30 Best Remedies to Get Rid of Mold Under Wallpaper
The appearance of black dots on the walls not only spoils the interior, but also signals the presence of pathogenic microorganisms dangerous to health in the living room. Favorable conditions for breeding are due to construction defects, monitoring the condition of water supply, heating and ventilation systems. How to get rid of mold under the wallpaper on the walls, in the corners?
What is a mushroom
The black or bluish spots on the walls are mold colonies in the fruiting stage. Mold structure: mycelium, fruiting body. Reproduction by spores. Mycelium - thin branching filaments (1.5-10 micrometers), thanks to which the fungus receives nutrition from the substrate. Air movement promotes the spread of mold spores.
The main types of mold found in living quarters are Aspergillus black and Aspergillus smoking. Building materials are fertile ground for them.Other types of fungi thrive on food.
Reasons for the appearance
Several conditions are necessary for the life of the mould:
- humidity above 60%;
- temperature from 0 to 50 degrees;
- acidity of the medium from 5 to 7 ph;
- mineral base as a nutrient medium.
In which cases do favorable conditions for the appearance and reproduction of mold arise in an apartment/house? People, animals, plants evaporate the humidity present in the air. Washing, preparing food, bathing and showering increases concentration. During sleep, 250 milliliters of water are excreted through the skin.
In a humid environment, molds multiply on everything: wood, cardboard, paper, plastic, glue, paint.
Lack of ventilation
Modern thermal insulation makes the accommodation airtight. The lack of air circulation in the room causes a local increase in temperature and humidity, for example, in the corners, at the junction of the ceiling and the walls, walls and floors. Mold accumulates on these surfaces.
Basement
Air tends to absorb moisture at high temperatures and release it as condensation at low temperatures. Basements can be damp due to low temperatures and insufficient ventilation. Mold appears on the surface of the walls, penetrating the masonry or panel in the living room.
leaky roof
Water seeping down the wall from a leaky roof forms a wet spot on the surface, on which black mold spores begin to multiply.
Sealing defects
Poor-quality window blocks, violations during installation lead to the ingress of cold air from the street. Condensation forms on the window sill, slopes, frames - a favorable environment for the development of fungus in the autumn-winter period.
Residual moisture after repair
If the home renovation consisted of leveling the surface of the walls, floor with the help of building mixtures, then it takes time for complete drying. Otherwise, a "shedding" of moisture on the surface will occur for a long time with the formation of mold.
In the bathroom
Curtains, doors interfere with air circulation above the bathroom, which slows down the evaporation of water. At the joints of the bathtub and the walls, black mold appears in the joints of the tiles.
Fresh flowers on the windowsill
A large number of moisture-loving plants on the windowsill will reduce the dryness of indoor air, which will cause mold on windows and walls.
Corner rooms
Technological violations during the construction of a house lead to the freezing of corners. When walls are cooled to 12.6 degrees, a dew point occurs, at which warm air cools as it hits the surface, forming condensation in the corners, creating conditions for mold to grow.
What harm can human health cause
Mold is dangerous for its waste: spores and mycotoxins. Microscopic seeds disperse through the air and enter the lungs. Mycotoxins are formed when the nutrient substrate of the mold breaks down.
General well-being
After entering the body, the fungal infection causes an inflammatory process that can affect all organs and systems. Intoxication occurs, causing general weakness, a painful condition.
Aflatoxin
Biological poison, carcinogen. Produced by a variety of Aspergillus fungi. It enters the body by ingestion of contaminated products. At a dose of more than 0.3-0.6 micrograms per 60 kilograms, symptoms appear:
- involuntary muscle contractions;
- weakness;
- headache;
- pain in the right hypochondrium.
Damages the liver on prolonged exposure.
strong allergen
Mold spores cause allergies in the form of skin rashes and bronchial obstruction.
Immune system
The allergic effects of molds on the immune system lead to a depletion of the immune system. A cross-allergy develops to food products obtained by fermentation (dough, cheese, wine, beer), and resistance to infectious diseases decreases.
