Almost everyone has encountered mold at least once in their life. It may appear on walls, ceilings or in seams tiles. Besides the fact that she spoils appearance premises with unsightly black, gray or greenish spots, mold is harmful to health. To get rid of it once and for all, it is not enough to simply treat those areas where it is visible; an integrated approach and the correct selection of products are required. This article will talk about how to remove mold with your own hands.

Causes of mold

Mold is a colony of microorganisms whose spores are present everywhere, even in space. And with the onset of conditions favorable for mold, microorganisms begin to multiply at tremendous speed, forming foci in the form of spots. With high humidity, it appears on any material, be it wood, concrete, furniture, paper, food, etc.

Therefore, it is not enough to simply fight the mold that has formed; you must first understand and understand the reason for its appearance:

• it can get into the house from outside on animal fur, clothes or shoes, food, etc.;
• Once such microorganisms enter an environment favorable to them, reproduction begins with high intensity and literally after a few days the first outbreaks can be detected on various surfaces in the apartment;
• most often it forms in rooms with high (more than 70%) humidity and insufficient ventilation. This is a bathroom, toilet or kitchen. But, having appeared in one room, it later begins to spread throughout the apartment;
• Apartments located on the first or last floors are most susceptible to mold formation. In the first case, the cause of high humidity is basement, in the second - attic.

High humidity is caused by the following factors:

• poor ventilation of the room;
• high humidity due to large quantities indoor plants and continuous operation of the humidifier;
• in private houses there is poor vapor and waterproofing of insulation.

Tip: removing the visible focus of the fungus special means, but without establishing the reason for its appearance, it will soon appear again. It is possible that it will remain in places inaccessible to visual observation.

Eliminating the causes of mold

• The roof is leaking. This is the most common reason the appearance of mold on the ceiling and walls.
• Lack of necessary air exchange. We need to design proper organization ventilation in the room or repair it.
• Poor lighting. The sun's rays have a detrimental effect on mold, therefore, if possible, it is worth increasing the intensity of daylight in the problem room.
• Incorrect vapor barrier of the room. At the meeting warm air from the inside with cold that can penetrate through the walls, condensation inevitably forms, which leads to the growth of mold. Recommended under facing material place a special vapor barrier membrane.
• Presence of foci of infection on the other side of the treated surface. For example, if mold appears on the ceiling, the cause is often a large number of mold in neighbors upstairs or in the attic.
• If necessary, install special devices- dehumidifiers. They remove excess moisture, accumulating it in a container that will have to be poured out periodically. In a room with dry air, mold development is unlikely.

If there is fungus in the shower stall, after use, leave its doors open and turn on the fan for 20 minutes.

DIY mold removal

The damage caused by mold is obvious, so at the first sign of detection it is immediately removed. This will prevent adverse health effects and interior decoration premises. In addition, by removing it for minor lesions, the likelihood of reappearance is practically absent.

• Access to the treated area must be free. If it is in the bathroom, then remove all lines from a small room; if it is on the ceiling, then you need to take care of a stable support.

• If spores are found on a material with high porosity, then it will not be possible to completely remove microorganisms. Therefore, you will have to partially replace the material or throw it away (if we are talking about furniture).
• The hardest part to clean is a painted or plastered wall. The area with mold will have to be cleaned with a metal spatula along with a layer of paint. Since the hearth itself may be located under decorative coating. At the same time, some of the mold spores will be released into the air and settle on your hands and clothes, so you need to work in things that you don’t mind throwing away later.
• Next, take any mold remover and prepare it for work (if necessary, mix it and pour it into a sprayer).

Advice: you need to work in a high-quality respirator, not only because of the pungent odor of the antiseptic composition, but also because of the likelihood of inhaling spores. And this already threatens more serious health consequences. If there is a window in the room, open it and point a fan through it so that it expels the air outside. The ventilation holes are closed.

• Now spray an even layer over the entire damaged surface with a small margin around the edges. The area should be thoroughly saturated with it. Next, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, leave the product for several hours or immediately begin to scrub off the mold with a hard sponge. At the same time, it must be changed several times, otherwise the spores will stick back.
• Even if visually the area seems absolutely clean, the antiseptic treatment is repeated again. But at the same time, they no longer clean it off, but simply leave it (if contact is not expected with this area). During this time, it is advisable to turn on the heater or open the window.

