Mold can grow quickly in a home. It can show up in a washing machine, behind a wall, in a shower, bathtub or even in a cabinet under a leaky sink. Moisture, warmth, and a dark environment are all elements mold needs to grow. This week, I have tips on how to get rid of mold as well as ways to prevent it from growing. But first, check out some of the risks of having mold in your household.

The Dangers of Mold

Mold has the potential to cause a lot of health issues if it's not removed. For instance, black mold can aggravate a family member's allergies, asthma, or other respiratory condition. It can cause sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, as well as skin irritation. Mold is an even bigger threat to a family member with a weakened immune system.

Tips for Getting Rid of Mold

White Vinegar

Pour undiluted white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the area of black mold. Give the vinegar an hour to soak into the spot while you enjoy the scenery from your backyard gazebo. Next, wet a cloth with water to wipe the vinegar away. The acid in white vinegar has the power to kill black mold. I like this idea because there seems to be a bottle of white vinegar somewhere in the house at all times!

Baking Soda

Did you know baking soda kills mold? It does! Mix tablespoon of baking soda with 8 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Spray an area of black mold and use the rough side of a sponge to remove it. Then, take a wet cloth and thoroughly wipe the moldy area. Next, give the area another spray and let it dry. This last step prevents black mold from growing back.

Lemons

Squeeze four lemons into a cup and pour or spray the juice onto an area of black mold. Allow the lemon to stay on the mold for five minutes, then wipe it away with a moist towel. Once again, it's the acid in lemons that kills mold.

Preventing Mold and Mildew

The Bathtub

Mold/mildew in a bathtub takes the form of pink film or slime. Any of the above remedies can help you get rid of this mold. To prevent it, rinse your bathtub after finishing your bath. Then, dry the inside of the tub. This takes away the standing moisture that mold needs to grow.

Another way to prevent mold in your bathroom is to have a fan installed there. It circulates air and dries moisture on the walls and floor before mold takes hold.

The Washing Machine

If you leave wet clothes in the washing machine for more than a day, they can start to develop mildew. So, the best way to prevent this is to remove your wet clothes right away and put them in the dryer. Plus, leave the door of your washing machine open so it has a chance to dry after the clothes are removed. Bear in mind that white vinegar is handy for keeping a washer clean between loads of clothes.

Other ways to prevent mold growth in a home:

• Get a dehumidifier to lessen the amount of moisture in the air
• Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your home
• Clean up spills on the carpet before the liquid has a chance to soak into the padding and develop mold

I hope these tips are helpful in keeping your home safe from mold and mildew! Thanks for reading.-Alan