there is no rice involved...)
Mince Garlic Like a Chef With These Techniques
In this video, a culinary expert shows three recommended methods to mince your garlic, depending on what you need it for.
Remove Hard Water Stains Easily With Natural Solutions!
Hard water stains can be pesky and persistent. Here's how to easily remove them from different surfaces in your home.
Here Are 10 Foods You Should Never Keep in the Pantry!
Are you the type of person who stores most of your food in the pantry? If so, you really must read this as there are foods that should never be stowed there!
Maintain Your Brain: 15 Methods to Improve Brain Function
Like our muscles, the brain can also be strengthened and maintained in excellent condition, with proper practice. Learn 15 simple ways to train your brain today!
Got an Egg Slicer? Here's What You Can Use It For
Creative ways on what to do with your egg slicer. Impressive!
This Is Why You Should Never Throw Out Silica Gel Packets
Have you ever thrown away these bags of silica gel? Of course you have. But here are some reasons why you SHOULD keep hold of them...
16 Useful Charts & Guides That Teach You Surprising Things
Save these useful charts and guides. They will come in handy someday.
These 3 Healthy Salads Are So Good for Your Eyesight
Did you know that salads are so healthy that they are even good for your eyesight? Try these 3, and you'll SEE what I mean.
Bring Stale Bread Back to Life with This Genius Trick
If you ever have a crusty loaf that has gone stale, follow these tips and it will be as good as new in next to no time.
5 Common Insect Bites You Should Fear and Beware!
Sometimes bug bites can be relatively harmless, and sometimes they can be much more worrying. But how do you know when? Here are 5 bug bites to watch for.
Woah! Who Knew the Humble Fork Had This Many Uses?
Have a look at these unique but very useful fork hacks - they'll make your life a whole lot easier!
These Potatoes Will Definitely Make Your Dish Stand Out
Every great dish needs a great side dish to complement it. These Baked-twice potatoes are such a side dish.
The Genius Ways to Wrap Awkwardly Shaped Gifts
To save yourself a little money, and to help you get a tad more creative this festive season, we've got the perfect solution for you.
12 Great Advantages of Being Bald
You thought hair loss and going bald was a BAD thing? Well, think again, as we go over everything that's great about being bald!
You Can Do So Much More With a Coke Than Just Drinking It!
Coca-Cola is one of the world's favorite sodas, however it can do a whole lot more than refresh you with its sweet taste. Here are 16 of its highly unusual uses
5 Non-Toxic Ways to Rid Your Home of Mold and Mildew
Mildew and mold are pesky household invaders. Discover 5 easy ways to get rid of them using natural ingredients.
More Seniors Should Wear Smartwatches, Here's Why
Smartwatches aren’t just for fitness enthusiasts; it can make for the perfect gift for seniors. Here’s why…
Plagued By Liver Spots? Here Are 9 Ways to Get Rid of Them
Skin spots are a reality for many of us and can often be a nuisance. But, fortunately, they can be lightened with these 9 natural ingredients.
23 Hacks to Declutter Your Living Space
Before you get rid of items you might regret later, check out these 23 cool organizing hacks for a tidier space.
Baking is Now a Breeze Thanks to These Terrific Tips!
Never flop a cake again. These handy charts can help you with any baking problem you might find yourself facing.
Here’s How Men Can Preserve Their Muscle Mass As They Age
Don't feel powerless against the loss of muscle mass that comes with aging - there are steps you can take to counteract it.
Spectacular Potted Plants At Home Take Just 11 Easy Steps!
Plants are both beneficial to our health and make our homes look better. Here are 11 easy steps to having fabulous potted plants in your home.
Why Your Consumer Brand Loyalty Can Backfire
It happens to all the consumer goods you can imagine...
Whoa! I Never Knew an Empty Plastic Bottle was So Useful
When you've finished with the contents of a plastic bottle, don't throw the bottle away as it can be used for so many different things.
Make Your Garden As Beautiful as Can be With Epsom Salts
Epsom salts are highly rich in nutrients, and this means that they're great for helping flowers and trees to grow beautifully and healthily. Read these 15 tips.
Vintage Beauty and Self-Care Tips We Should All Be Using
Here we feature 14 really effective, but often forgotten vintage beauty. Best of all, nearly all of these tips use items you have at home
10 Useful Guides to Help You With Your Clothes
10 useful guides to help you in your daily struggle with clothes.
Your Toilet Won't Flush? Here are 6 Easy Ways to Fix It!
Toilet won’t flush properly? Before calling the plumber, you can fix it yourself with this guide.
Learn to Replace a Bathroom Faucet: Step by Step Tutorial
after watching this step by step video tutorial, you’ll know how to replace a bathroom faucet like a real pro...
Here's One Really Cheap & Easy Way to Clean a Stovetop
Looking for an effortless and cost-effective way of cleaning your stovetop? Then you've come to the right place.
12 Things Your Dog Can Do...
Here are 12 surprising things that your furry companion knows about you better than anyone else, maybe even more than you do.
Who Knew Bananas Could Have SO Many Uses?
Appearantly, bananas can be used in many more ways than we all thought. Check out these 28 cool household hacks and tricks.
Four Ways to Tie Your Shoes for Foot Pain Relief
This helpful guide will teach you how to tie your laces based on the specific issue you're experiencing.
Surprising Ways to Use ChapStick You Might Not Know About
Here are some of my favorite uses for this unassuming household product.
15 Time-Saving Cooking Tricks to Make Your Life Easier
Try out these various food hacks that are clever and easy and are sure to change the way you eat.
24 Simple But Genius Hanger Tricks to Use at Home!
Find out the many wonderful and useful tricks you can use a regular old hanger for!
You Can Do a Lot More With Milk Than Just Drinking It...
Milk is a basic ingredient in any household, but it's a waste to use it just for drinking, when you can put it into many more uses that will make your life easier while also saving you money!
Practical Tips on Adjusting a Home to be Senior-Friendly
Take note of these useful tips that will help you make your home more accessible and safe for your life ahead.
These Cool Charts Will Make Your Christmas So Much Better
These cool charts will make your Christmas so much better.
Grow Anything You Want With This Gardening Collection!
Enjoy our collection of seven gardening posts that'll cover everything you need to know to grow your own plants.
You Can Use Windex For MUCH More Than Just Windows
First invented in the 1930s, Windex is a potent solution that can be used for so much more than what it was originally intended for, as this list proves.
This Little Kitchen Tool Can Do Wonders for Your Skin
we have compiled a list of ten exercises that can help reduce, eliminate, and prevent wrinkles on your facial skin.
5 Different Christmas Plants and How to Care for Them
In this guide, you'll find some tips on how to keep it alive throughout the season, and how to maintain it for next year.