Removing mold in the basement video

Traditional methods of mold removal

These are the means and methods that have been used for decades to combat mold in residential areas. These are the most accessible and cheapest options, but not always quite effective. Therefore, you often have to try several options until you achieve the desired result.

Bleach

• This is the usual concentrated white, which is available in every hardware store. Its composition is so active (sodium hypochlorite) that it can cope with almost any type of mold in an apartment or basement.
• Whiteness completely destroys mold spores and increases the resistance of the treated surface to the re-growth of fungus on it. But this applies to smooth materials such as glass or tiles. On porous surfaces, such as OSB, wood or gypsum board, bleach will clean mold only from the surface, without penetrating inside. Thus, some of the microorganisms will remain intact and after some time will begin to multiply again.

• The disadvantages include its aggressive chemical composition, which can spoil the appearance or harm the quality of the coating being cleaned. And when working, a sharp toxic odor is released, which, if inhaled, can cause dizziness. It is allowed to work with such a product only in a well-ventilated area.
• Before starting work on removing mold with your own hands, you need to put on protective equipment: gloves, goggles and a respirator. In case of severe mold damage, you can dilute the white with water in a 1:1 ratio. But the recommended proportions for treating tiles in an apartment are 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. You need to apply it evenly, most conveniently using a spray bottle or spray bottle, but a plastic bowl with a sponge will also work. If the surface to be cleaned will not have direct contact with people in the future (for example, a ceiling), then after application the solution is not washed off.

Borax

• Unlike bleach, borax does not emit toxic substances and does not enter into chemical reactions with subsequent dangerous fumes. This natural product, which does an excellent job of removing mold from homes. Most often, borax is used for cleaning and deodorizing drainage systems. To work, you need to prepare an aqueous solution of borax.
• First, the moldy surface is cleaned mechanically to reduce the number of spores. Then prepare a solution by mixing borax with water in a ratio of 100 ml/1000 ml. It is applied to the mold and with a brush with stiff bristles they begin to clean it off. Excess moisture is removed and everything is left to dry. After this, the remaining mold is cleaned off with a dry cloth, but the borax solution itself is not washed off. He will create protective film, which will become an obstacle to the growth of fungus in this place.

Vinegar

• Even concentrated acetic acid will not be able to cope with all types of mold. But it is a natural bleach that is non-toxic and is not harmful to human health if inhaled.
• Apply it using a spray or sponge without diluting with water. For best effect, after spraying, leave it for an hour. Then rinse with plain water and leave to dry. At this time, it is advisable to ventilate the room, since the smell is very pungent and can remain in a closed room for several hours.
• Vinegar can be used as prophylactic, treating the surface with it every 2 weeks.

Ammonia

• Most effective for removing mold from smooth surfaces such as glass or tiles. But on more porous substrates, such as drywall or wood, it will not completely remove the fungus. In addition, everyone knows that ammonia has a very pungent and toxic odor.
• Even when mixed with water in a 1:1 ratio, the discharge is very strong and you can only work with a high-quality respirator. When applied to the treated area, leave the composition for 4-5 hours. After this, wash off with water. Often, professional products do based on ammonia, in this case you need to follow the recommendations on the packaging.

Hydrogen peroxide

• It is inherently antibacterial and antifungal, making it great for removing mold. It is often used as an alternative to chlorine-containing compounds, primarily because it is absolutely safe for humans and environment. This effective method delete fungal formations from almost any surface: tiles, furniture, sanitaryware. But before using, it is recommended to test it on a small area to make sure that the peroxide will not leave stains or streaks.
• The pharmacy sells peroxide 3%; it does not need to be diluted with water, but immediately sprayed on the mold. The area to be treated must be thoroughly wetted and left for about 15 minutes. After this, all dirt is removed with a brush and washed with water. For the best effect, you can mix peroxide with vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Store the solution only in a container Brown or in a dark place.

Baking soda

• It is one of the most common household cleaning products. It is safe and absolutely harmless, but is also suitable for removing mold. For severe mold outbreaks, it should be used together with vinegar.
• Mix a tablespoon of soda in 250 ml of water and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray on the affected area and leave for some time. Using a stiff sponge or brush, clean everything and rinse with water. Then apply the same composition with soda again and leave until completely dry.

