Water damage cleanup during floods, in times of torrential rains and during plumbing leak repairs always include clearing ridding the place of mold. Cleaning and repairing everything up may not require help, but if the task is too much, better avail of professional help to get the job done if the afflicted area is too great and if the water permeated the walls (or came from it, for that matter). Killing mold may during flood damage repairs is no easy task, especially if it involves inherently harmful chemicals. Did you know that there are substances in your kitchen cupboard that can do the job? Here are some them:
White Vinegar
Although this may seem to be a substance that you would not place in your water damage cleanup bucket, kitchen vinegar can actually do the trick in non-porous (not water absorbent) surfaces like concrete walls, wooden furniture and steel. Here are some facts and application procedures regarding white vinegar as a mold buster:
Hydrogen Peroxide
This material may be placed on your first aid kit rather than a water damage cleanup inventory. Though we had bad memories of it being applied on our boo-boos during our childhood years (which is not recommended) this compound is an effective mold busting substance. If mixed with vinegar, it can garner the best results. Spray the mixture into the surface and let it seep in for 10 minutes. After which, wipe the area with a damp cloth or scrub it with a brush.
Reminder: Place the mixture in a dark area as light is able to reduce the effectiveness of the compound.
Although this may seem to be a substance that you would not place in your water damage cleanup bucket, kitchen vinegar can actually do the trick in non-porous (not water absorbent) surfaces like concrete walls, wooden furniture and steel. Here are some facts and application procedures regarding white vinegar as a mold buster:
- The smell may not be pleasing to your nostrils (I mean, come on, you are using it as a salad topping!) but it actually dissipates after a few hours. But if you cannot bear it, then using a deodorizer spray may do the trick.
- It is best used when it is sprayed from a bottle mixed with water (diluted or concentrated solution) to the area where the mold is. After which, leave it to seep in and wipe the area, mold and all.
- Recent studies have shown that vinegar kills 82% of mold spores as well as other forms of bacteria and viruses that may have latched themselves on the area. It can also be used as a prevention material.
- Due to its acidic properties, it is also an effective stain remover.
Hydrogen Peroxide
This material may be placed on your first aid kit rather than a water damage cleanup inventory. Though we had bad memories of it being applied on our boo-boos during our childhood years (which is not recommended) this compound is an effective mold busting substance. If mixed with vinegar, it can garner the best results. Spray the mixture into the surface and let it seep in for 10 minutes. After which, wipe the area with a damp cloth or scrub it with a brush.
Reminder: Place the mixture in a dark area as light is able to reduce the effectiveness of the compound.
Tea Tree Oil
Mostly found on health stores and not on your water damage cleanup gear, tea tree oil works wonders. It is able to get rid of mold in almost any surface, from walls to porous materials like fabrics (clothes and carpets). It may cost a lot, but its effectiveness and capabilities are worth every penny. The smell however, is pretty strong and it may take a few days to dissipate. To apply this, mix two teaspoons of the oil and two cups of water. After which, spray it in the area and do not rinse.
Reminder: Do not ingest. Despite being a natural substance, it is inherently toxic when ingested.
Remember though, if these substances are do not do the trick, you can always resort to conventional water damage cleanup materials like bleach and other strong chemicals. Be sure to wear appropriate protection though.
Mostly found on health stores and not on your water damage cleanup gear, tea tree oil works wonders. It is able to get rid of mold in almost any surface, from walls to porous materials like fabrics (clothes and carpets). It may cost a lot, but its effectiveness and capabilities are worth every penny. The smell however, is pretty strong and it may take a few days to dissipate. To apply this, mix two teaspoons of the oil and two cups of water. After which, spray it in the area and do not rinse.
Reminder: Do not ingest. Despite being a natural substance, it is inherently toxic when ingested.
Remember though, if these substances are do not do the trick, you can always resort to conventional water damage cleanup materials like bleach and other strong chemicals. Be sure to wear appropriate protection though.