The Right Way to Get Rid of Mold in Your Home, According to Experts

If you've ever dealt with mold in your home, you know the considerable challenges it poses: It's unsightly, can grow on almost any surface, is hard to get rid of, and can pose major health risks. While the best way to keep mold out of your house is to take necessary preventative measures, like keeping humidity levels low and cleaning regularly, sometimes it's inevitable. If you've noticed areas of your home that have accumulated mold, it's important to get rid of the damage before it gets out of control. Here, experts explain best practices to avoid mold growth—and how to get rid of it if it's currently inside your home.

Types of Mold

There are a few common types of mold you may find growing in your home.

• Cladosporium: A very common type of mold that is often blackish-brown to gray-green in color, Cladosporium grows both indoors and outdoors. Indoors it may grow as fungi on dead plants, decaying wood, or tree trunks, while indoors Cladosporium often grows on items like carpets, curtains, upholstery, and wallpaper.
• Aspergillus: Aspergillus is very common indoors and outdoors, so most people breathe it in every day. While it's generally not harmful to healthy individuals, it can be harmful to people who are immune compromised.
• Stachybotrys: Known as black mold, Stachybotrys can grow on material with a high cellulose content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, and paper. The greenish-black mold occurs when there is moisture from water damage, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Exposure to black mold may cause sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and other health symptoms.
  

How to Prevent Mold

Preventing mold in your home, which is best done by minimizing moisture, is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

Monitor Humidity Levels

Damp environments can produce mold spores, so monitoring the humidity levels in your home is a must. "Ensure the humidity in your home is below 60 percent—it should ideally be between 30 and 50 percent," says Jennifer Parnell, the co-founder of Humble Suds. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, which is available at most hardware stores.

Use Exhaust Fans

An exhaust fan is one of the most important tools for combatting high humidity levels and, thus, mold. "Running them while showering and cooking transfers moist indoor air outside of your home," says Parnell. You should run your exhaust fan for at least 20 minutes after the shower has been used in order to remove adequate amounts of moisture. You should also run exhaust fans in other areas of your home, like in the kitchen while you cook.

Check Your Insulation

Check your home's insulation to ensure there aren't any cracks or leaks. "Proper insulation can help prevent condensation," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean. "Ensure your home is well-insulated and sealed in order to avoid drafts." When conducting an examination of your insulation, also be sure to assess your gutters and roof to ensure water isn't able to seep through them into your home.

Clean Regularly

Clean and dust your home regularly to prevent the accumulation of organic material, which mold can grow on, says Sokolowski. "Keep your home organized and minimize the potential for mold to grow in hidden areas," she says. When cleaning, focus on areas that are prone to mold growth, like the tub, shower, and sinks. "These areas typically hold more water or are closer to a moisture source, so pay close attention to them and any areas that tend to pool with water, and make sure they stay dry," says Parnell.

Using a squeegee on the shower doors, floors, and walls after showering, leaving the bathroom door open, and spreading out the shower curtain so it can dry are actions that can prevent mold growth in the bathroom.

Safety Considerations

If the problem goes beyond basic moisture or insulation issues, contacting a professional may be your best course of action. "If you suspect a significant mold problem in your home, it's advisable to consult with a professional mold remediation specialist to assess the situation and provide guidance," says Sokolowski. As a general rule, if the mold covers 10 square feet or more, you should call a professional.

If you plan to remove the mold yourself, proper safety precautions are a must. Make sure you have the following personal protective equipment, as inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.

• N-95 mask: To limit your exposure to airborne mold, it's recommended to wear an N-95 respirator or mask that fits properly.
• Gloves: Avoid touching mold or moldy items with your bare hands by wearing long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm. If you're working with mild cleaners,
• Goggles: Wear goggles that do not have ventilation holes to avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes during the removal process.
  

How to Remove Mold from Walls and Other Interior Surfaces

If you notice minor mold build up on surfaces inside your home, like the walls or floors, try removing it with a diluted vinegar solution.