• You can do it even simpler and put the required amount of dry soda on a piece of cloth soaked in water and wipe off the mold with it.

Tea tree oil

• As the name suggests, it is natural and absolutely safe remedy to combat mold. It is quite expensive, but you only need a small amount to remove spores. This essential oil, which has antibacterial and antifungal effects.
• To work, you need to dilute just 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil in a glass of water and spray the moldy surface with the resulting solution. If necessary, repeat the procedure after drying; there is no need to rinse the treated area with water. The smell, although strong, dissipates quite quickly. The prepared aqueous solution can be stored long time in a dark place.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

• Also an expensive drug, but safe, natural and very effective in combating mold. First of all, he is appreciated for complete absence unpleasant or strong odor. Grapefruit seed extract destroys all microorganisms and additionally disinfects the surface being treated.

• It is sold in a very concentrated form, so you only need 10 drops per 250 ml of water. After application, the composition is not washed off. If it is necessary to thoroughly remove a large lesion, spraying is repeated the required number of times. Ready solution stored for a long time.

Chemical compositions for mold removal

You can find a wide variety of DIY mold removal products at hardware stores. But before purchasing, it is recommended to read the reviews. Thus, users identified 5 most effective chemical preparation to fight fungus.

Dali (Dali)

• This is a universal antiseptic composition of domestic production, suitable for any surface: wood, concrete, brick, tiles, paint, plaster, paper, varnish, etc. The price for a volume of 0.6 liters is approximately 150-200 rubles.

• Destroys not only all types of fungal spores and mold, but even algae and mosses.
• It has a very pungent and toxic odor, so you need to work not only with gloves, but also with a protective mask and respiratory bandage. To achieve an ideal result, a one-time application is not enough. You will have to repeat it 2-3 times over 2-3 weeks. But after use, mold does not appear again.

Alpa (phonyfluid alpa)

• Also a Russian composition based on antifungal and anti-mold components. It is universal for both internal and external treatment of premises, for example, the walls of a house or an unheated basement. When used on painted surfaces, it does not change their color. This active fungicide is sold ready for use and is consumed at the rate of 1 l/5 m2. The price of a 2 liter bottle is 600 rubles.
• Before applying to a highly porous surface, it is recommended to first sand it. This will ensure deeper and more uniform penetration of the composition. Suitable for application: sprayer or regular sponge or roller. After use, just rinse them with plain water.

• Fongifluid can only be used at temperatures above +5˚С.
• When folk remedies do not help, it is better to use more potent ones. Apply it on and around the affected area for added confidence. Once applied, the mold will break down on its own within a few days. After a week, the treatment can be repeated if the result is not completely satisfactory.

Olipm Stop mold

• An excellent product for removing mold in the bathroom, basement, and even greenhouses. Due to the fact that it contains no toxic substances, it is safe for humans and animals. Suitable for all types of surfaces, from concrete walls to plasterboard partitions.
• The product is applied according to the instructions indicated on the package and left for 2-3 days. After this, simply wipe with a dry cloth. It is advisable to repeat the procedure immediately. If the room is constantly damp, then for prevention, treat once every 3 months.

Biotol spray

• Designed to remove mold in the kitchen, basements, and balconies. And also suitable for working outdoors. This biological antiseptic is safe as it does not contain chlorine. The cost of a 500 ml can is 250-300 rubles.

• Before starting work, the contaminated surface must be prepared. Mechanically clean the walls from mold. The most convenient way to do this is with a scraper or narrow spatula. If you scrub with a brush or steel wool, the spores will become airborne and will then settle again. All utensils that cannot be removed from the room are covered with film.
• The product is applied through a spray bottle and left for several hours. After this, it is wiped and washed with water.
• If the area being cleaned is in a very humid room and has a large lesion, for example walls or a ceiling in a cellar, then the treatment will have to be repeated at least 3 times. For prevention, you can apply the composition once every 6 months.

