Non Toxic Tips for Removing Wall Mold

Removing wall mold not only cleans up an unsightly mess, but also can improve the air quality in your home. Mold in your home can inflame allergies and lead to serious respiratory illnesses. Using non-toxic cleaning methods will allow you to eliminate the problem without resorting to harsh or dangerous chemicals.

Removing Wall Mold: Start With The Source
Mold requires moisture to thrive and grow. If you have mold, look for sources of water that could be supplying the mold colony. Here are some areas to check:

• Bathrooms - Your shower can generate a large volume of warm, damp air. Proper ventilation is required to replace this air with drier air. Windows and ventilation fans may be added to windowless bathrooms to help remove moisture.
• Pipes - Look for leaky pipes near areas of mold. Be thorough in your inspection: water may travel along the outside of a pipe for quite a distance before dripping. Also, look for pipes that may be "sweating" water through condensation. Sweating pipes will need to be covered with an insulating sheath.
• Air conditioners - Clogged or leaking air conditioner drip pans could be a source of moisture. Inspect any indoor drip pans on a regular basis for signs of overflow or leaking.

Simple And Non-Toxic Mold Cleaning Tips
Before you start removing mold, make sure you wear gloves and a respirator. As you disturb mold, it can release spores into the air that can cause breathing problems.

There are several methods of mold removal that only call for common ingredients you have around the house. Here are a few:

• Borax - This white mineral powder can be found in the laundry section of your grocery store. Borax is an effective fungicide that can kill mold and inhibit future growth. Make a solution using one cup of Borax and one gallon of water. Gently sponge the solution onto the infected area, being careful not to saturate the surface. Wipe up loose mold particles and dispose of them carefully. Allow the surface to dry without rinsing. The mold will be removed, and the borax residue will inhibit future growth.
• Vinegar - White distilled vinegar can be purchased in your grocery store. Use this at full strength to kill and remove mold-don't worry; the smell will go away in a few hours. Vinegar can be rinsed with clear water or left at full strength to inhibit future growth.
• Hydrogen Peroxide - Available in most drug stores in a 3% solution, hydrogen peroxide is an effective mold killer that leaves no toxic residue or fumes. Pour the 3% Hydrogen peroxide solution into a spray bottle and apply it to the moldy area. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes and then gently scrub with a sponge. Wipe the surface down to remove any leftover material.

Know When To Call A Professional
If the problem area is larger than 30 square feet, or mold keeps returning to the same area, you should consider calling in a professional inspector or mold remediation specialist. Porous wall materials like drywall may have to be removed and replaced with new material to completely solve the mold problem.