The War on Mold and Mildew

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Homeowner alert! Autumn is one of the worst times (along with spring rains) when mold and mildew can result from basement leaks, floods or even humidity in your home. Condensation, inadequate roof vents or a lack of ventilation in bathrooms or kitchens can also be problems. Mold and mildew need a few things to grow—a food source like wood, cotton, drywall or plaster, oxygen, darkness and moisture, and time.

Mold and mildew can be hiding in a home—new or old—and it’s not always weather-related. Some people discover this fact when ripping out an old bathtub or shower. While toxic “black” mold is the most serious, any mold or mildew will bring on allergies and upper respiratory problems in adults, children and even pets. 

Sometimes you can’t do anything but call an expert! Livingston County residents can turn to several businesses dedicated to helping homeowners recover and restore their homes after a devastating flood or major mold problem. TCI Restoration Services (Howell and Brighton, 1.800.620.9100 toll-free or email info@tcirestoration.com) is one expert that offers 24-hour emergency service.

For everyday problems, why do most people reach for the bleach? Sure, this product is effective at killing mold and spores on non-porous surfaces like ceramic tile and bathtubs, glass and countertops. Forget it when it comes to wood and drywall! Bleach might kill the surface mold, but it will return—perhaps to a worse degree. Remember, lingering dampness is a main cause for mold and mildew growth.

Ammonia is another toxic chemical some people rely on to kill mold. Again, it’s only effective on non-porous surfaces. NEVER mix bleach and ammonia together! They produce a deadly gas. This combination (mustard gas) was actually used during the two World Wars--it caused horrible  damage to lungs or even death. Use extreme caution when using these products.

What else can you use to battle mold and mildew? Natural cleaning products such as borax, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar and baking soda work well and have less harsh side effects. They’re a better choice when it comes to clothing, rugs and carpets, furniture, walls and vinyl floors.

Borax is a mineral powder—and our grandparents used it in many ways as an insecticide, a herbicide, fungicide and deodorizer as well as a drain and toilet cleaner. You can usually find it in the laundry section of any grocery store. After vacuuming up any loose mold spores, mix one cup borax in a gallon of hot water and scrub the wall or floor surface. Wipe up any excess moisture and let the area dry completely.

Hydrogen peroxide, a natural anti-mold, anti-fungal and anti-viral solution, is a cheap alternative to harsh products. Pour it undiluted into a spray bottle and saturate the clothing, floor, bathroom fixtures, walls, kitchen appliances or whatever surface harbors mold. Wait ten minutes for the product to be effective, then scrub the area and wipe any excess to remove spores. Hydrogen peroxide is also a stain remover, so always spot check fabric to avoid color fading.

Vinegar takes longer than hydrogen peroxide to be effective in cleaning mold. Purchase white distilled vinegar and use it full strength. Spray on the affected surface and let sit for an hour. Then wipe up any excess dampness. The smell may linger but will soon fade.

Who doesn’t keep an open box of baking soda in their refridgerator? Perhaps you only do that because your mother told you to, mainly to absorb odors. But baking soda also helps keep mold from growing. It’s best used with vinegar as a cleaning agent. First dissolve one quarter of a tablespoon in a spray bottle filled with water and use in similar fashion to vinegar.

Or sprinkle on the grout between tiles and then spray with the vinegar solution. Science is amazing to watch! Make sure you wipe up excess and let dry to prevent mold from returning.

Grapefruit seed extract and tea tree oil (derived from Melaleuca Alternifolia) are effective at killing mold, but these products can be expensive. They’re available at health food stores. They can also leave lingering smells that take longer to dissipate.

If you must use toxic products like bleach, keep windows open! Wear goggles, an N-95 mask, rubber gloves and even rubber boots if you’re working in a basement or confined area. Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water and scrub ceramic tile or bathtubs.

A mixture of 50% ammonia and 50% water in a spray bottle is a great glass cleaner for outside windows and can be used on windows that swing inside for easy access. Using plain newspaper or coffee filters will prevent lint from being left behind.

The key is to battle the problem right away. Conquer mold and mildew before they defeat you.

—Meg Mims