During the summer months, humidity and lack of ventilation combine to create the perfect environment for mould to grow and thrive in your home…
In light of this rubbish removal experts Clear It Waste have provided their expert tips for banishing mould this summer, including expert advice on preventing mould and keeping your home fresh.
Three top tips for banishing mould this summer:
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Vinegar and Water
A cupboard staple such as white vinegar could be your secret weapon for banishing mould this summer, as it can kill up to 82% of mould species. Simply mix up a solution of 1 part vinegar to 1 part warm water in a spray bottle. Apply this spray to the mould and leave it to work for at least an hour. Once done, simply wipe the vinegar away with a damp cloth, which should remove the mould.
Josh Clarke, Manager at Clear It Waste states: “Most of us will already have some white vinegar in the cupboard, so why not try this low cost method out. Vinegar is a great eco-friendly and budget-friendly cleaner that can help banish mould quickly, however, it may not necessarily be a long-term solution for particularly stubborn mould.”
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Baking Soda
The advantage of using baking soda is that it contains no harmful chemicals, making it harmless to your family and to any pets, as well as no risk of it damaging your property. Simply mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with warm water in a spray bottle, shake and mix well, and spray on the affected area. Leave this to soak for a while, then wipe and rinse off the area.
Josh Clarke advises: “This method is natural and effective, and if you want some added prevention, simply spray the solution onto the area once finished, and allow it to dry naturally. This can help provide a layer of protection to prevent mould from returning quickly. However, if your case of mould is quite severe, this may not be the method for you, due to the lack of chemicals in this formula.”
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Bleach
Bleach can act as a tougher method for removing mould and can be a great way to get rid of light mould stains in bathrooms and on grout. When using this method, it is best to wear protective gloves and keep pets away.
Simply mix one part bleach to four parts water, and wipe/wash the surface with the solution. Afterwards, rinse the area with water to remove any bleach residue, and dry well with a cloth.
Josh Clarke comments: “It is best to only use this method on bathrooms, tiles, and grout to avoid the bleach ruining any colours, paints or wallpaper. However, it can be a great way to remove mould quickly from bathroom surfaces in particular, where mould tends to thrive.”
Three ways to prevent mould this summer:
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Good ventilation
Lack of ventilation can encourage mould to thrive, so ensuring your home is well ventilated is a vital start to preventing mould. Opening windows, utilising extractor fans, and dehumidifiers can all contribute to a well ventilated home.
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Low humidity
Humidity is one of the main causes of mould, so it is essential to make sure that your home isn’t too humid. To do this, you can aim to reduce moisture build up in rooms with condensation problems, as well as using a dehumidifier. These can remove excess moisture from the air, which can help to reduce the level of dampness in a room.
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Clean regularly
This may sound cliche, but it is really key to reducing the risk of mould build up, as mould and dirt/bacteria thrive and grow together. Be particularly attentive to areas where you think mould could be an issue, such as around the bathroom. Cleaning these areas regularly and effectively should help prevent regular mould growth and build up due to the lack of bacteria.
