The thought of mold growing, especially in the home, can be a bit overwhelming for most of us. Besides the unattractive look and smell, mold can trigger allergic reactions such as watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, and headaches. Some strains of mold may also be toxic.
Mold is usually found in excessively moist places like bathrooms and basements, where humidity is higher. Make sure to check your entire home for signs of water damage and mold. Don't forget to check mold "hangouts" like rotting windowsills and peeling paints.
To combat mold, first check the moisture level in your home using a hygrometer. A hygrometer can be found in your local hardware store. Indoor humidity is usually between thirty and fifty percent. If your home contains more moisture, fix all leaks and buy a dehumidifier to lessen the moisture in the indoor air.
To clean mold without wreaking harm on yourself or the environment, use natural ingredients and try these ideas:
~ Add dishwashing liquid soap and one teaspoon borax to a quart of warm water. Soak moldy areas with the mixture. Rinse off. Let dry.
~ Add twenty drops of grapefruit seed extract to two cups of water and spray. Let dry.
~ Tea tree oil is a natural antimicrobial that attacks mold. Mix a teaspoon of it with two cups of water. Spray. Let dry.
~ Mix two parts baking soda with one part vinegar and one part water. Mix until it becomes a thick paste. Spread some of the mix onto the surface and let it dry. Scrub off. Repeat until the mold disappears.
~ Add a half cup hydrogen peroxide to one cup warm water. Apply.
Keep areas of your home well ventilated. It is easier to eliminate mold more frequently than it is to let the mold build up.
Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.
