We have previously discussed the dangers of mold and mildew as well as some steps you can take to prevent them from growing. We probably scared you more than a little, but that is okay. Mold and mildew can be a major problem. If you happened to find some mold or mildew growth after reading our last blog, you are probably going to be more than ready to start cleaning it up! Today we will go over some quick and easy tips for cleaning up mold and mildew.
First Things First
Before you put on your yellow rubber cleaning gloves and strap on a pair of ridiculous goggles take a look at the patch of mold you are about to start cleaning. How big is it? As a general rule, if the growth is less than 10 square feet (about 3 feet by 3 feet) you should be perfectly capable of cleaning it up. If it is larger than that, you are probably going to want to enlist the help of a professional.
An Easy Go-To
Bleach is an incredible cleaner. Start off by mixing bleach with warm water in a large bucket. You should use approximately one cup of bleach for every gallon of water. Mix it thoroughly, and get ready to start cleaning! Use a medium-bristled brush for best results. Scrub with force and make sure every bit of mold has been removed from the surface. Once you are sure all the mold has been cleaned way, you need to start drying the surface off. Start with towels and finish with a hairdryer. This is an important step. You don’t want to leave any moisture behind otherwise mold might just start growing all over again.
A Good Alternative
Vinegar is a great cleaner if you are removing mold from a non-porous surface. Spray an undiluted solution over a surface and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a wet, medium-bristled brush to start scrubbing. Vinegar is non-toxic which makes it a great alternative to bleach. It also means it is only about 80 percent effective at kill mold, so keep an eye out for return growths.