Effective ways to get rid of mold in corners and damp places at home

Mold grows on any wet or damp surface, resulting in dark green stains on walls and wood floors, black spots in the bathroom, or spores on clothes. Before tackling any mold issue at home, always wear a pair of goggles, rubber gloves, and a face shield to protect yourself from the fungus, then follow these steps.

How to prevent mold growth at home?

Mold in the corners of the house

It’s always best to stop mold growth before it starts by controlling the humidity inside your home, i.e. fixing water leaks, buying a dehumidifier, or properly ventilating your home. The following measures work:

• Open doors and windows while showering, as well as the shower stall and clean it.
• Use a cleaning solution suitable for tiles and plastic curtains to save your shower from unsightly mold stains.
• The best way to treat mold is to spray an equal amount of bleach and water directly onto concrete floors or baseboards, using a scrubbing brush, moving in a circular motion to remove the mold stains. Then, rinse the area with clean water and dry it.
• If you notice mold on gypsum board walls or ceilings, use dishwashing liquid, a sponge or brush to apply the solution in small circular motions, rinse afterward, and dry. Then, mix the equivalent of three-quarters of a cup of chlorine bleach with a gallon of warm water, or 3 tablespoons of bleach with a quart of water for smaller stains, scrub, rinse, and air dry.

How to remove mold from wood?

In areas with high humidity and poor ventilation, such as: kitchen, bathroom, or basement, a homeowner may discover mold on cabinets, dressers, furniture, or wood paneling. The following steps can help:

1. Vacuum up any germs, using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency air filter, after putting on your protective gear (goggles, gloves). Make sure the area is well ventilated.
2. Then, wet a sponge with a soapy solution, consisting of a few drops of dishwashing liquid and a little water, and wipe the solution on the surface, using a sponge, being careful not to saturate the wood, then rub gently to remove the mold stains.
3. Rinse, using a clean, damp cloth, by dipping the cloth in pure water and squeezing it well, wipe the surface clean.
4. Follow up with a clean, dry cloth. The wood shouldn’t stay wet for too long, which can damage the finish, so work quickly, wiping away any remaining moisture.

How to get rid of mold on fabric?

When stored clothes, towels or fabrics are exposed to moisture or wetness for a long time, mold can appear and spread. Follow these steps when you notice mold on machine-washable fabrics:

• Remove excess mold first, taking the item outside to prevent excess mold spores from entering your home, and put on protective gear; gently move a dry cloth, brush, or paper towel back and forth, several times, over the area to remove any mold from the surface.
• Treat stains with liquid laundry detergent; rub a drop or two with your gloved fingers. Next, machine wash the item on the highest temperature setting that is safe for the fabric, adding chlorine bleach or other bleach as specified in the item’s care instructions.
• Air dry the garment, away from the use of a machine dryer, to make sure the mold stains are removed.