Mold is a problem that many homes suffer from. Beyond their unsightly appearance, molds cause respiratory allergies, especially when their spores are inhaled. However, there are simple and effective solutions to defeat these microscopic fungi, without using toxic products, such as bleach. Discover these 4 homemade solutions to permanently eliminate mold from walls.
Molds affect damp and poorly ventilated places. They are recognized by their smell that is close to mold, and by the presence of black or greenish spots. Mold can affect walls, but also ceilings and window edges.
How to permanently eliminate mold on walls?
- White vinegar
This natural household product is very popular for house maintenance and mold removal. You can use it without fear on all the walls of your house, since it does not emit toxic fumes. Simply pour the white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it on the mold-affected walls. Leave it on for 5 minutes and clean the walls with a microfiber cloth.
- Tea tree essential oil
This essential oil is effective in combating mold thanks to its antifungal properties. To do this, mix 100 ml of white vinegar with 12 drops of tea tree essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the walls, let it sit for an hour, and wipe it off with a dry cloth. If the stains are persistent, renew the operation by adding a few drops of lemon juice to your bottle, which is also a natural fungicide. Then ventilate the room to eliminate the smell of the solution and dry the walls well.
- Sodium bicarbonate
This essential cleaning product is very effective in cleaning walls from mold stains. To do this, mix 200 ml of water with a tablespoon of baking soda in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle well and spray the solution on the areas to be treated. Then scrub the stains with a sponge or an old toothbrush. Do not hesitate to repeat this operation in case of difficult stains. For stubborn stains, feel free to re-wet them with this solution. Leave the solution on the wall for a few minutes and rinse with a damp towel. Ventilate the room to dry the walls, since humidity is the cause of mold.
- Hydrogen peroxide
Thanks to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, hydrogen peroxide eliminates mold without harming the environment and without leaving toxic residues. However, it is a corrosive product, so handle it with care. Its use is simple. Simply spray this product on the mold-affected wall areas. Let it sit for a few minutes and wipe the wall with a clean cloth.
How to avoid mold on walls?
After removing traces of mold on your walls, it is important to take appropriate measures to avoid humidity problems that cause the development of these microscopic fungi. Keep in mind that excess moisture not only causes mold, but also damages walls. In fact, when a wall is wet, the paint crumbles and the wallpaper is damaged and peels off.
For this reason, it is recommended ventilate the house daily , to renew the air inside, eliminate excess humidity and avoid .use a dehumidifier . If the humidity in your home is high, you can the condensation that forms on the windows
Also check if you have any water leaks. In fact, water leaks from pipes or appliances, such as the dishwasher or washing machine, encourage humidity in the walls. Also check if there are no water leaks in the walls. Given that the structure of the walls is porous , moisture easily infiltrates from the outside, especially if the insulation of the house is deficient. This in effect reduces the impermeability of the walls.
Also, if you have a cellar, don’t forget to see if it has any capillary rise. This means the rise of moisture from the basement, or even from the floor, towards the walls.
Thanks to these 4 tips, you will effectively and permanently eliminate the mold that damages your walls and irritates your lungs.