I noticed mold on my walls…a 79 cent purchase was ‘more effective’ than bleach
MOLD is unfortunately a frequent guest in our homes during the colder months.
Homebrite reports thisthe problem is huge in Britain, where as many as 58% of private rented households have to deal with the mould, as well as condensation and damp.
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Not only can black spores create an unsightly mess, mold can also negatively impact your health – which in rare cases can be fatal.
The NHS warned that the particularly vulnerable are people with breathing problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma, as well as newborns, young children and the elderly.
Exposure to and inhalation of the mold spores can cause a range of problems, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and rashes.
In some cases, mold can also trigger asthma attacks.
The high streets and supermarkets are full of what seems like hundreds of different chemicals to tackle the problem – but what if everything you needed was already in your kitchen?
The handbag-friendly hack, which costs less than £1, was shared by frugal Redditors after one person took to the forum to seek help.
The social media user shared his fate: ‘I live in a rental house and have never had mold in the room. I try to stay clean and ventilate the room, but it’s probably time to get a dehumidifier.
”A few months ago I got a new mattress and I discovered a mold spot after I turned it over. I don’t know why this fungus is growing and how to make it stop.
”I’m a bit worried that it will be bad for my health, but I can’t really leave the house.
“Do you have any tips for cleaning it and making sure it stays that way?”
Fortunately for the user, many flocked to the comments to share their top remedies, and while many people suggested the good old bleach solution, others favored an alternative method: using white vinegar.
One savvy reader recommended using the cabinet essential, claiming it would be ‘safer and (depending on the surface) more effective than bleach’.
Fellow cleaning fans then recommended applying the vinegar undiluted, cautioning against choosing one method as mixing bleach and vinegar is dangerous.
Household bleach commonly contains sodium hypochlorite, which can react with the acetic acid of vinegar to produce a deadly chlorine gas.
What is mold and how do you get rid of it?
Mold is likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, product development scientist at Amaze revealed exactly why this is so.
“Unfortunately, mold is a common problem that many people face in the winter. Mold thrives in warm and moist conditions, so your bathroom is probably the most affected area.
“That said, most rooms in your home can be vulnerable to mold growth during the colder months.
“This is mainly due to condensation that builds up on your windows when you have the radiators on.
“If you think about it, if the windows and doors are closed, there isn’t much chance for the air to circulate and for the moisture to come out quickly.
“This buildup is the cause of the dreaded mold, especially in bathrooms, as it creates a warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mold.
“If left untreated, it is not only unsightly, but can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it is very important that you treat it.
“The key to tackling mold is to act quickly.
“Try to come into contact with it as little as possible. So grab your gloves, tie your hair and get to work removing any signs of mold as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mold at bay, there are some simple solutions you can apply throughout your home.
“The first is to keep the bathroom ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months, try leaving your bathroom window open for at least 10 to 15 minutes after showering or bathing. This will quickly remove excess moisture and prevent mold from forming.
“If you have repeated problems with mold in a particular room, it may be that the humidity is too high. You can purchase a dehumidifier which will keep levels down and reduce the risk of mold returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mold is: the sooner you can treat it, the better. Leaving it alone will only make it worse, so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mold every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s number 1 mold and mildew removerthat effectively removes mold and mildew stains almost immediately, without scrubbing.”
It is important to use bleach or vinegar when cleaning and combine both at all costs.
Those looking to save some money can buy white vinegar from B&M for just 79 cents, and the wallet-friendly hack was also recently approved by an expert from cleaning company Servpro.
“Unlike bleach, white vinegar can kill mold,” the whiz kid said via a posted video on TikTok.
“This is because the acetic acid and high PH levels in the vinegar help disrupt the PH levels and keep the mold at bay.”
However, the expert added that you should always consult a professional first when it comes to mold removal and testing.
Experts from bathroom retailer Plumbworld shared how to use this method: “Vinegar is a great option for killing mold.
“It may smell unpleasant, but it doesn’t have the toxicity of bleach.
“Pour it directly onto the tracks or use a spray bottle.
“Try mixing it with water at a 2:1 ratio. Let it sit for 30 minutes before wiping it off.”