Mavix-Bio (Mavix-bio)

• Quite an expensive antiseptic complex drug, average price for 1 liter - 600 rub. This universal product copes equally well with all types of mold and fungi.
• It consists of three components. First, the surface is treated with a special impregnation 2 times and left to dry. The active antifungal agent itself is applied on top and left for the required time (it is individual and indicated on the package). After this, the mold is cleaned off with a sponge.
• The final stage will be spraying a water repellent. It not only improves the waterproofing qualities of the material, but also preserves their vapor-permeable properties.

Penicillium candidum (PC)- this type of mold ensures the formation of a dense fluffy crust on cheeses with white mold, mainly from cow's milk - Camembert, Brie, Neuchâtel, Cambozola, etc., and also contributes to the development of a characteristic taste. As the mold grows and affects the cheese, its texture changes: it becomes soft and then runny. Different strains of Penicillium candidum have different proteo- and lipolytic activities (), form a crust of different density and shade of white. Controlling the growth of mold crust and preventing its excessive growth is one of the main conditions for preparing tasty and safe cheese with white mold.

Geotrichum candidum (GEO)- This type of mold ensures the formation of a wrinkled, creamy white crust. As a rule, it is used in goat's milk cheeses, but it is also used in the production of Camembert as a starting mold that prepares the surface of the cheese for the growth of PC. GEO fluff appears on the cheese almost immediately, on the 2-3rd day of ripening, and spreads quite quickly, preventing the growth of unwanted mold, but not preventing further growth of PC.

Good to know

• If both molds, PC and GEO, are applied to the milk or to the surface of the cheese, the PC will gradually become predominant, preventing a wrinkled rind from occurring.
• GEO is more thermophilic than PC (the most “comfortable” conditions for its development are temperatures of 12-18ºС).
• The best combination for the development of Geotrichum candidum is goat milk and mixed coagulation (when the clot is formed mainly under the influence of acid produced by lactic acid bacteria, and only secondarily under the action of a small dose of rennet).
• GEO reduces the acidity level on the surface of the cheese, thereby preparing it for the growth of PC and Brevibacterium, so this type molds are very often used in combination with these crops.
• Geotrichum candidum spores are found in raw milk. Therefore, theoretically, when making mold cheeses from raw milk, it is not necessary to add this mold, it is already there. However, in practice, you do not know which strain of wild GEO is in the raw milk you use, so its development on the cheese will be unpredictable. In addition, you may come across a strain with high toxicity, so this cheese may not be safe for your health.

The most common problems:

Cheese smells like ammonia

Description: smell of ammonia in young cheese with white mold
Note: a slight ammonia smell in mature cheeses with white mold is not considered a fault.

Possible reasons: the cheese dough softens too quickly due to the increased proteolytic activity of the mold. This can happen due to a violation of the ripening conditions or cheese preparation technology:

1. The cheese ripens at too high a temperature.
   To correct: Reduce the ripening temperature of the cheese.
2. The cheese dough initially contains too much moisture.
   Prevent:
3. Too active and uncontrolled growth of PC mold due to a violation of the applied amount or violation of maturation conditions.
   Prevent:Do not exceed the dosage of mold indicated in the recipe or on the package.
   Eliminate:As soon as a uniform crust of white mold has established, wrap the cheese in ripening paper and ripen at cold temperatures (4-6C).

The cheese is bitter

Description:When tasting the cheese, a slight bitterness is felt, mainly in the most ripened places, where the cheese dough is most softened

Possible reasons:

1. Too much high ripening temperature when adding not only PC, but also GEO. As written above, Geotrichum candidum loves high temperatures and begins to act too actively on the body of the cheese, softening it. As a result, the cheese ripens unevenly, the subcortical part softens and begins to flow, while the core remains hard.
   How to prevent:As soon as a uniform crust of white mold has established, wrap the cheese in ripening paper and ripen at cold temperatures (4-6°C)
2. Butyric acid fermentation. Milk is often contaminated with butyric acid bacteria, which do not disappear during pasteurization, causing the development of such a defect in hard cheeses as late swelling. In soft cheeses this results in a bitter taste.
   How to prevent:during the cheese cooking stage, add a protective starter containing L.plantarum and/or L.rhamnosus
3. Rennet/calcium chloride overdose.
   How to prevent:do not exceed the maximum dosage of rennet/calcium chloride indicated by the manufacturer on the product packaging.
4. Overripe cheese.
   How to prevent:do not exceed the cheese ripening periods allowed by technology.
5. Overdose/too high activity of Geotrichum candidum.
   How to prevent:do not exceed the amount of mold introduced Geotrichum candidum. Do not violate temperature regime cheese ripening (see point 1).
6. The diet of animals contains bitter feed (including silage).
   How to prevent: control the diet of dairy animals, exclude bitter feed from it.
7. Used milk from a sick animal.
   How to prevent: Use milk only from healthy animals.
8. Cooking application salt contaminated with sodium and magnesium sulfates
   How to prevent:use pure high-quality salt for cheese making
9. Milk is contaminated psychrotrophic bacteria or mammococcus , was stored for a long time before pasteurization.
   How to prevent:n Do not use milk contaminated with microflora for the production of cheese, which intensively peptonizes proteins. Carefully control the milk pasteurization temperature.

