Mold growth is a warning bell for all those who care for their own well-being, and also of their near and dear ones. Mold on the walls can cause many respiratory problems, nasal and sinus congestion, watery eyes, sore throat, coughing and skin infections. It can also incite severe asthma attacks. Therefore, it is necessary that you impede the growth of molds as early as possible. This DIY guide will help you in removing the same from your walls.
Complexity Level: Moderately Challenging
Time Required: 2- 3 weeks
Resources Required:
1. Goggles, gloves, and a mask
2. Garbage bags (for contaminated items)
3. A bucket
4. Bleach
5. Mild laundry detergent
6. Scrubbing sponges
7. Towels
Instructions
1. Before starting with this task, be sure to wear protective gear. This must include a filtering mask, usually designated as N95 or TC-21C particulate respirator; rubber gloves; and safety glasses for protecting your eyes. Next, for ensuring minimum suffocation, turn the ventilator fan on, or open the windows.
2. Now empty the area of any kind of object. If these objects have been badly affected by mold, they may not be useful anymore. So, put them in garbage bags. Place those objects which merely need a wash in a separate bag.
3. You can easily scrub the mold off from surfaces like plastics, glass or walls. Fill a bucket with water and add one part of bleaching powder to three parts of water. Use this solution to wash these surfaces. You may also use ammonia instead of bleach. But remember to never mix ammonia with bleach – as this is a toxic combination. Use a sponge to scrub off the mold, and let the solution settle on the wall for at least 20 minutes. Repeat this step until every trace of mold is removed.
4. The above step would not only remove the mold, but also disinfect the affected area. Now rinse the entire area with clean water mixed with a little amount of mild detergent. This would also remove any residue of the bleach.
5. You may dry the treated part using fans and dehumidifiers or natural ventilation. Using towels for cleaning the affected objects is also not a bad idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent mold growth in my home?
Prevention is always better than cure. So if you want to avoid all the hard work and time spent in cleaning that hideous mold off your walls, then you must take care of a few things. First of all, make sure that your home is properly ventilated and there is a proper circulation of air through the living space. Mold spores find their haven in every wet, moisture filled organic surface. So, the simple thing to do is to just keep things dry.
What are the places where mold can grow?
Mold is more often than not found on organic surfaces. It grows on any kind of moist material, so you will find it in areas having dampness, high humidity (above 70%) and condensation. A moisture-laden wall, basement floor or closets having no air circulation are the places where you are most likely to find mold growth.
Quick Tips
1. A close watch should be kept on any recurrence of mold, and this should be addressed immediately. A musty smell that persists for days after cleaning of mold suggests that there is some mold cleaning left to be done.
2. Peeling paint is often a sign of mold growth. So, keep an eye on any such location in your home.
3. It is highly advisable to repaint the affected area to remove the stains.
Things to Watch Out For
1. Although it is not always necessary, but still it is recommended that you take the assistance of some professional mold removal service prior to starting off with the task. It may help you avoid some structural defects owing to extensive mold infestation.
2. Before using the treated area, make sure that it is free from any kind of bleach fumes and stirred up mold spores.
