How to get rid of mold in an apartment: professional methods and folk remedies

Dark spots on the walls, a persistent smell of dampness and sudden health problems can all be a sign of mold. This microscopic fungus not only spoils the appearance of housing, but also poses a serious threat to humans. Izvestia tells about the causes of mold, how to deal with it using professional means and folk methods.

Why does mold appear?

Residents of old houses are most often confronted with the problem, but mold often appears in new buildings. In a favorable environment, the microscopic fungus, which multiplies by spores, begins to spread rapidly over the surface, forming dark spots, loose plaque and a characteristic "earthy" odor.

The main reasons:

• Increased humidity. The sources are roof leaks, faulty drains, poor waterproofing of the inter-panel joints, as well as constant drying of laundry in the room and insufficient heating during the cold period.

• Poor ventilation. Clogged ventilation shafts, plastic windows without micro-ventilation, and cluttered corners prevent air circulation. This creates ideal conditions for condensation, especially on the exterior walls and in the corners of rooms.

• Leaks. Faulty plumbing, leaking faucets, condensation on pipes, and other sources of moisture.

What is the danger of mold?

Spores of microorganisms, entering the respiratory tract, can provoke the development of allergic reactions and various diseases: chronic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and dermatitis.

Prolonged exposure to such a room weakens the immune system and can lead to general intoxication of the body. Allergy sufferers, children, the elderly, and pets are especially vulnerable.

How to get rid of mold: professional tools

If the area of the lesion is extensive or the mold reappears after home treatment, this indicates a deep penetration of the fungus into the structure of the material. In such cases, professional solutions are necessary.

Modern products such as Olimp Stop Mold and Alfa-19 contain powerful fungicides that not only remove visible plaque, but also destroy the root system of the fungus, creating a protective barrier. They can be divided into several types:

• Ready-made solutions. They are sold in convenient spray bottles. They are ideal for processing small, local areas, for example, in the bathroom or in the kitchen.

• Concentrates. They require precise dilution with water in the proportions specified by the manufacturer. They are economical and efficient for processing large areas, including walls and ceilings.

When working with such formulations, it is important to use personal protective equipment: gloves, a respirator and glasses, and intensively ventilate the room during and after treatment.

Folk methods for mold control

In the initial stages, when the mold has affected only the top layer of the surface, folk remedies can be dispensed with. They are affordable, eco-friendly, and often already at hand. For example:

• Table vinegar (6-9%). It is applied to the affected area with a sponge or spray gun, left for 1-1.5 hours, after which it is washed off with clean water. The pungent smell of vinegar disappears within a few hours.

• Baking soda. A teaspoon of baking soda is diluted in a glass of water. The surface is treated with the resulting solution. It is important to ensure that the soda crystals completely dissolve, as abrasive particles can scratch delicate coatings.

• Citric acid. A solution of one teaspoon of acid in a glass of water has an antibacterial effect. It is applied to the stain for 10-15 minutes, then washed off.

At the same time, chlorine-containing formulations such as "Whiteness" are ineffective. They can lighten the stain, but they do not destroy the spores deep in the material.

Is it possible to mix different products

It is strictly forbidden to mix different compounds, such as vinegar and chlorine or vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. This can lead to a chemical reaction with the release of toxic gases and burns if the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes are poorly protected.

Before applying any product, both professional and folk, it is recommended to conduct a test on an inconspicuous area, especially on colored or sensitive surfaces.

How to get rid of mold forever

However, treating mold—affected areas is only half the job. To prevent its recurrence, it is necessary to eliminate the root causes. To do this, you need:

• Humidity level control. The optimal rate is 40-60%. A hygrometer will help you measure it. If the norm is regularly exceeded, household dehumidifiers should be used.

• Organization of regular ventilation. Experts recommend opening windows for 10-15 minutes 3-4 times a day, creating a short-term draft. This is more effective than keeping the window open all the time, especially during the cold season.

• Check and improve ventilation. Make sure that the ventilation grilles in the kitchen and bathroom are not clogged. If the natural draft is weak, the solution is to install exhaust fans.

• Timely elimination of leaks. Regular inspection of plumbing fixtures, places under the sink and around the toilet bowl will help identify the problem at an early stage.

• Surface hygiene. Window sills, cold water pipes, and other places where condensation accumulates should be regularly wiped dry.

Thus, mold control is a systematic effort that combines surface treatment and the creation of a microclimate in an apartment in which the fungus cannot reproduce.

Earlier, Izvestia told how to get rid of the unpleasant smell of shoes.

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