How to get rid of mold in your home and prevent future growth

If you've ever noticed mold in your home, you probably don't like the idea of living alongside a gunky green (but common) substance. Household mold can lead to ongoing issues, from respiratory distress to property damage, if left unchecked.

But, how to handle it? Luckily, you can remove mold in your home. This article explores how to get rid of mold, natural remedies to clean it up and how to prevent future mold.

What is mold?

Mold is a fungus that reproduces by expelling microscopic spores into the environment. High concentrations can give off a musty, mildewy smell. When these spores land in a damp environment, they grow, spread and can cause rot.

Mold thrives in damp, dark environments, typically in areas like garages, basements and windowless rooms. You can find it in other areas in your home where moisture lurks – bathrooms, kitchens, attics, crawl spaces, ceiling tiles and other areas.

Mold can bring stuffy noses, sore throats, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes or skin rashes. Immunocompromised or allergic individuals may develop infections or have severe reactions from mold, which is why removing mold is an important part of home safety.

Understanding different types of mold

Mold doesn't always appear as the standard green variety. It can be brown, black or pink and look smooth or even furry. Different types of mold cause different symptoms and have a range of effects on individuals.

For example, you may have heard of black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), often called "toxic mold." You'll find this black or dark green mold in organic materials, such as wood, drywall and cardboard. It releases mycotoxins that can cause breathing difficulty, sinusitis, fatigue, headache, burning airways, persistent cough, nose bleeds, fever and even depression.

Other types of mold cause allergies, such as Aspergillus, on foods and air-conditioning systems. You may also find a black and green mold, Cladosporium, another mold that causes allergies, on the backs of toilets and fiberglass air ducts.

Mold vs. mildew

It's easy to confuse mold and mildew, mainly because they belong to the fungus family. Mildew is a surface fungus that looks like a patch of gray or white fungus on the surface of a moist area. You can clean it with a store-bought cleaner and scrub brush. Mold often looks fuzzier and slimier and can cause adverse health effects when brewing in a home. Mildew does not have these same effects.

How to get rid of mold in a house

You can't just clean your home thoroughly like normal and hope mold will disappear – it requires specific treatment.

To get rid of black and white mold in a house, spray a natural, yet effective, vinegar solution. Thoroughly scrub the affected areas. You can prevent mold spores from spreading through the air when wet. Wipe clean with water and allow the area to fully dry.

1. Limit your exposure

You want to limit your mold exposure, so you must protect yourself first and foremost. Wear safety glasses, disposable gloves and protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants. Wear a mask to keep from breathing in mold spores as you clean. The CDC recommends disposable NIOSH-approved N-95 filtering facepiece respirators.

2. Gather effective materials

Next, gather the materials you need to get rid of mold in a house, such as hard or soft bristle brushes, a bucket, sponges, paper towels and spray bottles. Be prepared to throw out the sponges and other cleaning items once done using them.

3. Safely remove mold

Getting rid of mold in a house may depend on the mold type and room you plan to clean. Let's dig in.

How to get rid of black mold

Undiluted white vinegar is an effective way to get rid of black mold. Vinegar is a natural mold killer that eliminates around 82% of mold species. You can combine distilled white vinegar with baking soda. Spray the solution generously, wipe the area clean with water and let the surface dry.

How to get rid of mold on walls

To get rid of mold on walls, clean the surface with soap and water, then use a mixture of vinegar, water and baking soda to kill the mold, gently scrubbing the area with a sponge or toothbrush. To encourage ventilation, help the areas completely dry with a fan in an open window.

How to get rid of mold in a kitchen

To get rid of mold in your kitchen, start by opening your windows to improve ventilation and run the vent hood while cooking and cleaning. Scrub any hard surfaces with vinegar, baking soda or bleach, and thoroughly rinse any food prep areas when you finish. If you find mold in them, you may need to replace porous surfaces, like wood cabinets.

