Mould is ugly and can be a health hazard. Spring cleaning is a great time to tackle mould. You will definitely need to clean and remove any mould during any end of tenancy cleaning that you need to do when you move out.
Here is a great video to give you the facts about mould and mildew.
Dealing with Mould & How to prevent It – Spring Cleaning Tip
For a mould infestation, especially a severe one, you should consider calling professional cleaners.
However, two do-it-yourself approaches use bleach and vinegar. Be careful—these can harm some materials, so use only on resistant surfaces such as porcelain tubs and ceramic tiles.
Chlorine Bleach
Start your spring cleaning mould attack by donning a protective mask and gloves. Open windows for ventilation.
Prepare a mixture of half chlorine bleach and half water in a spray bottle, and douse the mould liberally.
Give the bleach two or three minutes to work its magic, then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush (a toothbrush works great on grout). Rinse well.
Beware! A tiny spot left behind will spawn a new mould colony, so repeat as needed. Dispose of the mask, gloves, and brushes to prevent spreading spores.
White Vinegar
If you prefer an organic spring cleaning approach, use white vinegar to treat mould.
Wear a disposable mask and gloves, and open windows for ventilation.
Again, you’ll need a stiff-bristled brush. Start by attacking the area with soap, hot water, and the brush. This will remove most of the visible mould.
Pour undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle and liberally apply to places where you saw the mould. Let it sit for half an hour, then scrub well and rinse. Repeat as needed. When the mould is gone, respray the area without rinsing; this will discourage a new colony. Dispose of the mask, gloves, and brushes.
How to Prevent Mould For Easier Spring Cleaning In The Future
If you keep bathrooms and kitchens well ventilated, you can prevent mould before it starts; use ceiling fans to carry away dampness and steam.
Simply drying the shower with a towel after each use can discourage mould from forming.
If this isn’t working, spray the area twice weekly with the bleach or vinegar solution (open windows and don a mask and gloves first). Rinse the bleach and dry the area, but let the vinegar air dry. If this doesn’t work, try spraying daily or after each use.
Finally, consider a specialty product designed to fight mould. If you prefer organic, several natural products are available; use them as directed.
References
- Clean My Space. (2014, November 8). 4 things you should know about mould & mildew [Video file].
- Essortment. (2013, January 28). Cleaning tile: How to remove mould from shower tile [Video file].
- Hill, H. (2012, April 16). How to prevent mold: 9 tips. Mother Nature Network.
- Mold removal and how to kill mold. (n.d.). Award Space.
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