Usov's disease
The appearance of hair above the lip and on the chin in women means a malfunction in the endocrine system, the cause of which is mold poisoning.
Avitaminosis
The lack of vitamins in the body is due to a decrease in consumption (appetite) and impaired functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which is explained by the toxic effects of mold.
The main symptoms are:
- dizziness;
- headache;
- weakness.
The specific symptoms depend on the lack of a specific vitamin.
Ergotism
Eating ergot mycelium leads to serious illness, including death. Ergot is a fungus that grows on cereals, mainly rye.
Kidney disorders
Autoimmune disorders due to molds affect the functioning of the excretory system. Inflammatory processes in the kidneys can become chronic.
Reye's syndrome
Living children in rooms infected with mold can cause the development of Reye's syndrome - a disease dangerous to life and health. The mortality rate reaches 20%, it is not diagnosed at the initial stages. The infection affects the brain and liver.
Liver cancer
The liver is the main filtering organ. Long-term toxic irritation of liver cells can lead to their degeneration (cirrhosis) or inflammation (hepatitis). Both diseases are precancerous.
A rare form of thrombocytopenia
Increased bleeding caused by allergic exposure to Aspergillus. Unusual and lasting bruises appear on the body. The wounds do not heal and continue to bleed.
Abnormally low platelet count
Violation of hematopoietic function is manifested by insufficient production of platelets due to inflammatory processes in the liver. The abnormality for men is less than 200 thousand units / microliter, for women - from 70 to 170 thousand units / microliter, in children - depending on age.
poisonous aleikia
A synonym of the disease is toxic tonsillitis. Caused by eating grain contaminated with a fungus.
Panels:
- stomatitis, hyperemia of the tonsils (initial stage - from 3 to 8 days);
- gastritis;
- chills;
- weakness.
Clinical tests show a persistent decrease in the number of leukocytes.
How to detect
Fungal contamination affects health...It is possible to suspect the presence of mold in a dwelling when particular signs appear and a deterioration in well-being.
Damp smell
The bedroom has a feature damp smell... There is an increase in humidity in the air, which makes it difficult to breathe.
Sudden deterioration in health
For no apparent reason, people living in mold-infected apartments and houses develop health problems that cannot be diagnosed normally. The larger the area occupied by the mold, the stronger its pathogenic effect. It is believed that if he captured 20% of the area of all surfaces, then living in such a room is impossible.
frequent headaches
Mycotoxins are present in the air and enter the bloodstream through the lungs. Poisonous substances cause intoxication of the body, which is accompanied by headaches.
Depression
Depression is a neurological reaction of the body to adverse external conditions of any kind. A decrease in the physiological functions of the body due to constant intoxication affects the mental state. A person is in a depressed state, his appetite decreases, and insomnia appears.
chronic fatigue
Neurosis caused by depression becomes chronic fatigue. The general weakening of the body due to the toxic effects of mold waste leads to a decrease in immunity and susceptibility to infections.
Allergy
Mold spores are powerful allergens. Signs of an autoimmune response can appear not only in people with reduced immunity, but also in those who have never had similar symptoms.
Neurological problems
Constant poor health leads to excessive irritability or, conversely, apathy, cramps in the limbs.
Rashes
A rash on the body due to contact with mold toxins looks like hives: intensely itchy red blisters. Due to prolonged exposure to the body, skin irritations can become chronic: dermatitis, eczema.
Digestive problems
The work of the small intestine and the liver is disturbed, which affects the absorption of nutrients and vitamins.
Chronic sinusitis
Mold spores cause irritation and inflammation of the sinus lining, which progresses to the acute/chronic phase.
Amyotrophy
Mold toxins have a complex effect on the body, leading to impaired nerve conduction and reduced appetite. A person loses weight, muscle strength weakens.
