When considering buying a mold cleaner, it is important to find one that is designed for use outdoors. Mold needs moisture, so using an outdoor cleaner means the solution will need to be reapplied frequently. Mold cleaners that are specifically designed to kill mold and are used outside should also be made of chemicals that evaporate quickly. Choosing the right mold cleaner is an art that requires some time and knowledge. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you choose your mold killer.
Choose the Mold Cleaner With Care: Choosing the right mold cleaner requires some time. Check the label carefully as many products contain solvents and alcohol that can react negatively with certain types of wood, and may even strip paint. Solvents work best in low humidity conditions and are not in direct contact with high temperatures. Alcohols are generally better for drying mold. If possible, try to find a cleaner that is both chemical-free and contains no solvents or alcohol.
Mold Cleaner for Surfaces: Choose a product that can be used on all types of surfaces, including painted and textured surfaces. Many products are meant to be used on hard surfaces, but they can strip paint quickly and release toxic fumes. There are also a variety of cleaners for mold removal that are designed for use on painted and textured surfaces. These products are best for reducing existing mold stains. If the material is already damaged, they are not likely to cause more problems.
Do Not Use Bleach: The chemical bleach can be damaging if used on surfaces without protection. For surfaces that can handle bleach, it is often safe to use a mild commercial cleaner. A natural mold remediation product containing bleach can help to kill mold cleanup mold and restore surfaces to their former clean appearance. However, the cost of bleach may be unaffordable for many businesses.
Odors and Smells: Many cleaners contain some odor eliminators. However, odors and strong smell can create additional health problems for people working in an environment contaminated with mold. Some odors can mask or obscure existing mold stains. Effective mold cleaner should remove all existing smells and any smelly odors.
Mold Residue on Surfaces: It is not enough to simply spray the material on surfaces. If the material is left to dry on its own, the moisture could damage the surface. Therefore, mold cleaners should be applied right before the material is sprayed. The spray can be spread on surfaces that need to be cleaned, such as ductwork, and allowed to dry naturally. Mold removal professionals can use special sprays to lift stubborn stains and odors.
When using a bathroom mold cleaner, it is important to consider health issues. Mold spores can cause a wide range of respiratory health issues, from mild to severe. Therefore, a high-quality remover should be designed to work gently with minimal irritation to people’s lungs and avoid breathing in spores.
Mold remediation professionals recommend that if possible, the material should be removed before it begins to grow. Mold growth occurs due to spores released during remediation. If the spores are released during the remediation process, most mold remediation experts agree that it is necessary to prevent mold from growing back again. Mold spores will stay dormant for a period of time and if this period is not long enough, the spores will come back to the surface, ready to cause another problem.
Most offline mold cleaners will only clean the affected surfaces, such as tiles, wallboard, or floors. Mold spores are very tiny and they can easily penetrate cracks, gaps, or even the most resilient of building materials. In fact, some types of wood will not even float in water. Mold experts recommend that all surfaces are cleaned with the highest quality of disinfectant before any work can begin. The disinfectant should kill any remaining spores and prevent them from returning.
Another issue with using vinegar to remove mold is that if the cleaning agent has not been properly neutralized, it will actually weaken the surface over time. For example, if vinegar is heavily diluted with water, it will leave a porous surface that is easily damaged by acids. When using vinegar to clean molds, never use straight vinegar – always mix one part bleach to six parts water. For surfaces that do not have any protective coatings, or where the protective coating has already been compromised, the level of bleach needed can be lowered significantly.
A third issue is that most homeowners don’t understand how mold can spread when the walls are wet. In fact, there are a few scenarios where it is especially dangerous to allow mold to grow. For example, mold can grow in the bathroom near the toilet or shower and can also be present in the laundry room. Mold spores are also present in the air and on surfaces in the garage. It is possible to get rid of mold without ever exposing your family to the dangers of mold – however, you must follow the procedures laid out by your professional mold removal company. While cleaning molds might seem like a simplistic idea, being careless in the process could make the problem worse in the long run.