How To Clean Black Mould From Your House/Office

The last thing you want to come home to is bad odour and decaying walls that reek of filth. The growth of mould in your house or office can be extremely annoying and irritating. The black patches peeking from behind the bathroom doors, the dampened wood in the basement, the darkened grout, and the obnoxious smell – all of this not only affects the appearance of your lovely abode but also poses a serious threat to your health.

The presence of this nuisance in the workplace leaves a bad impression on clients, partners and employees. It can demoralise the workforce and reduce their productivity. Mould is hazardous for humans as it releases microscopic mycotoxin spores that can cause many allergic reactions by suppressing the immune system and in worst cases, it can lead to a neurological breakdown.

The reason behind the growth of this menace is moisture which is rampant in bathrooms, kitchen and basement as these spaces are damp, humid and warm. Mould can raise its ugly head in just 24-48 hours if it gets the right conditions to breed. It is the common cause of respiratory illnesses in children and can adversely affect pets. That is why remediation of this potential threat needs professional expertise.

You can hire a company which offers bond cleaning in Australia to get the job done and make your house and office safe and beautiful again. If you have taken it upon yourself to remove the troublemaker, then get ready to get your hands dirty. Here are a few non-toxic ways of cleaning the mould and mildew with easily available products at the supermarket or home. So get set and go.

Preparing For The Crackdown

Use rubber gloves that go up to your elbows to keep your skin safe and wear an N-95 mask or a triple seal respirator mask. Put on a pair of protective glasses without ventilation holes as you will have to do some scraping. Seal the ventilation ducts with plastic sheets and tape and shut down the blower so that the spores do not spread across the property.

If the area is flooded, then get it as dry as possible at least two days prior to starting the remediation work. As a safety precaution, never mix bleach with ammonia-based cleaning products as it can create a toxic gas. Always mix bleach with water for cleaning surfaces.

Going In With The Arsenal

1. Soapy Water

Fill a bucket with water and add some detergent or washing liquid to create mild soapy water. Now dip a rag or thick cloth in the water and start wiping the walls covered with dark and moist patches. Do not brush it off as it can lead to the release of spores in the air.

After you are done wiping, use a dry cloth to absorb all the moisture from the walls and the surrounding area. Make sure to dispose of the rags or materials used to clean the walls. Then clean all the items and floorings in the area to remove the last bit of spores deposited in the room. Some like to use bleach instead of detergent.

However, it can sometimes lead to discolouration of the wall paint. In case you are using bleach, always dilute it and follow the instructions on the package to clean a surface.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar is a mild acid which has the potential to wipe out mould and mildew effectively. To utilise its remedial properties, pour some white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the infected area with vinegar.

Let it stay for about an hour. Now clean the surface with water and let it dry. The odour of vinegar will automatically fade away in a few hours.

3. Baking Soda

The white powdery substance is safe and capable of removing the growth of mould. The additional advantage of using baking soda is that it absorbs moisture from the surface and helps in prevention of an infestation. For an ideal cleaning, you must add one-fourth of a tablespoon of baking soda in a spray bottle filled with water.

Shake it well to dissolve the powder completely. Spray this solution on the infected area or walls then use a scrubbing brush to wipe out the mould.

After finishing the scrubbing, clean the area with water and spray the solution once more. Now let it dry. The second spray will ensure that any residual matter is exterminated and there is no reoccurrence and thus possible health and social impacts of mildew.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide is a mild antibacterial solution which is used in treating skin infections in case of cuts, bruises or burns. It also used in cold sores and gingivitis. It is an oxidiser, antiseptic and a bleaching agent and can remove mould efficiently.

It can be used on a plethora of surfaces such as bathroom floors and fixtures, kitchen appliances, walls and window sills and others. For a thorough clean-up, take 3% concentrated hydrogen peroxide and pour it in a spray bottle. Spray the surface with mould growth and let it sit for approximately ten minutes.

Now scrub the surface to scrape the patches of mould and then wipe it to remove the spores.

Eliminating Chances Of Re-Emergence

Once you have won the battle against mould, you cannot sit back and relax. It tends to re-occur and damage your property. Thus you need to be on your guard and take preventive action. The first step is to keep your house/office dry and install dehumidifiers in basements and bathrooms.

Check for leakage in roofs and walls and prevent window condensation by installing insulated windows. Keep the gutter clean and unclogged and inspect the basement regularly for leaks. The HVAC units should be well-serviced and maintained, and the attached air filters must be of good quality.

Use the bathroom vent fans to keep the area dry after bathing or washing. Examine the hidden spaces regularly for mould growth such as the attic, washing machines, carpets, chimneys, and window sills.

Endnote

To enjoy healthy and happy spaces, make sure that your house or office is always clean and dry. The do-it-yourself cleaning hacks mentioned above can prove helpful in removing mould.

However, if the infestation has grown exponentially, it is better to get professional help. Professional bond cleaners in Australia are adept in destroying the mould and use chemical-free products which do not harm the environment or people.