Respiratory problems
If mold spores get into the lungs, this leads to the development of incurable pneumonia. An allergic reaction can manifest itself in the form of a narrowing of the bronchi, the development of asthma.
How to stop the infection
Pathogenic microorganisms appear and multiply when favorable conditions are created for them. It is impossible to exterminate mold without eliminating the causes of the development of mycotic formations. Before starting antifungal treatment, you need to find out why black mold spots appeared on the surface of the walls. The next step is to fix the problem.
Elimination of sources of moisture
You can get rid of moisture in the house by sealing the source and the heater. Defective kitchen and bathroom faucets must be repaired. Condensation forms on the water pipes in the cold season due to the temperature difference between the cold water and the air in the room.
In such cases, plastic cylinders are placed on the pipes or silica gel is used, which absorbs moisture from the air. They act similarly with the increase in air humidity due to indoor flowers: by placing a container with a desiccator on the windowsill.
Dewdrops on the windows indicate the need to repair or replace them. Moisture from the basement penetrates through the masonry in the form of condensation.
Causes of high humidity in the basement:
- pipe leak;
- insufficient ventilation;
- unsealed doors and windows.
The optimal solution is the repair of the water supply system, the replacement of doors and windows, the installation of an additional air duct.
What to do to improve air circulation
The plastic windows allow you to adjust several ventilation modes. In the bathrooms, you need to move the curtains, open the shower doors, install a forced draft hood.
Ultraviolet
Household UV lamps are used for room disinfection. Radiation in the range of 100 to 320 nanometers kills bacteria and fungal spores. Quartz bulbs emit rays in the harshest range, with the release of ozone. They are harmful to humans and animals. Their presence during treatment is not allowed.
Uvol glass devices give off soft radiation, do not emit ozone, are harmless to the respiratory system, but damage the cornea of the eyes. To eliminate mold spores, the treatment period is extended. Amalgam lamps are safe and effective.
Contaminated surfaces are treated with an open or closed portable device.The rays do not penetrate the thickness of the walls, do not affect the mycelium, affecting fruiting bodies and spores. The lamp is used several times to eliminate mold.
Dry the air with an air heater or building hair dryer
Fungi and molds are killed by low humidity and high temperatures. Using fan heaters dries the air quickly. A jet of hot air is directed over the surface of the wall for several hours.
How to get rid of
The appearance of mold under the wallpaper is detected when black dots appear on it. It is recommended to peel off the wallpaper immediately to get a full picture of the spread of mold.
Using a knife, a sharp spatula, the wallpaper is cut along the corner fold, separated from the wall surface and the degree of infection is assessed.
After disinfection, the surface is left to stand for a certain period to ensure that the mold has been eliminated. The next step is to remove all traces of mold from the exterior of the wallpaper. The method of disposal depends on the type of wallpaper.
Non woven or acrylic
An inexpensive and effective cleanser for blackheads is Whiteness Bleach. First of all, the quality of the wallpaper is determined: resistance to chlorine-containing liquid. In an inconspicuous place, wipe the wallpaper with a sponge soaked in bleach. If delamination and bleeding of the paint layer has not occurred, the household product is suitable for use.
The wallpaper is pasted in its original place. The bleach is applied to the sponge and the traces of mold are wiped off. After 10-20 minutes, the chlorine will discolor the surface, restoring the wallpaper to its original appearance. The remaining yellowness is removed by repeated treatment with Whiteness.
Paper
It will not be possible to wash the wallpaper plate. Wallpaper that has lost its appearance will need to be cut and re-pasted.
Detergents
Wallpaper with a moisture-resistant coating, after removing mold from the wall and re-gluing, is treated with soapy water. Shavings of laundry soap and 10 milliliters of dishwashing detergent are added to hot water. Use an elastic sponge to whip up the foam and apply it to the wallpaper. After 2-3 minutes, remove the foam with a sponge, wiping the wallpaper. Soap residue from the surface is washed off with clean water.
