5 mistakes we most often make when removing mold

Mold in the house, including black mold, appears for two reasons: poor ventilation and high humidity in the room. It is always unpleasant to discover such a phenomenon when cleaning, and naturally, in this case, you want to remove the mold stain immediately.

"This is a perfectly normal reaction," Tom's Guide writes, "but getting rid of the fungus is not so easy. Moreover, if you don't know how to do it right, it's best not to take the initiative so as not to make the situation worse.

Here are the 5 most common mold removal mistakes that will do you more harm than good.

Do not spray bleach on mold

While it may seem tempting to spray moldy walls or surfaces with bleach, it's actually the wrong decision. Bleach is a reliable tool for removing the toughest stains, but it is unfortunately powerless against mold.

Despite the visual reduction of the contaminated area, mold spores still take root in the material (especially porous ones), meaning that the problem remains inside the wall. What to do in this situation?

In this case, diluted white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle will be more effective. Alternatively, the mold can be removed with dish soap, warm water, and a brush, then rinsed and dried with a microfiber cloth.

Do not paint over mold

If you find a mold stain ruining your beautiful wall, don't get out the brush and paint to cover it up.

Even though there are "mold-resistant" paints, applying them to an infected surface will not kill the fungus. Its spores will live and grow under a fresh coat of paint, leading to even more problems.

Do not use a rag that has been used to wipe off mold

One of the most common mistakes when removing mold is to use the same rag to remove it and clean the house. In this case, you will only help the fungus to spread faster.

Tip: It's better not to use a rag at all but take paper towels that can be easily disposed of.

Don't ignore the root cause of mold

Mold problems occur in rooms with high humidity and poor ventilation. And in this case, prevention of the problem is a guarantee of its solution.

In particular, preparing our homes for winter by sealing windows and cracks or using stoves can inadvertently cause excessive condensation, which will lead to mold growth.

In addition, when it is cold outside, we try not to open the windows and thus create an opportunity for excessive moisture to accumulate.

Tip: Despite the cold, open windows or doors several times a week to let in fresh air and ventilate the room.

You can also use exhaust fans, especially in the bathroom, basement, or kitchen.

Don't ignore protective equipment

It may seem extreme when it comes to working in the home, but some types of mold are very toxic. In addition, mold spores can spread through the air during cleaning and pose a serious health risk.

This is especially important if there are small children in the house or people with respiratory diseases and a weakened immune system.