Materials Needed

Here is what you need to remove mold from surfaces in your home.

• White vinegar
• Water
• Scrub brush or sponge
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber cloth
• Protective gear (gloves, mask, and eye protection)

Steps

Follow this method from Sokolowski when removing mold from your home's interior surfaces.

1. Use an old, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any loose mold or debris from the surface. (Remove the cloth from the room afterward.)
2. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
3. Spray the vinegar and water mixture directly onto the moldy surface, allowing it to sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Using a scrub brush or sponge, scrub the moldy area in a circular motion, ensuring you cover the entire affected area.
5. Rinse the surface with clean water and wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any remaining cleaning solution and mold residue.
6. Ensure the cleaned area is completely dry. Use fans or open windows to facilitate the drying process.
   

How to Remove Mold From Fabric

Mold can also accumulate on fabric if it's exposed to too much moisture, but it can be removed with a few common household cleaning supplies. "Take the moldy fabric outdoors if possible," says Sokolowski. "This helps prevent mold spores from spreading inside your home."

Materials Needed

Here is what you need to remove mold from fabric.

• White vinegar
• Natural detergent 
• Cold water
• Bucket
• Scrub brush or toothbrush
• Microfiber cloth
• Safety gear (gloves, mask, and eye protection)
  

Steps

Follow this method from Sokolowski for removing mold from fabric.

1. Outside, use an old scrub brush to gently remove any loose mold or debris from the fabric. (Dispose of the brush afterward.)
2. Mix a solution that's equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a bucket. If the fabric is delicate or you're concerned about the vinegar odor, you can dilute it further.
3. Submerge the moldy fabric in the vinegar solution, ensuring the entire affected area is covered. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour. You can also add a few drops of mild detergent if the fabric is washable.
4. After soaking, use a scrub brush to scrub the moldy spots gently. Be careful not to damage delicate fabrics. Continue scrubbing until the mold stains are gone.
5. Rinse the fabric thoroughly with cold water to remove any vinegar residue and mold debris.
6. Inspect the fabric for any remaining mold stains. If some stains persist, repeat the cleaning process.
7. If the fabric is machine-washable, launder it as usual with natural detergent. Use cold water, as hot water can set mold stains. Consider professional dry cleaning if the fabric is not machine-washable or delicate.
8. Hang the fabric outside in the sunlight to dry, if possible. Sunlight can help further eliminate mold spores and odors. Ensure the fabric is completely dry before storing it.
   

How to Remove Mold Outside the Home

Mold can also form on the outside of your home as it is exposed to the elements, like rain and snow. Before getting started, examine the exterior of your home to identify areas with mold growth. "Common areas include siding, wooden decks, concrete, and brick surfaces," says Sokolowski.

Materials

Here is what you need to remove mold from outside the house.

• White vinegar 
• Baking soda
• Water
• Scrub brush with a long handle or pressure washer
• Garden hose or bucket
• Safety gear (gloves, mask, and eye protection)
  

Steps

Follow this method from Sokolowski when removing mold from outside the house.

1. Remove any obstacles, furniture, or plants from the area you plan to clean. This ensures that you have unobstructed access to the affected surfaces.
2. If the exterior surface is particularly dry or sunny, wet it down with a garden hose before applying the cleaning solution. This helps prevent the solution from drying too quickly.
3. Mix a solution that's equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle.
4. Spray or apply the vinegar and water mixture directly to the moldy areas.
5. Using a scrub brush with a long handle, scrub the moldy areas vigorously in a circular motion. Continue scrubbing until you remove the mold stains.
6. Rinse the area with clean water. You can use a garden hose or a bucket of water. Ensure that all cleaning solution and mold debris are thoroughly rinsed away.
7. For additional mold prevention, create a baking soda paste by mixing it with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the cleaned area, scrub gently, and then rinse with water.
8. For stubborn mold stains, you may need to repeat the cleaning process.
9. Allow the cleaned exterior surfaces to air dry completely. This can take several hours, depending on the weather conditions.