How to get rid of mold in the apartment?
There is mold in almost every home, someone tries to fight it and succeeds, but someone gets bored with it and simply hides it behind new wallpaper or furniture, which is extremely wrong, since household mold causes a number of unpleasant and dangerous diseases. Today we want to tell you where mold comes from and why it is dangerous.
Mold is a visually distinguishable plaque that is formed as a result of the vital activity of microscopic fungi. They adapt to many conditions – for example, they are often found on stale products.
But if spoiled food can be thrown away, then with a fungus on the walls, floor and ceiling, everything is more difficult. The fact is that mold is a mycelium that grows much deeper than visible surfaces, and simple cleaning will not be enough. Cleaning house in Calgary is definitely needed here.
The ideal conditions for the appearance and development of mold is dampness. As a rule, its origin is promoted by a temperature of about 20 degrees in combination with humidity above 70%. In other conditions, microscopic spores of the fungus may be present in the air, but do little harm. Reproduction is activated when they enter a humid environment. The fungus does not immediately cover the surface of the apartment; in the initial stages, it can be identified by the specific smell of dampness. And then it’s worth taking the time to find the source. The sooner you get rid of the mold, the less likely it is to multiply, capturing new areas of the apartment.
Mold can be caused by:
- improper laying of walls, insulation, insulation during house construction or repair;
- freezing of the wall;
- poor ventilation in the room;
- inappropriate use of humidifiers;
- breeding tropical plants in large quantities, not suitable for the dimensions of the room;
- daily drying in a large amount of laundry after washing in the room.
What diseases can be caused by mold?
- Mold spores are the strongest allergen for the body. They can cause rhinitis, pharyngitis, as well as symptoms of pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma attacks.
- Under the influence of this fungus, the human immunity decreases.
- In addition, mold leads to skin diseases – dermatitis and various inflammations.
- Those types of fungus that appear in apartments are dangerous, since the products of their metabolism are strong poisons. They can lead to poisoning, the development of liver and lung cancer, cardiovascular pathology, damage to the central nervous system and cerebral edema.
For this reason, Calgary cleaning is really in demand and very relevant.
Mold removal methods
Folk methods of combating mold involve the use of such means as:
Ammonia – helps to get rid of the fungus that has settled on non-porous surfaces – tiles, glass, plastic products. Ammonia is mixed with water in a ratio of 1:1, applied to the affected surface with a spray gun, and after 1-2 hours the solution is removed with a damp sponge.
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antifungal and antibacterial agent that is non-toxic and does not have an unpleasant odor. Peroxide is applied undiluted to surfaces affected by mold, and then washed off with a damp cloth.
Citric acid is a remedy that is effective against any type of mold. It is necessary to dilute 1 tbsp. acid in 200 ml of water (1 glass), apply the solution to the surface with a sprayer or sponge and leave for 15-30 minutes. Rinse after.
Essential oils. Many essential oils are used for more than just aromatherapy. Essences have antiseptic and deodorizing properties, repel insects and help get rid of mold. Tea tree, rosemary, and lavender oils are natural fungicides that quickly clear fungal spores and prevent them from reappearing. Mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with 200 ml of pure water, shake well in a sealed container. Spray the product on the moldy area, leave to dry for an hour. Then wipe the surface with a dry towel or microfiber cloth. Some essential oils irritate the skin, so gloves are recommended.
Baking soda. Baking soda has many benefits in home use and is an excellent cleaner and disinfectant. It is safe for children and pets, so it is often included in professional cleaning products. In addition to removing mold, baking soda is great at absorbing odors and moisture. Mix half a tablespoon of soda with 0.5 liters of water and shake in a spray bottle. Spray the composition on the areas affected by mold, remove plaque with a brush and rinse with water. After that, apply the soda solution again and leave to dry. This method allows you to destroy the remaining mold and prevent the appearance of a new one.
Also in stores you can buy various products for removing mold from different types of surfaces (oil paint, wallpaper, tiles, the inside of a washing machine, etc.).
But you must understand that only a specialist who has taken on similar work more than once will be able to choose the right tool and technique for using it. And in principle, it simply does not make sense for you to waste time trying to figure out all the intricacies and nuances of cleaning an apartment and creating comfortable living conditions in it – leave a request to our specialists (Cleaning in Calgary) and they will do everything as quickly and efficiently as possible. You just have to check the work. We also offer window cleaning in Calgary services.