How to Get Rid of Mold From Your Home Interior in Ottawa, Ontario
Mold has been quite a nuisance for many homeowners in Ottawa, Ontario.
It can strike anywhere you live. Sometimes you see it, other times not.
In this article, we will be sharing some tips on how to get rid of mold from your home interior in Ottawa, Ontario.
Here you go;
Keep it Dry
Be aware that mold is mainly caused by humidity –it is a moisture problem.
If you clean your mold but don’t fix your humidity problem, you’re only inviting the mold to come back later.
Clean and dry wet areas within 24 hours to prevent mold from returning.
Mold often appears in bathrooms (because of showers) and in kitchens (because of sinks).
Be sure to wipe off excess water on your sinks and open your bathroom windows after taking your shower.
Call a Professional.
If you are dealing with a large mold coverage (more than one square meter) it is best to call a professional to remove it and clean the stain.
A professional will use very powerful cleaning agents and will wear suitable protection against any inhalation.
Get Rid Of Porous Or Absorbent Materials.
Absorbent and porous materials, such as porous plaster or tiles, may need to be discarded if mold damage is severe.
Mold can fill the pores and tiny cracks in these materials, making it difficult to fully remove the mold.
In this case, cleaning the mold will only temporarily stop it.
If you have a carpet installed in the room that has mold infection, have it removed and professionally cleaned before installing it back.
Do Not Paint Or Apply Sealant On A Moldy Surface.
Paint or sealant will not adhere well to surfaces such as moldy walls and woodwork.
Be sure to thoroughly dry and disinfect moldy areas before painting or applying the sealant.
Wipe off any moisture and wait a day or two before applying the product, as a precaution.
When Cleaning, Wear Suitable Equipment.
Mold contains spores that spread through the air and it’s important to wear suitable protection when cleaning a moldy surface.
In most cases, these molds are harmless, but some could pose a health risk.
Be sure to wear the following;
• An N-95 breathing mask. These masks are available at hardware stores and are inexpensive.
• Protective glasses to protect your eyes from contact with spores.
• Gloves.
Different Cleaning Solutions You Could Use
1. A mixture of bleach and hot water
Mix one cup of bleach for 4 liters of hot water. Take a stiff brush, immerse it in the solution and scrub the mold stain. Then make sure to dry the surface as best as possible.
For hard to reach places, put the bleach solution in a small spray bottle. Spray the bleach solution directly on the mold, then scrub with the brush mounted on some handle.
This solution should preferably be used for mold present in bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms tiled or covered with non-porous surfaces.
Bleach is very effective in killing mold and fungi. The active ingredient in bleach, sodium hypochlorite, is also the main ingredient in many anti-mold products.
2. Vinegar
Pour white or undiluted cider vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the area to be treated and brush vigorously with a brush.
Dry the area completely.
Use the vinegar solution only on non-porous surfaces, such as tiles and especially not on wood.
Unlike bleach, vinegar is not toxic and does not give off harmful vapor.
3. Use A Borax Solution
Mix about 1 cup of borax in 4 liters of hot water. Dip a brush into the solution and scrub the mold vigorously.
Wipe off excess product with a clean cloth.
Use borax only on non-porous surfaces. Tile floors in bathrooms and kitchens are more resistant to borax than wood.
Although borax is toxic when ingested, it is a natural cleaner that does not release toxic fumes and often doesn’t contain additional chemicals.
It is effective both in killing existing molds and in preventing them from reappearing.
The Bottom Line
Mold infection in a home is a delicate situation that needs to be handled with care and professionalism.
As earlier mentioned, you need to start by addressing the moisture problem before getting rid of the mold.
Once the mold has been removed from your walls, cabinets, or woodwork, you can now go ahead and repaint or re-stain the surface.
If you need professional help repainting or re-staining your home interior and restoring the mold damage, our team at Millers Painting Company can help.
We offer high-quality residential and commercial painting services in Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven and Westboro areas of Ottawa, Ontario.
To get started with us, book a FREE estimate or call us on 613-979-5435.
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