Repair as a radical method of elimination
Local control of mold that has penetrated wallpaper is not always effective. Dormant spores, mycelium may appear on other surfaces. It is impossible to trace the defeat under the wallpaper. The best way to get rid of mold is to remove the wallpaper, disinfect it and paste new ones.
Traditional methods
Improvised means are suitable if the mold did not have time to capture a large area and sink deep into the mineral base.
Baking soda
To remove the black plaque, a liquid gruel is prepared from soda. Before applying it to the infected area, the surface is well cleaned with a spatula or a stiff brush. Remove the dust. The place of sporulation is covered with a mixture of soda and left to dry.
On vertical surfaces, this is a difficult task. To stick to the wall, baking soda must be mixed with dishwashing gel. After drying, the product is removed from the surface with a dry sponge, washed with water and dried.
table vinegar
Acetic alcohol has antiseptic properties. The liquid is well absorbed into porous materials, destroying mold spores and mycelium.The surface requires preparation: remove the "coat" mold mechanically. Apply vinegar with a spray bottle.
Lack of funds: toxic fumes during and after treatment. Work is performed in a respirator with an open window. Once dry, the surface does not require rinsing.
Hydrogen peroxide
A medical antiseptic agent with a concentration of 3% effectively acts on the mold that has appeared on the silicone joints of the painted surface. The drug is not toxic. Treat by wetting the prepared surface with a sponge.
Ammonia
The 10% ammonia solution has a pungent smell. Surface treatment against mold is carried out in rubber gloves, a respirator, in a draft. Drying - with an open window or forced ventilation until the ammonia vapor disappears. The surface is impregnated with a sponge. After drying, clean the upper layer destroyed with mold with a spatula.
laundry soap
To wash mold, soap is dissolved in hot water until a thick solution is obtained. To remove blackheads, first use a sponge and then a stiff brush. At the end of the treatment, the surface is wiped with a sponge dipped in clean water.
Bleach
Chlorine products inhibit mold growth. The disadvantage is discoloration of the treated surface, fumes, harmful to health, if a large amount of bleach is used. Porous materials are impregnated with the bleaching liquid. After drying, the surface is cleaned of the remains of the fungus.
Copper sulfate
For the treatment of blackheads, the solution is prepared according to the instructions, in the maximum concentration. After impregnation, the surface is kept for 1-2 days. Lack of funds - harmful vapors, stains of surfaces in blue.
The use of professional tools
Mold is difficult to eliminate. The spores remaining on the surface, the mycelium growing in the brood will give recurrences of infection.
Chemical manufacturers offer a wide variety of chemicals that can kill mold.
Fungicidal solution
Specialized preparations for the fight against mold and mildew. The principle of action is to suppress the cellular biosynthesis of molds. Components of fungicides: inorganic and organic substances.
To remove black spots indoors, use products based on minerals (sulfur, copper, cadmium, mercury). Toxic drugs require careful handling.
Antiseptic
Agent that affects the development of the microflora of saprophytes (fungi that parasitize organic substances). It is used as an additive in putties, paints, varnishes for wooden surfaces. Prevents the appearance of mold, the destruction of the structure due to rotting.
Chlorinated products
Chlorine is considered the most effective element in killing mold spores and mycelium. The overwhelming number of drugs that help clean homes and apartments from mold and fungus contain chlorine compounds in varying concentrations. Methods of application - according to the instructions.
Review of folk remedies
The choice of chemical depends on the degree of mold infestation, the reasons for the appearance and the possibilities of ventilation.
Odorgon Professional for the home
An air purifier eliminates odors and mold. Principle of operation: spray on a contaminated surface and in the air. Molecular action on the mold mycelium stops sporulation.The drug is non-toxic to humans and animals, on a vegetable basis.
Cillit bang
The cleaning agent contains chlorine, which acts as a poison on mold. The sprayer with nozzle allows the treatment of hard-to-reach surfaces. Apply the product from a distance of 10 to 15 centimeters. After a quarter of an hour, remove the mold with a dry sponge and rinse the area with clear water.
