Guide to Spotting and Removing Mold with Top Mold Killers

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Imagine bearing a musty smell in your home, noticing dark patches creeping along your walls, or experiencing unexplained allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or watery eyes. You might consider it seasonal or an allergic infection, but what if it is something more serious?

Mold removal is essential for healthy living. If you fail to notice mold growth at an early stage, it may destroy the entire building and lead to structural damage, respiratory problems, and even long-term health complications. In severe cases, you must call a professional mold abatement company to get rid of the mold.

In this blog, we will tell you about the signs to identify mold and introduce you to the ten best mold killers to keep your home safe and clean.

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How to Spot Mold in Your Home?

Mold is a fungus that can grow anywhere, outdoors and indoors. It’s mostly expected in humid areas. Even if you don't live in a humid region, you may experience mold growth inside your home because of construction defects or failures and water intrusions.

Here are the best ways to spot mold:

  • One of the first signs of mold presence is a persistent musty or earthy smell. If you notice an unpleasant odor in your home, especially in basements, bathrooms, or attics, there’s a good chance mold is present.
  • Sometimes molds are easily visible as black, green, or white spots on walls, ceilings, or floors. If not controlled immediately, it can grow on furniture, carpets, and clothing.
  • Be alert if you notice water stains on walls or ceilings; they indicate hidden mold growth. Water damage from recent leaks, floods, or plumbing issues is also a sign of mold infestation.
  • If you notice the paint or wallpaper is cracking, bubbling, or peeling, this suggests moisture is trapped within your walls, allowing mold to grow.
  • Allergic symptoms, such as frequent sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, or difficulty breathing when inside the home, may indicate mold exposure.
  • If you notice a musty smell when your air conditioner or heater is running, there is a chance of mold growth in your HVAC system. This is riskier because it circulates mold spores throughout your home.

10 Best Mold Killers to Remove Mold from Your Home

Have you noticed any signs of mold infestation in your home? If yes, you need to take immediate action to control mold growth and eliminate it. To kill mold, you can use the following natural products and DIY methods.

1. White Vinegar

Vinegar's acidic properties make it a powerful natural mold killer. Mix 80% vinegar with 20% water and spray it onto moldy surfaces. Let it sit for an hour, then scrub away the mold.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a common kitchen ingredient that is safe for kids and pets. It absorbs moisture and can be used to kill mold. You only need to mix baking soda and water and spray the solution on the mold. Leave it for some time, scrub it, and wipe it clean.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

It’s a safe and effective alternative to bleach. Spray Hydrogen peroxide directly onto moldy surfaces and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing and wiping clean.

4. Tea Tree Oil Solution

If you don’t want to use bleach, Tea tree oil is the best option for killing molds as it’s a natural antifungal agent. The process is simple. Add one teaspoon of tea tree oil in one cup of water, spray it on the moldy areas, and let it sit without rinsing.

5. Lemon Juice

Lemon is also easily available in everyone’s kitchen. Lemon is a natural disinfectant that helps break down mold stains. Spray fresh lemon juice on moldy surfaces, let it sit, and then scrub away.

6. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit is an excellent mold and fungus remover. If you are looking for an odorless solution to kill molds, use Grapefruit seed extract. Take 8-10 drops of it and mix it with a cup of water. Spray on the affected area and leave it to dry. This method helps remove the mold and prevents future growth.

7. Borax

Borax is a natural mold inhibitor and deodorizer. It may not be as effective as other options, but if mold growth has just started, Borax can help. Add one cup of Borax to one gallon of water and apply it to the affected area. Scrub and let it dry completely.

8. Salt Water

It’s a simple DIY solution that anyone can apply easily. Salt has natural antibacterial properties. Dissolve some salt in warm water, spray it onto the mold, and let it dry in the sun if possible.

9. Oils Blend

A mixture of clove oil, eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil in water can help eliminate mold while leaving a fresh odor. Spray the mixture onto moldy areas and let it dry.

10. Proper Ventilation and Sunlight

Natural sunlight is the best way to reduce moisture. Open windows, increase ventilation, and let the sun naturally kill mold in affected areas.

All these natural mold cleaners are safe, environment-friendly, and have no side effects. Today, many mold remediation solutions are available in the market, but they contain highly toxic chemicals. Such chemical products can be harmful to children and pets.

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Takeaway

Molds can grow anywhere in your house, inside or outside. Identifying mold infestations at the initial stage helps you control them effectively using DIY solutions. But, sometimes, the infestation could be larger. According to the EPA- ‘If the mold-infested area is larger than 10 square feet, you must call a professional mold removal team for help.’

It’s better to contact a mold abatement if you don’t have time to apply DIY techniques, are facing recurring mold problems, or are experiencing regular allergies.

Read More About:

  1. Hidden Mold Dangers: Should You Test Before Buying a House?
  2. Tips to Prevent Mold Growth After Fire Debris Cleanup
  3. Basement Mold Control: Expert Tips on Removal and Prevention
  4. How to Prevent Mold in Shower or Bathroom?

JM Environmental Inc. Provides the Best Mold Remediation & Abatement in Stockton

If you are looking for a trusted mold abatement in Stockton, we at JM Environmental are at your service. We are experienced and trusted in the Hazardous Materials Abatement and Demolition Industry. We have over 30 years of providing exceptional services to our clients.

We remove the mold contamination, clean it, and decontaminate the other components to eliminate mold from your house permanently. Our services include mold removal, asbestos removal, demolition, fire debris removal, lead removal, and decontamination.

Contact us for clean and hygienic surroundings. Call us at 866-726-0304 to get a free estimate.