Cheese spreads

Description:the cheese dough softens too much, the piece does not hold its shape and spreads over the plate.

Possible reasons:

1. The cheese dough initially contains too much moisture.
   Howprevent: Before laying out the cheese mass into molds, pre-cut the cheese grain and knead it to expel more whey.
2. Overripe cheese.
   How to prevent:do not exceed the cheese ripening periods allowed by technology.
   Note:In some types of cheese with surface mold/washed rind, excessive fluidity of the dough is allowed and even desirable.
   

Cheese texture too hard

Description:The cheese dough remains hard and curd throughout the entire ripening period and does not completely soften under the influence of PC.

Possible reasons:

1. It's too early, the cheese is not ripe.
   Howeliminate: do not open the cheese before the minimum ripening period
2. There is too little moisture in the cheese dough.
   Howprevent: Reduce the time of kneading the cheese grains before laying them out in molds. Increase the grain size (to the point of eliminating chopping and kneading altogether).
3. PC or GEO is not active
   Howprevent: use mold that has not expired, observe storage conditions.

Mold on cheese rind grows too slowly

Description:mold does not cover the cheese within 12-15 days after the start of ripening

Possible reasons:

1. The temperature in the maturing chamber is too low.
   How to fix:raise the temperature in the chamber to at least 11C until the crust grows/
2. The humidity in the maturing chamber is too high.
   How to fix:reduce the humidity in the ripening chamber or container, maintaining it at 90%/
3. Dry-salting cheese too much will slow down the growth of white mold on the surface.
   How to fix:do not exceed the norm of dry salt per wheel of cheese and the duration of salting.
4. The temperature of the milk is too low when introducing white mold, which can also slow down its growth.
   How to prevent:inoculate milk with mold at least at room temperature or apply mold on top of the formed heads after salting..

Uneven layer of mold

Description:mold does not cover the entire surface of the cheese; it grows in patches

Possible reasons:

1. Uneven dry salting of cheese. In places where the cheese is salted more, mold grows more slowly.
   How to prevent:try to distribute the salt over the surface of the cheese in an even layer, without exceeding the amount of salt indicated in the recipe.
2. The bottom of the cheese on the drainage mat comes into contact with moisture or drained whey in places.
   How to fix:White mold does not like to get its feet wet. Turn the cheese regularly and do not allow the surface of the cheese to get wet.
3. Uneven application of solution with white mold on the surface of the cheese.
   How to prevent:try to distribute the mold evenly using a spray bottle, or add it directly to the milk.
4. Presence of antibiotics in milk.
   How to prevent:use milk from healthy animals that does not contain antibiotics
5. Too much acidity on the cheese rind will reduce the growth rate of Penicillium candidum.
   How to prevent:use GEO as a starter mold. It will begin to grow faster, reduce acidity and prepare the surface of the cheese for PC growth.

Too thick crust of white mold

Description:A thick layer of white mold is not desirable for most cheeses and can lead to a toadskin defect, where the curd underneath the rind becomes runny and separates from the body of the cheese.

How to eliminate/prevent:When turning the cheese, press the crust lightly with your fingers. Once it has covered the entire surface of the cheese in an even layer, wrap the cheese in ripening paper and place it in the cold chamber.

White mold turned pink

Description:The white mold (GEO) changed color to light pink about a week after the cheese began to ripen.

