Most homeowners have black mold in their homes without even knowing. Most types of mold grow in dark, warm, and humid places that are often hidden, such as bathrooms. Removing bathroom mold can be challenging, but it’s essential not only for the aesthetics of your bathroom but also for your health and indoor air quality. With the right conditions, mold can grow within 48 hours, and leaving it untreated might lead to several health conditions, including respiratory illnesses and aggravated allergies, and asthma. Therefore, you should clean mold immediately and find ways of preventing recurrent growth.
Unfortunately, most conventional mold cleaning products are made from harmful ingredients. The Environmental Working Group found ingredients that irate the lungs in half of these products. However, you can avoid these harmful products and consider eco-friendly and overly effective cleaning products. These natural mold cleaning products include:
1. Vinegar
White vinegar is a safe and affordable natural mold cleaning solution that clears mold growth in the bathroom and other surfaces expertly. The solution has antibacterial properties that make it effective in cleaning and preventing mold growth. Regular vinegar used for cooking contains 5% of acetic acid. However, you should use white vinegar with 6% to eliminate mold. The extra percentage is what makes it effective. You can find this in your local home improvement stores.
To use the solution, transfer undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it directly into the surface with mold. Let it sit for one hour, use a scrub brush to loosen any stubborn mold, and wipe the surface with warm water.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
You can also clean your bathroom mold effectively using hydrogen peroxide. In a humid environment such as South Florida, hydrogen peroxide can be an effective measure for mold remediation. It is a three-in-one agent with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that is safe to use and environmentally friendly. You can use the solution to kill mold from porous household materials, such as woven furniture.
To use hydrogen peroxide, mix two parts of water with one part of hydrogen peroxide solution in a spray bottle. If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can soak the solution in a towel and wipe the affected surface directly. Allow the solution to settle on the surface for 10 minutes, scrub it with a toothbrush, and wipe the remaining mold with a towel.
3. Tea Tree Oil Solution
Tea tree oil solution is not only effective in keeping spiders away but also a natural and safe option for getting rid of mold from your bathroom. This natural fungicide is a strong cleaning agent that can kill and prevent mold spores from growing. To make this solution, mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water and adjust the ratio of this mixture accordingly.
Shake the solutions to mix and apply using a spray bottle for better coverage. After applying to the area covered by mold, leave it for one hour to dry, then wipe the surface using a dry towel or microfiber clothing. Always use gloves or other protective gear since it can irritate your skin despite being a natural solution.
4. Grapefruit Seed Extract
The grapefruit seed extract is well known for its myriad health benefits. However, very few people know of its effective cleaning abilities. What makes this product very effective in cleaning mold in the bathroom and any other rooms in your home is the presence of polyphenols or limonoids and naringenin in the extract.
These compounds are effective in killing bacteria in carpet spills and laundry, which often promote mold growth. When used to fight bathroom mold growth, these acids penetrate any growth, preventing mold spores from recurring.
To use the solution;
- Mix ten drops of grapefruit seed extract with one cup of water
- Spray the solution and let it sit for between 10 minutes and one hour, depending on the saturation of mold, then wipe the residue
- As with other natural remedies, use a spray bottle to saturate all the affected spots in your bathroom.
5. Lemon Juice
While this isn’t the strongest solution, lemon juice is widely available in most kitchens. Besides being natural, everybody likes the enticing smell of fresh lemon. That said, slice and juice five or more lemons depending on the size of the affected area. Pour the solution and leave it for five minutes, then wipe using a damp towel with warm water.
If the mold growth proves stubborn, you can scrub the bathroom floor, walls, or ceiling using a toothbrush. For optimal results, mix the lemon juice with hand or dish soap and some water.
Conclusion
The presence of mold in bathroom predisposes occupants to various health hazards, particularly respiratory problems. In severe cases, it can aggravate pneumonia, especially if someone had pre-existing health conditions. If you suspect mold growth in your bathroom, purchase a mold testing kit to confirm its presence. The above natural solutions can help in clearing small-scale mold growth. However, if the growth is extensive, hire mold remediation experts for professional services.
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