How To Get Rid Of Mold in Your Ann Arbor, Michigan Home
Every household has to deal with a mold problem at one time or another. This commonly appears in old houses but also shows up in new houses. Mold can grow on walls, furniture, and even in our food cupboards and on our clothes. This inconvenience is not only ugly and smelly but it is also harmful.
For mold to form in a house, two conditions must be met: a suitable temperature, between 2°C and 40°C, and a fairly high humidity level (65%). This is why mold tends to show up first in wet areas such as bathrooms. Its favorite places are tile joints (black mold) and plaster (white mold).
Mold Is a Health Hazard
It is often for aesthetic reasons that mold bothers us. However, what poses a real problem is the risk they represent to our health. We spend a lot of time in our homes, so the air we breathe must be clean and fresh.
Mold can cause serious respiratory problems. Respiratory allergies have a higher level of infections – especially in children, the elderly, or people with asthma. In addition, mold can cause headaches and chronic fatigue.
We’ve come across numerous homes with mold issues in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and most homeowners don’t know exactly how to clear or prevent mold from recurring. If you’re in such a situation, here are some handy tips you should follow.
How to Get Rid of Mold
For the majority of surfaces (walls, woodwork, etc.), a simple mixture of water and white vinegar, in equal parts, is generally effective. Simply spray the surface with a spray bottle and leave for several hours before wiping with a dry cloth (do not scrub with a brush here).
A few attempts may be necessary to eliminate any presence of fungi. Drops of lemon juice or essential oil of lavender can be added to the mixture, in small quantities, to give it a more pleasant smell.
Mold in Carpet
Depending on the mold type and severity in most situations it may be best to replace any carpet that had built up mold. However if it is a situation that can be remedied by a local Ann Arbor based carpet cleaning service then that may be a viable options that is more cost effective.
For bathroom tiles
To get rid of the mold that often forms on the joints of the tiles in the tub or shower, simply mix a glass of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Brush the surface with the mixture, leave on for at least 10 minutes, then rinse.
This operation can be repeated several times a year.
For fabrics
If your curtains, blankets, or pillows have only been mildly affected by mold and you want to save them, you can make a safe cleanser
by mixing toothpaste with a packet of store-bought instant yeast. Scrub stains with a soft-bristled toothbrush before putting the fabrics in the washing machine.
Mold In Cellars And Basements
Mold can also be found in underground cellars where the temperatures are much colder and the air can be very humid. Old and poorly maintained buildings are also more prone to mold. Cellars and basements are therefore not suitable for storing sensitive materials such as cardboard or clothing. Otherwise, a special ventilation system must be installed.
If the mold is in the walls or ceilings, it may be due to an insulation problem, leaking pipes, or structural problems in your house.
Some times home owners who have carpet in their basement thats been effected by mold will will need to have a professional carpet cleaning company come and steam cleaning all rugs and carpeted areas.
If the surfaces affected are large (more than 1 square meter), difficult to clean, or if the mold returns after a good cleaning, we recommend calling in a professional home cleaning service for some help. In this situation, often the problem will need more than just a simple routine cleaning.
Whatever the situation, the main thing is not to wait for long before reacting to the presence of mold. Early intervention prevents further damage to your home and the health of your family members.