Mold (mold) is a fungus that thrives in humid environments. It usually grows in damp areas of your home, such as basements and leaks.
In Europe, North America, Australia, Japan, and India, approximately 10% to 50% of households have serious mold problems. Inhaling mold spores from inside and outside the home can cause health problems such as asthma, allergies, and breathing problems.
Many household products can be used to remove mold from the home. You may already have one of these products in your medicine cabinet, namely hydrogen peroxide.
Read on to find out when you can use hydrogen peroxide to remove mold and when it is best to seek professional help.
Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to disinfect open wounds because of its antibacterial properties. Studies have found that hydrogen peroxide has the potential to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi and mold spores.
When applied to these microorganisms, hydrogen peroxide kills them by breaking down their basic components such as protein and DNA.
In a 2013 study, researchers tested the potential of hydrogen peroxide to inhibit the growth of six common family fungi.
The researchers concluded that hydrogen peroxide (along with bleach, 70% isopropanol, and two commercial products) has the potential to inhibit the growth of fungi on solid surfaces, but it is unlikely to be effective at killing mold on porous surfaces.
When mold penetrates into porous surfaces such as wood, ceiling tiles, and fabrics, the surfaces need to be replaced.
As we mentioned, hydrogen peroxide is unlikely to inhibit the growth of mold on porous surfaces such as fabrics and wood. If you find mold on bath towels, wooden walls, or other porous surfaces, you need to safely discard the object or surface according to local disposal rules.
Hydrogen peroxide is generally safe on solid surfaces and even on most synthetic fabrics. To avoid accidental bleaching, make sure to remove all hydrogen peroxide after you finish cleaning the mold.
When cleaning mold at home, it is best to wear protective gloves, goggles and a mask to prevent contact with mold spores.
Hydrogen peroxide is just one of many household ingredients you can use to clean mold. Using vinegar is another effective way to clean mold in your home.
As we all know, hydrogen peroxide reacts with vinegar to produce peracetic acid, which is a toxic substance that can irritate your eyes, skin or lungs.
Many people use bleach to remove mold from their homes. Although bleach can effectively remove mold on solid surfaces, prolonged exposure to bleach fumes can irritate your eyes, lungs and skin. People with asthma or respiratory diseases are particularly susceptible to these fumes.
Tea tree oil is an extract of a small tree called Melaleuca alterniflora. The oil contains an antibacterial chemical called terpinen-4-ol, which can inhibit the growth of fungi.
A 2015 study found that tea tree oil was more effective than alcohol, vinegar, and two commercial detergents at inhibiting the growth of two common molds.
To use tea tree oil, try mixing a teaspoon of oil with about a cup of water or a cup of vinegar. Spray it directly on the mold and let it stand for one hour before scrubbing.
Household vinegar usually contains about 5% to 8% acetic acid, which may kill certain types of mold by disrupting the pH balance of the mold.
To use vinegar to kill mold, you can spray undiluted white vinegar on the moldy area, let it sit for about 1 hour, and then clean it.
It is well known that baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has antibacterial properties and has the potential to kill bacteria, fungi and other small organisms. A 2017 study found that baking soda can inhibit the growth of mold on hazelnuts.
Try mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with a glass of water and spray it on a piece of mold in your home. Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes.
Grapefruit seed oil contains many compounds, including citric acid and flavonoids, which can kill household mold.
A 2019 study found that grapefruit seed oil can effectively remove a fungus called Candida albicans in dentures.
Try putting 10 drops of the extract in a glass of water and shaking it vigorously. Spray it on the moldy area and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.
If the moldy area is larger than 10 square feet, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends hiring a professional to clean the mold in your home.
If your air conditioning, heating or ventilation system has mold, you should also hire a professional cleaner.
If you are known to be allergic to mold, or your health may be worsened by inhaling mold, you should avoid cleaning up yourself.
Taking steps to reduce the moisture in your home can help you prevent mold from growing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following measures may help:
You can use hydrogen peroxide to remove mold from solid surfaces in your home. However, if you are dealing with a mold larger than 10 square feet, the EPA recommends calling a professional cleaner.
If you have a mold allergy, breathing problems, or health problems that may be worsened by exposure to mold, you should avoid cleaning up yourself.
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Post time: Sep-03-2021