How to clean mold off walls

Are you getting uncomfortable because of those moldy walls throughout your house? If you are, worry no more, as here is a solution. Having lived in a humid region for most of my life, dealing with moldy walls was generally the order of the day around our homes. As the saying goes, that experience is the best teacher; being in this situation helped me learn several techniques to clean off mold from walls. Read on!

What causes mold on walls?

The significant causes of mold on any surface are humidity, water leaks, and condensation. When moist air comes into contact with a much cooler character, the humid air condenses to that surface. Mold is reproduced with the aid of tiny spores which roam in the air. When such spores land on this moist surface, they immediately start to multiply hence the growth of mold on the wall. Humid areas are especially more affected by moldy walls than other regions. However, this should not be a call for alarm as there are many easy ways to remove mold on walls.

Ways of cleaning mold off walls

Cleaning the mold of walls is an exemplary process that needs to be carried out with caution. Also, different painted or wallpapered walls are handled differently from other walls. The various ways of removing mold off walls include:

• Removing molds off bathroom walls- To clean molds off bathroom walls, apply chlorine bleach to the affected area and let it sit for half an hour. Scrub it off with a stiff brush and rinse it with lukewarm water. If you opt for a natural way, vinegar can also get the job done by spraying the affected areas, letting it sit for a short period, then scrubbing it off. Repeat this process until there is no more mold left.
• Removing mold off painted walls-Cleaning molds from painted or wallpapered walls can be quickly done by mixing white vinegar and borax into a bowl of warm water. Shake this mixture well and put it in a spray can. Spray the affected area, and scrub using a stiff brush until all the mold comes off.

When cleaning off mold, preventive methods should be taken as some types of mold are harmful to your body and can cause respiratory problems. Also, use hand gloves when cleaning, as bleach is a corrosive substance. If the mold is in excess, consider calling a professional to help you do it.

How to prevent mold from forming on walls

There are various ways that you can use to keep mold at bay in your house. They include:

• Regularly checking on the humidity levels -Too much humidity leads to excess moisture, which is a perfect breeding ground for molds. The average humidity for a house ranges between 35% and 50%, and since it is not easy to control humidity naturally, getting a dehumidifier can help immensely.
• Improved ventilation -Daily activities that run in the house, like cooking, bathing, and ironing, increase hot air in the vicinity. To regulate this, you can open the windows and doors for increased air circulation.
• Drying wet walls-Walls tend to get wet due to leakages, or wet materials are perfect breeding grounds for molds if they are not instantly dried off. Such walls should be fixed immediately to prevent a mold hazard in your house.

Conclusion

Having molded walls in your house not only alters the look of your home but also poses a health threat. Therefore, it is essential to always be on the lookout for mold, clean it and apply preventive measures that curb its growth.

FAQs

Can mold make you sick?

Yes. Inhaling or touching mold can cause both allergic and respiratory illnesses.