HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD

June 21, 2025

Mold is that one silent enemy every homeowner dreads. It hides in corners, creeps into bathrooms, and settles in basements. Left untreated, it doesn’t just ruin surfaces—it can affect your health. But the good news is: getting rid of it is totally doable with the right approach. This guide will walk you through what mold is, how to spot it early, how to clean it effectively, and most importantly, how to stop it from coming back.

What Does Mold Look Like?

Mold isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s a cluster of black spots on your wall. Other times, it’s green, white, or even orange fuzz growing behind your sink or under old carpet. It usually smells earthy or musty—kind of like wet socks or a forest after rain. If your house has a persistent smell that just won’t go away, check hidden corners, ceilings, under sinks, and near windows for signs of mold growth.

What Causes Mold to Grow?

Mold thrives in damp, warm, and poorly ventilated spaces. That’s why bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and laundry areas are the usual suspects. Leaky pipes, poor insulation, roof damage, or high humidity levels give mold the perfect environment to settle and spread.

First Step: Gear Up and Protect Yourself

Before you dive into cleaning, make sure you’re protecting yourself. Mold spores can irritate your lungs, eyes, and skin. So grab these:

Gloves (rubber or nitrile)
Protective eyewear
An N-95 mask or respirator
Old clothes you don’t mind tossing after

Also, isolate the area by closing doors and opening windows to allow airflow without letting spores drift into other parts of your home.

How to Clean Mold Safely

If the moldy area is less than 10 square feet, you can usually handle it yourself. Here’s what to do:

Scrub the area: Use soap and water or a mold-killing cleaner. Avoid dry brushing—it can release spores into the air.
Apply disinfectant: A mixture of 1 cup bleach per gallon of water works on non-porous surfaces (like tile or glass). Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse and dry completely.
Dry thoroughly: Mold loves moisture. Use fans or dehumidifiers to speed up drying.

Avoid mixing bleach with vinegar or ammonia. It creates toxic fumes and won’t be more effective than using them separately.

Dealing with Mold in Carpets, Fabric, and Wood

Mold in porous materials is trickier. Carpets, rugs, mattresses, drywall, or wood may need more than just surface cleaning.

Carpets or rugs: If the mold goes deep or smells strong, it’s best to discard them.
Wood: Sanding may help if mold is only on the surface. Then treat with anti-mold solutions and seal properly.
Fabric: Wash in hot water with detergent and white vinegar. Sunlight helps too!

Natural Mold Cleaners That Actually Work

Prefer a non-toxic route? Here are natural alternatives that get the job done:

White vinegar: Spray undiluted vinegar onto the area, wait an hour, then scrub and rinse.
Baking soda: Mix with water to create a paste. Scrub, rinse, then spray with vinegar to kill remaining spores.
Tea tree oil: A few drops in a spray bottle with water kills mold and smells great.

When to Call in a Professional

Some situations call for expert help:

Mold covers a large area (over 10 square feet)
You suspect hidden mold behind walls or under floors
HVAC systems are contaminated
You or your family have respiratory issues, allergies, or health problems linked to mold exposure

Professionals use tools like infrared cameras and moisture meters to detect hidden mold and use safe removal protocols to prevent further spread.

How to Keep Mold from Coming Back

Cleaning mold is only half the battle—prevention is key. Here’s what works long-term:

Fix leaks quickly (pipes, roofs, window seals)
Keep indoor humidity below 50%
Run exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens
Use a dehumidifier in damp areas
Ensure good air circulation throughout your home
Store items in dry, ventilated spaces

Final Thoughts

Mold is persistent, but it’s not invincible. With early detection, the right tools, and a proactive mindset, you can kick it out and keep it out. For minor mold issues, home remedies and proper cleaning will do the trick. For anything major, don't hesitate to bring in professionals who can do a deep, safe removal.

Your home should be a safe space—not a breeding ground for mold. Start with one room, one leak, or one habit change. That’s how you win the mold battle, one step at a time.