Removing Mold on Bathroom Cupboards

March 25, 2011 · Posted in Cleaning · Comment 

As all homeowners know, mildew is a mold that can grow on different surfaces and fixtures such as sinks, faucets, wooden appliances, walls, ceilings, cupboards, carpet and tapestries. Mildew can be dangerous because it is known to cause respiratory conditions and neurological issues. It is especially harmful for people who suffer from asthma. Besides causing illnesses, mold can ruin the appearance of household objects. Because it thrives in moist environments, the fungus commonly develops on bathroom cupboards. Thankfully, there are a few ways to remove mold from any surface.

A combination of warm water and bleach can be used as an effective cleaning solution. Along with this solution, latex paint, a vacuum with the brush attachments, face masks and safety glasses are used in the process. Sometimes, mold can be resistant to this solution, and in this case, using a stronger commercial solution may be necessary. On the other hand, bleach and water is usually sufficient. There are several steps to eliminating mildew.

• First, it is important to wear a mask and goggles for protection.

• Next, use the bleach solution to clean the surface. For a bathroom cupboard, use a brush to gently scrub the area, and wait 20 minutes. A fan can be used to help the solution dry faster.

• After that, use the vacuum brush attachment. Rotate it in circles, and the mold should loosen and come off easily.

• To prevent warping, remember not to soak the wood.

• For the last step, apply a mold-proof latex paint to the cupboard.

Mold spores are carried by the wind from one place to another. These spores land in moist areas and grow into mold. It is easy to understand how impossible it can be to prevent the growth of mold. However, there are effective methods for handling an infestation such as the cleaning technique discussed here.

Steps For Efficient Black Mold Removal

July 28, 2010 · Posted in Cleaning · Comment 

Given the detrimental health effects on a home’s environment and its occupants, the need for black mold removal becomes all the more essential. If left untreated, mold can indeed spread quickly and be harmful, particularly to people prone to allergies. The very first sign that reveals the presence of mold is the musty odor emanating from an area of a room affected by it. Such areas are usually those that are susceptible to humidity and dampness, bathrooms and basements in particular.

The first step after experiencing any unpleasant smell of mold is to identify the affected areas. You must know that places like counter tops, ceilings, walls and floors of bathrooms and basements are most likely to be affected by mold formation, given their susceptibility to moisture over time. Moreover, mold also occurs in cracks, crevices and some inaccessible places, and will therefore be difficult to detect visually.

The second step is to search for an efficient, do-it-yourself testing kit. Finding one is easy as there are several affordable options available in the market. They are quite easy to use and effective, too. These mold removal products are specially formulated for treating and eliminating black mold. However, prior to using any of these products, it is crucially important to make sure that the areas affected by mold are well ventilated.

The third step is to determine which method or cleaning product will be most suitable and effective. For example, small mold-affected areas will need no more than a scrub down with bleach and water. For larger areas, especially those where mold is hard to remove, a high quality and strong mold removing product will do the job well.

Before starting any black mold removal work, make sure you have a set of rubber gloves and a face mask on hand. A thorough check of the safety instructions printed on the product will be essential, too.

A Mold Inspection Is Not Just For Your Home

January 12, 2010 · Posted in Cleaning · Comment 

Mold inspection shouldn’t just happen in your home. I learned this the hard way not too long ago while grocery shopping. Without giving things a second thought I did my usual shopping never considering that mold could be lurking in the foods I’d purchased. But after putting away groceries, I noticed that the package of beef jerky I’d bought contained moldy growth!

My first thought was that the jerky had expired, but when I checked the date it hadn’t. Then I wondered if the product had been tampered with and opened, but it wasn’t. So my next thought was moisture or air had somehow gotten into the package before it was sealed and the grocery store never noticed the mold since the growth probably hadn’t occurred until after it was put on the store shelf.

Still, the store needed to know so I took my fungus found purchase back and luckily they offered a refund and an apology right on the spot. Of course I would think that all stores would handle things in such a positive manner, but there’s bound to be a few who won’t.

So in order to avoid a future issue, I’ve learned it’s always a good idea to look over your purchases before you toss them in the shopping cart. You may also want to ask the manager of the store what the policy is for returning contaminated items. Does it need to be returned the very same day or can you wait a few days before you return it?

If you’ve returned the moldy item in a reasonable amount of time and they still won’t budge, you should contact the manufacturer of the product for a refund. Be prepared to send them a store receipt for proof of purchase as well as the item that has the mold infection on it.

You should also keep in mind that mold inspection should never just stop at the grocery store. Convenient stores, fast food places and restaurants can all easily become a victim of mold growth.