Possible reasons: This is the normal behavior of dying Geotrichum candidum at the stage when it should be replaced by Penicillium candidum and at sufficiently high humidity: first the cheese crust turns pink, and then becomes covered with an even white layer of PC.
There is no need to do anything additional.

* Proteolytic activity- This is the breakdown of proteins by the mold culture. The higher the proteolytic activity, the faster the cheese dough softens and becomes fluid.

** Lipolytic activity- This is the breakdown of fats by mold culture. The higher the lipolytic activity, the faster the flavor of the cheese is formed and enhanced.

Mold is a visible coating formed by microscopic mold fungi. They are ubiquitous: they can grow on any materials and in any conditions. appears not only on the surface of objects, but also penetrates inside them with mycelium threads, so it will not always be easy to get rid of it.

What is it like?

Most often, mold in an apartment is of the following types:

• White mold. Loves flower pots, wood, bread and some foods.
• Green mold. Prefers food.
• Sineva. Appears on wooden surfaces, giving them a blue tint. May affect furniture, parquet floors or window frames.
• Black mold. The most malicious type of fungus that thrives everywhere: from paper wallpaper in the bedroom to tiles in the bathroom.

Why does mold appear?

Mold begins to multiply when it gets into the right environment.

• Humidity. Ideal level- 60–80%. There may be so much moisture in the bathroom or shower room if your neighbors recently flooded you or if condensation appears on the windows after a change in weather.
• Temperature. Mold survives both very low and low temperatures. high temperatures. The most favorable range is from 4 to 20 °C.
• Ventilation. Closed windows, a pile of furniture, heaps of scattered things - and now it’s difficult for air to circulate around the room, it becomes more and more saturated with mold spores, and it becomes easier for fungus to multiply.

How can you tell if mold has already appeared?

At first, mold can be detected by its smell - sharp, damp and specific. Subsequently, the fungus reveals itself as corresponding plaque spots.

What do you need to fight mold?

• For your own protection: glasses, gloves, respirator.
• To remove plaque: brush / sponge / scraper / rag / sandpaper, water container, any detergent, garbage bag
• For final treatment: fungus-killing agent, wood varnish.

Before starting to process the room, put on goggles, gloves, a respirator, and a protective suit will not hurt. When handling affected items, be careful not to spread mold spores throughout your home.

Inhaling the spores can be hazardous to health. Be sure to use personal protective equipment.

The algorithm is extremely simple:

1. Mechanically clean the affected surface from plaque.
2. Treat with any mold repellent.
3. Dry the surface and ventilate the room.
4. Avoid mold re-formation.

The most important thing is to carefully remove visible plaque. If the layer of mold is recent, it can be easily cleaned off with a sponge, brush and warm soapy water.

Mold on wallpaper can be successfully removed only in the early stages. Later, it is advisable to clean part of the wall to plaster. Don't hesitate! In just a year, the fungus can infect concrete and brick, passing through the plaster. Use sandpaper to be sure and don't forget to wet the walls to prevent the spores from spreading through the air.

If mold appears on the ceiling and affects the whitewash, clean it off with a scraper or sandpaper. Just wet the surface first.

Mold in the bathroom loves the seams between tiles and joints. Scrape off the affected sealant and clean the seams. After drying, treat with a disinfectant, seal the seams and joints with new sealant and grout.

Immediately dispose of waste remaining after processing in a sealed bag. This will prevent mold from spreading.

Which mold repellent should you choose?

The main question is: how exactly to treat the surface to prevent mold from appearing again? We have compiled a list of the most effective means, each of which acts on all types of fungus. Choose the most suitable one for you.

Bleach

Suitable for tiles, glass, but not for porous materials. Toxic, should be used with caution. Diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 10. Apply with a brush or spray.

Table vinegar

Suitable for all surfaces and materials. Has a smell. May discolor wallpaper or furniture. Apply using a sprayer or rag. For prevention, the procedure is repeated every other week.

Citric acid or juice

It has the same properties as vinegar and has a pleasant smell. You can process any materials, best suited for tiles. One tablespoon citric acid diluted in a glass of water. The solution is applied to the surface using a sprayer or a rag.

Hydrogen peroxide

Safe and easy to use. Can be used on any surface, with caution on dyed fabrics so as not to discolor. Apply using a sprayer or rag. For prevention, the procedure is repeated every other week.

