Moulds and mildews are fungi that grow in warm, moist environments with little ventilation. Enzymes are produced by these microorganisms, allowing them to decompose and consume organic substances. Moulds produce spores, which allow them to spread quickly.
Mould and mildew development on the walls, both inside and outside, is mostly caused by humid circumstances, a lack of ventilation, and plumbing leaks. Heating pipes without sufficient insulation can also cause moisture to build up behind the walls, resulting in mould development.
Moulds are hazardous to your health. But don’t freak out simply because you discovered mould on your walls. You’re safe as long as you know how to remove them and deal with the underlying problem. Follow this simple mould and mildew removal technique.
Investigate
Examine your property for any signs of moisture, wetness, or leaking. If you discover any leaks, attempt to locate the source and stop it. If you are unable to stop the leak on your own, you can call a professional plumber. Moulds and mildews thrive in moisture, thus reducing it will limit their capacity to grow. Clean up any moisture leaks as soon as possible using a dry towel or cloth. Moulds thrive in warm, moist environments.
Drying Out
Only open the windows and ventilate the area if the humidity outside is lower than the humidity within. To avoid hazardous mouldy air, pay special attention to areas with humidity levels of 70% or higher. Invest in a high-quality dehumidifier. If moulds have begun to develop, avoid using fans. Fans may aid in their spread.
How to Remove Moulds and Mildew
Your Safety
- Wear protective eyewear, gloves, and P-100 or N-95 respirators.
- You can wear outdated clothing and shoes that you can either toss away or wash after cleaning.
- To limit the spread of airborne spores, moisten the mouldy regions with a pump sprayer.
- Turn off your air conditioner and furnace, and cover ducts and doors to keep spores at bay.
- Keep the vacuum outside when cleaning mouldy material with a regular wet/dry vacuum.
- Install a low-cost box fan or an old fan in your window to ventilate the space and remove the mouldy air. Because it is difficult to clean, discard the fan after usage. Tape the plywood or cardboard around the window holes to keep spores out.
- Wrap and tape all mouldy stuff in heavy-duty plastic bags or garbage bags, then knot them shut.
Remove Infestations
- Turn off the main power if your wire is damp. Before you restart the electricity, have an electrician inspect your electrical system. You can operate the furnace if the ducts have not been flooded. All damp, soggy, and mouldy objects must be removed, and all infected food products must be discarded. Remove all mouldy carpets, cut off mouldy wall sections, and seal the mouldy area off from the remainder of the home.
- Scrub away all moulds from your bathrooms, siding, and decks with a bleach and water solution or a borax, vinegar, and water solution. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the mouldy debris. After removing all dirt, thoroughly clean the filter, hose, attachments, and tank using either solution.
- Scrub mouldy surfaces using a bleach and water solution (1 quart water and 1/2 cup bleach) or a mixture of 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 teaspoons borax, and 2 cups warm water. Allow the fluid to permeate the surface and dry before attempting to destroy the mould. Scrub the walls with a brush until all traces of mould and mildew are removed. You may clean concrete using automatic dishwashing detergent or a chlorinated cleaner and a brush. When finished, wipe the surface clean. NOTE: DO NOT RINSE THESE SURFACE.
- Set your fans and dehumidifiers to dry the cleansed surfaces for at least three days after you finish cleaning. Re-inspect the area by sight and smell. If you detect any mouldy surfaces, clean them again with the solution.
- After you have thoroughly eradicated the moulds, repaint the walls using a standard latex paint that contains a mildewcide to prevent future mould and mildew growth. Seal the wood surfaces with an oil-based primer or coloured shellac.
Remember! Mold will reappear if moisture returns. As a result, the best approach to avoid mould is to keep your home and possessions dry. Use an effective air purifying system. Maintain a temperature of 69-73° F in your house and a humidity level of 54% or less.
Contact J.O. Plumbing for expert pressure washing services to remove mould and mildew from your exteriors and roof.
