If we notice mold on the walls of our home, we should remove it immediately. Mold, in fact, is not only unsightly and smelly, but it is also extremely harmful to your health. Here is the best way to remove it effortlessly and using only a few ingredients.
The spores that mold produces are toxic and, if we come into contact with them, we could find ourselves struggling with a series of respiratory problems including asthma.
Mold often occurs during seasonal changes, due to the condensation that liquefies on the walls, creating the ideal conditions for the growth of these fungi. Sometimes, however, the problem is more stable over time, especially in homes where there is a high level of humidity and can concern different types of mold which also take on different colors (green or black). Black molds, created by the fungus Aspergillus Niger, are particularly dangerous.
If we see mold on the walls, don’t make the mistake of using bleach to remove it. This product, as well as polluting, can lead to worsening the situation, making the mold spread even more.
But how can we eliminate mold from walls in a simple and effective way?
We asked Fabrizio Zago, chemist and founder of Biodizionario and EcoBioControl, for advice, who explained to us in detail how to remove mold with 3 simple ingredients: hydrogen peroxide, Solvay soda (or sodium carbonate) and water.
Recipe
The recipe is as follows:
Take some water and dissolve 20% of Solvay Soda (or sodium carbonate) in it, then wet the wall where the mold is present with this solution, using a sponge or brush. Instead, avoid spraying. Let dry.
The next day, wet the wall with 7%-8% hydrogen peroxide (20 volumes) and let it act before cleaning everything and seeing that your wall is perfectly white and free of mould.
Watch the video:
View this post on Instagram
How to prevent mold from forming in your home
Removing mold is important, but even better is preventing it from forming. Here are some good daily habits to keep humidity under control and protect the walls of your home.
Air the rooms often
Opening the windows at least 10-15 minutes a day, even in winter, promotes air exchange and reduces condensation. It is best to do this especially after a shower, while cooking food or after hanging out the laundry at home.
Check the humidity level
The ideal relative humidity in your home should be between 40% and 60%. A simple hygrometer — available for a few euros — allows you to easily monitor it and intervene before the problem becomes visible.
Avoid hanging clothes inside
Laundry drying at home releases large quantities of water vapor, which settles on the walls, encouraging the growth of fungi. If it is not possible to do without it, it is essential to ventilate the room well during and after drying.
Pay attention to thermal bridges
The corners of the rooms, the windowsills and the areas near the windows are the coldest points of the walls and therefore the most vulnerable to condensation. Keeping an eye on them and, if necessary, considering better insulation can make a big difference in the long run.
Use a hood in the kitchen and an extractor fan in the bathroom
Cooking and showering are two of the main sources of humidity in the home. Always use an extractor hood in the kitchen and an air extractor in the bathroom helps eliminate steam before it settles on surfaces.
Fabrizio Zago had already given us other valuable advice for making a delicate DIY bleach.