Baking soda

Safe, no pungent odor. Can be used on any surface. A tablespoon of baking soda is dissolved in a glass of water. The surface is treated using a sprayer or a rag. After an hour, everything is wiped with water to avoid streaks.

Essential oils

Tea tree, lavender and rosemary oils have antibacterial properties and a pleasant aroma, and are safe. Any surface can be treated. It is enough to add 10–20 drops of oil to a glass of water and apply the solution using a spray bottle. Repeat the procedure better time in a couple of days for prevention.

How to remove mold smell?

If mold is no longer present, but you can still feel it, use:

• Baking soda. Spread a thin layer on the area where the mold grew, leave for several hours, and then remove with a vacuum cleaner.
• Charcoal. Place several containers of coal around the perimeter of the room - the smell will disappear in a day or two.
• Good ventilation and any aroma candles, aerosols or incense. This will help to finally improve the air in the house.

How to prevent mold from appearing again?

• Control room humidity. Insulate the walls and take care of waterproofing. Install an air conditioner that will dehumidify the air. When cooking, turn on the hood and ventilate the apartment more often, especially if you dry clothes in the bathroom.
• Maintain a stable temperature. Insulated windows and working heating will prevent the formation of condensation, which the fungus loves so much.
• Rearrange, dismantle the mezzanine. Freely circulating air will prevent mold from developing.
• Pay more attention to flowers in pots, especially geraniums and violets. Do not overwater them or use untested fertilizers.

The best help in detecting and preventing mold in your apartment is light, regular cleaning.

Mold in the cellar, similar to cotton wool, is very common. This is due to poor ventilation high humidity. Many people have stopped paying attention to mold in the cellar. Harmful stains on the ceiling not only spoil the appearance, but can also cause significant damage to human health.

In addition, products stored in the cellar will suffer. Mold has the ability to spread to other objects and actively multiply, which significantly reduces the shelf life and usefulness of products. If you find fungus in the cellar, be sure to get rid of the mold. The following material will help you do this correctly, warn reappearance fungus.

What is mold

Fungal colonies that develop from spores are called mold. Spores are constantly in the air, only under the influence of unfavorable factors (high humidity, heat) do they begin to “wake up” and actively reproduce. Molds can grow on concrete, paint, and wood. There are many types of mold fungus, depending on this you can see spots similar to cotton wool of black, brown, green, white. There are also luminous fungi, but they are not dangerous for the walls or ceiling of the cellar.

Mold can destroy building and finishing material, sometimes it comes down to the bottom. Therefore, those with mold in the cellar should think about getting rid of fungal colonies as soon as possible, otherwise they will have to make repairs or even rebuild. There are black, white and brown mold. The specific color depends not only on the type of fungus, but also on the stage of development, the color of the surface on which the uninvited “guest” has settled.

Reasons for appearance

Mold never appears just like that; this event is preceded by other unfavorable circumstances:

• missing or clogged ventilation shafts. Lack of fresh air contributes to the growth of fungal colonies;
• increased level of air humidity, condensation accumulation. This aspect often depends on the first factor;
• insufficient air circulation in the cellar;
• storage of rotten fruits and vegetables. Spoiled products become sources of mold, spores actively spread throughout the room, settling on the walls, floor and ceiling;
• usage wooden products, which are infected with fungal spores.

Note! Depending on the growth of colonies of fungi similar to cotton wool, the methods of dealing with uninvited “tenants” of the cellar also differ. Without eliminating the unfavorable factor, it is difficult to protect the health and integrity of the premises.

Favorable conditions for reproduction

Why does mold appear in some cellars and not in others? For the appearance of “life” certain conditions are necessary:

• presence of spores in the air. They are transported and settle in the cellar on people, products, animals;
• nutrient organic medium (paper, wood, soil, peat pots);
• favorable microclimate (high humidity, temperature about 20 degrees). Poorly functioning or non-functioning ventilation also has a negative impact.

Some types of fungus have the ability to reproduce at temperatures of 0 degrees.

Pay special attention ventilation system. After all, it is designed for normal air circulation in the room. Air movement prevents mold spores from attaching to any surface. In the corners, air movement is difficult; this is where colonies of fungi often accumulate.