How to get rid of exterior mold

To get rid of unsightly mold on the exterior of your house:

• Deck: Clean with detergent or another light cleaning solution and a power washer.
• Vinyl or wood siding: Power-wash or scrub it with a brush, potentially using hydrogen peroxide.
• Stucco or concrete: Use a garden hose and sprayer attachment using a nontoxic mold remover. Allow it to sit while the mold starts to resolve, then rinse it away.

Not cleaning mold promptly from these areas can cause mold to enter your home.

4. Clean up properly

Clean up immediately after mold removal to avoid recontamination. Seal and immediately dispose of materials that have had contact with the mold, including your mask. Rinse shoes or boots, wash clothing in hot water and scrub any exposed skin that may have come in contact with mold spores.

Natural remedies for removing mold

We've mentioned several common and effective natural remedies for removing mold. However, what works best?

• Vinegar: Undiluted white vinegar can remove surface-level mold. However, it's important to note that you don't want to use vinegar on stone, aluminum or iron surfaces – the acid can damage those materials. Use cleaning grade vinegar of at least 5% acidity. You can put pure vinegar in a spray bottle.
• Bleach: Mix one part bleach to three parts hot water in a spray bottle. You can spray it on the mold, let it sit for an hour and wipe clean. Always wear face protection when using bleach, because it can damage your lungs.
• Baking soda: The mild nature of baking soda also makes it ideal for killing mold. Add ¼ of a teaspoon to 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Scrub with a brush and repeat.

Tips to prevent future mold growth

Once you clean up mold, how can you prevent future growth? Or better yet, how can you prevent it from showing up in the first place? Read through some tips on preventing future mold growth in your home:

• Add a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier is an effective way to prevent future mold growth in a house. Dehumidifiers draw air into a unit by a fan, passing over the cooled coils. As the air cools, its moisture condenses and falls into a drip pan or removable bucket and, keeping the moisture out of the air, reduces mold growth.
• Use fans to vent moisture outside: Fans help ventilate rooms and remove moisture, especially in a bathroom. Turn on the fan every time someone uses the bath or shower.
• Don’t store items in damp areas: Keep your belongings out of damp areas so mold doesn't grow on them, particularly in basements or other areas. You can use a hygrometer (humidity monitor) to monitor humidity levels.
• Do what you can to waterproof: Waterproofing wherever you can, such as waterproofing your basement, may mean adding a waterproof sealer to act as a moisture barrier.
• Watch for water: Wipe water from hard surfaces and fix leaky faucets as soon as possible, which can be breeding grounds for mold. Always check for damp or wet tableware and serving dishes to keep mold from growing in cabinets.

FAQs on how to get rid of mold

Still have questions about how to get rid of mold? Check out a few answers to our frequently asked questions.

Should I test for mold?

If your home has experienced water damage, such as a flood or leak, you should test for mold. Moisture causes mold growth, and hidden mold can cause health problems and damage to your house. To check for mold, you can have residential mold testing done on your home.

Where is mold often found in a home?

You'll often find mold in areas where dampness prevails, such as showers, bathtubs, basements, ventilation ducts and crawl spaces. Regularly inspect for mold in these areas or when you have a leak or water damage.

When should I contact a professional to get rid of mold?

Generally, you can handle the job yourself if you have a moldy area of less than 10 square feet. However, consider hiring a professional if you have had significant water damage and it covers more than 10 square feet.

Even though you can clean thoroughly and remove rotten materials, you may never fully rid your home of mold – professionals call it "mold remediation." Visible mold can mean more extensive problems in your drywall, insulation, subflooring, studs, ceilings and other hidden areas. Call a professional to ensure you handle mold growth and that you use mold-resistant materials.

The bottom line: Getting rid of mold keeps your home healthy

Mold is a fungus that comes in many different forms and side effects when it gets into your home. Therefore, you must do what you can to remove it quickly and safely. Home mold removal can look different in every situation.

Set your home up for mold prevention to save money and headaches long-term. Maintaining a mold-free home will keep your home healthier and safer.

Read through the valuable homeowner tips on the Rocket Homes^SM website to learn more tips about keeping your home in excellent condition.