Mellerud
The gel contains chlorine, eliminating stubborn mold from the surface of walls, ceilings, masonry, tiles, wood. The gel is absorbed into the coating, retaining its antifungal effect for a long time. The product is sprayed from a distance of 5 centimeters. After an hour, rinse with water, ventilate the room.
Dali
Chlorine-free antiseptic. Recommended by the manufacturer for all types of surfaces. Mechanical cleaning of mold is desirable before application. Apply for 24 to 48 hours. The affected area is scraped with a stiff brush, washed with water. Without mechanical cleaning, the treatment is repeated after 6 days.
Alps fungifluids
Antifungal drug (made in France) with radical and prophylactic effect for 2 years. Non-toxic, odorless. Effective for all types of surfaces. The surface is cleaned before use. The product is applied with a brush. After 4 days, dead mold is removed with a dry stiff brush, the area is washed with water and dried.
Stop mold Olympe
The biological product causes the mold to die within 24-48 hours after the surface treatment in the room. The antiseptic is applied by brush or roller in 2 layers on a prepared and dry surface. No other treatment is required.
Biotol Spray
Biocide-based product, non-toxic to humans. Before use, the particles destroyed from the base, the paint swells, the dust is removed from the surface. The mold area is irrigated.After 5 hours the surface is ready for priming and painting.
Mavix Organic
The set includes impregnation and water repellent. Before applying the antiseptic, the surface of the wall is cleaned of mold, smeared with impregnation. Mavix Bio is applied there. After drying, the area is protected from water infiltration with a water repellent.
Biocide-S
Broad spectrum disinfectant. The surface of the walls, baths with mold is wiped with a 0.5% solution prepared according to the instructions. After 1 hour, the product is washed off with water. Processing is carried out in rubber gloves, protective clothing.
Abedis 06
The liquid concentrate is diluted in a 1: 2 ratio (for severe mold contamination, use in its pure form). The previously cleaned surface is impregnated with an antiseptic using a brush. The disinfection time is 24 hours. At the end of the treatment, wash the product from the surface.
SCHIMMEL-ENTFERNER
Hypochlorous solution (made in Germany) for all types of surfaces, except metal. It does not require prior removal of mold before use. Spray from a distance of 5 centimeters. After 20 minutes, it is washed off with water and a brush with room ventilation. The treatment can be repeated several times.
NANO-FIX
Waterproofing agent whose use reduces the risk of mold forming on the surface of walls, ceilings and floors.
Metas-BIO
Biological product for the protection of wooden surfaces and products against all types of mould. Non-toxic, retains its effect for 2 years. Before use, it is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 3.
NEOMID Organic
The use of the product does not require surface preparation. Not very pronounced foci of mold are irrigated at a distance of 10-15 centimeters. After 60-120 minutes, the area is washed off with a stiff brush.Neomid Bio 600 is necessary to eliminate deep lesions.
When to call SES
The appearance of black mold on the walls, ceilings, joints and seams requires urgent action. Molds can multiply at the rate of 1 square meter per week.The danger of infection lies in the creation of a favorable environment for other pathogenic microorganisms.
With a large area of stains, the germination of mold mycelium through the masonry, the help of disinfection specialists is required. The tasks of SES workers are to determine the cause of the appearance of mold, its variety and the area of distribution. Based on the conclusion, the method and duration of treatment are determined. Professional mold control consists of hot and cold fumigation of fireplaces, gassing of the entire room, followed by wet disinfection. It is impossible to carry out such treatment yourself.
Preventative measures
The fight against mold begins with a preliminary antifungal impregnation of the mineral surfaces in order to strengthen the surface layer and improve the adhesion of the particles. Hydrophobic protection prevents moisture from penetrating deeper layers, making it easier to remove mildew.
In rooms that are initially very humid, air circulation should be provided by natural or forced ventilation. If there is a risk of dew point, external insulation of the facade is necessary.