Ventilation helps remove excess moisture from the room, which occurs against the background of high humidity outside or a large difference in temperature. If there are fungal spores on the walls, but there are no favorable conditions for reproduction, they will not germinate. Based on this, we can conclude that poor ventilation is the main reason for the appearance of fungal colonies in the cellar.

Danger of fungus to humans

Many people do not suspect that mold poses a huge danger to human health and even life, not only for building materials. A damaged ceiling or floor (especially wood) can cause serious injury. In most cases, mold affects human health in the following ways:

• through direct contact with skin;
• human respiratory and circulatory system;
• eating foods contaminated with fungi.

Spores of many types of mold are toxic and multiply very quickly (1 square meter of mold can release more than a billion spores into the air). In view of this, if it enters the human body, many ailments can develop.

The unpleasant consequences of contact with mold fungi are the following pathologies:

• dermatological diseases occurring against the background of allergic reactions (mycoses);
• pathologies of the upper respiratory tract (nosebleeds, sinusitis, severe runny nose, many patients report difficulty breathing);
• dizziness, headaches;
• stomach upsets, digestive problems, attacks of nausea, vomiting;
• exhaustion of the body, anemia.

Long-term effects of mold on human body leads to problems with the kidneys and liver, even internal bleeding occurs, and sometimes pulmonary emphysema. The risk group includes elderly patients, children, people with weakened immune systems; patients who have survived fungal infections are especially susceptible to damage.

Note! Mold allergies can be diagnosed in many laboratories. If you discover such a problem, urgently get rid of the causative agent of the problem.

Effective methods of control

How to treat the cellar against mold and mildew? Removing mold is hard work that requires a lot of effort and time. It is necessary to take into account the causes of the problem. A complex approach will help get rid of mold, similar to cotton wool, and prevent the re-growth of fungal spores in the cellar. The fight against fungal colonies is carried out in several stages, each of them is described in detail below.

Preparing to eliminate dangerous microorganisms

Helpful Tips:

• While processing the room, be sure to empty it of all objects, equipment and food. This way, you will provide excellent access to possible places where mold is localized, protect the products that are in the cellar;
• Remove all furniture and large objects from the room. They also need to be treated to avoid re-infection of the cellar with mold;
• swipe general cleaning in room. Clean off all mold; if fungal spores have penetrated deep into the finishing material, be sure to replace the damaged structures with new ones;
• wood rots very quickly; if the floor is earthen, then approximately 20 centimeters of the soil layer must be removed (it is probably contaminated);
• After thoroughly treating the cellar, begin drying the room. Only then is it allowed to begin directly combating mold.

Destruction of fungal colonies

It is not enough to simply remove visible mold; it is necessary to completely destroy dangerous microorganisms. In specialized stores you can easily find antiseptics that show antibacterial and disinfectant effects. Medicines must be used strictly for their intended purpose, following the instructions.

How to deal with mold in the cellar? Excellent results are shown by folk remedies that quickly destroy dangerous microorganisms. Their use is very simple and rarely causes allergic reactions.

Folk recipes for fungus on walls:

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Precautionary measures

You can avoid allergic reactions and damage to the skin by taking the following precautions:

• Before starting mold destruction, put on a protective suit, goggles and gloves;
• It is strictly forbidden to smell or touch dangerous microorganisms;
• after treating the room, leave it;
• It is strictly prohibited to eat products affected by mold.

Only by clearing the cellar of pathogenic microorganisms will you feel completely safe eating fresh and healthy foods.

Regularly carry out preventive measures to combat dangerous microorganisms in the cellar. Keep the room clean, clean it regularly, and be sure to thoroughly dry the room:

• Drying the cellar takes up to fourteen days. Carry out manipulations on cloudless days, take the shelves outside, pre-treat them with water and liquid soap;
• after a week, the boards will be completely dry, then treat them with an antifungal agent;
• Treat the dry cellar with a similar product after thorough drying;
• if the cellar includes an earthen floor, then pour the solution into it copper sulfate. Place sand or lime under the vegetables.

After such prevention, no mold will settle in the cellar, all products will be stored for a very long time. Stick to it useful tips, if microorganisms have multiplied, then use the tips for eliminating mold.

Another interesting method of combating mold in the cellar and garage can be learned from the following video: