Around 47% of homes in the United States have significant levels of mold, while it’s estimated around 21% of asthma cases are caused by fungus. No one wants to find mold in their home – not only does it look bad and ruin furniture, but it also causes a host of health issues. Fortunately, mold can easily be removed with safe and natural DIY solutions. 

Mold Can Harm Your Family’s Health: Here’s How To Get Rid Of It

What are the health risks of mold? 

Mold doesn’t affect everyone, and some people experience no symptoms at all around mold. If you’re particularly sensitive, however, mold can trigger common symptoms of allergies, such as coughing, a stuffy nose, and itchy eyes. For people with asthma, certain molds may trigger asthma attacks, while people with chronic respiratory diseases may have difficulty breathing around mold. Mold exposure may also be particularly harmful to children – mold may be a risk factor for children’s asthma, in particular.  

Mold Removal: DIY or call a professional? 

Significant mold problems are often caused by water damage, which requires professional restoration. Water damage restoration is essential for drying out the property and preventing mold, mildew, and bacteria. Regardless of the underlying cause, if you have over ten square feet of mold in your home, the EPA recommends you call a professional and not attempt DIY removal – particularly if you’re allergic or sensitive to mold. Trained remediators use advanced methods to eradicate mold safely, as well as identify any other potential problems. Mold typically grows in hidden parts of your home (like air vents, for example). While you may be able to take care of obvious problem areas, you may miss spots that a professional won’t. Specialists are also equipped with tools, including, personal protection gear, containment systems, air filters, and heavy-duty cleaning products. Without these, you may be putting your family at greater risk. 

How to remove mold naturally 

Smaller mold problems can easily be eradicated with a number of safe, natural ingredients you may already have in your cupboards. White distilled vinegar, for example, is an effective weapon against mold. Not only is it acidic, but it’s also antibacterial – which is exactly what you want for the job. Simply fill a spray bottle with the vinegar before spraying the mold directly. Next, take an old, clean towel and wipe the area. If it needs more work, scrub the stain with an old toothbrush. Let it dry before wiping it with a damp towel. Alternatively, baking soda is another safe substance great at mold removal: it’s a mild, natural disinfectant. Make a mold-busting paste by mixing a 50/50 solution of baking soda with water. Apply the paste to the mold, and scrub with a small brush. Next, grab a spray bottle and pour in two cups of water followed by two tablespoons of baking soda. Give it a shake to mix the solution before spraying over the now-clean area. Leave it to dry – this forms a protective layer to prevent future mold growth. 

Mold isn’t just unsightly, it can also be harmful to your family’s health. If you spot mold in your home, it’s important to remove it immediately whether that means DIY or calling a professional. 

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