17 Best Wall Mold Remedies With Description
Mold is a type of fungus whose spores are ubiquitous. They form large colonies in areas with high humidity. There are many types of mold, some of which are beneficial to humans. However, most of them harm the health of living organisms, releasing toxic compounds into the atmosphere. Why mold appears in apartments and what remedy to use to get rid of mold on the walls, we will find out below.
The causes of the fungus
Not all citizens have an idea of where mold appears and why it occurs. There are several general reasons:
- Lack of ventilation in the room, due to which moisture accumulates there.
- A large number of indoor plants concentrated in one place.
- High humidity.
- Problems with heating systems.
high humidity
High humidity is considered one of the main causes of mold in the home. Sources of high humidity can be:
- leaks in heating or water supply systems;
- the accumulation of condensation on the windows and in the bathroom.
If these sources are not eliminated in a short time, the appearance of mold will not be long in coming.
Poor ventilation
The second most common cause of fungus is lack of ventilation in the room. This causes an increase in humidity, which leads to explosive growth of fungal spores. Periodically check the ventilation grilles and air ducts to keep them free of dust and dirt.
To note! If there is no ventilation in the room, try to air it at least several times a week.
Heating problems
Problems with the organization of heating in the room lead to sudden changes in temperature and, as a result, the formation of condensation. At first it does not pose a threat, but over time it becomes more and more. If nothing is done, after some time a mold colony will begin to form in this place.
A large number of plants
Mold spores in flower pots are common for the following reasons:
- frequent watering;
- low ambient temperature;
- lack of drainage, which leads to stagnation of moisture in the soil;
- high soil acidity.
All these factors, combined with a large number of plants in a room, lead to the appearance of spores on the walls and ceiling.
Types and damage
There are many varieties of mushrooms, including:
- black mold;
- white;
- pink;
- YELLOW;
- Green.
Each species has a different effect on the environment, with varying degrees of danger to living organisms.
white
White mold forms on:
- flour products;
- dairy products;
- indoor plants;
- on the trees;
- in the ground.
It does not pose any particular danger to the human body. In order for mold to penetrate the internal organs and begin to harm a living organism, its immune system must be extremely weakened.
Black
Black mold comes in many varieties, each of which affects the human body differently:
- The most common species that appears in old houses and basements is dangerous to humans. Causes respiratory and digestive disorders. Mushrooms are black and slippery in appearance.
- Another type of mold, which by its external characteristics is indistinguishable from the first, is harmless to people, but it spreads with alarming speed, quickly capturing new territory.
YELLOW
It is considered the most dangerous for humans due to the toxic poison secreted by the spores. It accumulates in the body and, when the critical level is reached, causes serious complications, which can go as far as oncological complications. Appears on:
- fish;
- dairy products;
- nuts.
Green
It is dangerous to human health and, if it gets into the stomach, can cause severe poisoning. It looks like moss from afar and forms on:
- sour cream;
- yogurt;
- vegetables;
- Cottage cheese;
- walls.
To note! Foods that have developed green mold are not suitable for further consumption. The spores penetrate deep into the structure of the product and simply removing the infected layer will not be enough.
Pink
In most cases, it is formed on biological products subjected to the process of decomposition.Can form on floors and walls of buildings. It does not pose a threat to human health, however, it is worth refraining from eating it.
Use of copper sulphate
One of the most effective ways to get rid of fungus from floors, ceilings and walls is their treatment with copper sulfate. It needs:
- correctly prepare the solution;
- treat the surfaces to be disinfected;
- ensure compliance with safety rules.
Compliance with these points will help to effectively combat the spores of the fungus and prevent its reappearance.
Preparation of the solution
Not everyone knows how to properly dilute a solution of copper sulfate so that the liquid turns out to be effective, but not toxic to the person himself. You will need:
- 2 liters of water;
- 50 grams of copper sulfate;
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
Vinegar is not a mandatory ingredient, but its use will increase the effectiveness of the drug.
Correct treatment of walls
It is not enough to simply prepare a solution and spray it on the damaged areas. The effect of the drug will be significantly weakened and we will not achieve the desired result. It is necessary to prepare the part by following these steps:
- clean the walls of wallpaper, whitewash or paint;
- remove excess plaster;
- clean the surface to be treated with sandpaper;
- wash the walls with soapy water;
- dry the room.
Only after completing all these actions it is allowed to start treatment with copper sulfate.
Paint, wallpaper and whitewash cleaning
Fungal spores penetrate deep into the structure of the affected material and surface treatment is not a panacea to combat this. Wallpaper, paint and whitewash are weak barriers to mould.
To 100% eliminate the infection, it is necessary to remove the entire layer of coating covering the walls of the room.
scrape the plaster
The plaster, if an infection has formed on it, will also need to be removed. This is necessary to eliminate the roots of the problem and not to treat its superficial consequences.
Additional sanding
Sandpaper will remove excess damaged material remaining in cracks and pores. This will eliminate potential foci of re-emergence of infection.
To note! During the entire cycle of preparation and disinfection measures, ensure the availability of personal protective equipment. This concerns, first of all, the respiratory tract and the eyes.
Washing the walls with soapy water and drying
Washing the walls is considered the final touch of preparation, which eliminates the most microscopic risks of mold reappearing. Naturally, if the main sources of the appearance of the fungus are not eliminated, after some time it will again make itself felt. Keep that in mind, and don't expect wall treatment to eliminate the need to tackle other issues related to preventing new mold outbreaks.
Vitriol treatment
The process of treating a part with copper sulphate is extremely simple and involves only two steps:
- direct treatment of infected areas;
- ventilate the room for 2-3 days.
Precautionary measures
Before treating a part with copper sulphate, be sure to take the following precautions:
- Open windows and doors to the room to allow air circulation. If there are no windows, turn on the hood.
- Put on your personal protective equipment.The minimum set consists of rubber gloves, goggles and a respirator. Ideally, the skin and the head are also protected by special clothing.
Side effects
Side effects resulting from vitriol poisoning:
- stomach ache;
- cardiopalm;
- itchy skin;
- itching;
- nausea;
- weakness.
If these symptoms appear, you should immediately stop the treatment process and leave the room.
We use lime
When choosing plaster for wall decoration, experts advise buying mixtures based on lime. Their advantages over their cement counterparts are:
- The composition has antiseptic properties that prevent the emergence of harmful organisms.
- They are more permeable, allowing moisture to evaporate from the surface more quickly.
- Helps maintain an optimal humidity level in the room.
Microwave method
The essence of the method is to heat the sections of the wall affected by mold to a temperature of 70 o, to a depth of 35 centimeters. This is enough for the excess moisture to evaporate and the mold to die. The advantages of the method:
- nontoxic;
- high speed of elimination of the fungus;
- application versatility. Suitable for processing a wide range of materials;
- allows you to destroy pests in hard-to-reach places.
Other effective antifungal agents
Among other effective drugs that cope with the destruction of the fungus, there are:
- Olympus stop mold;
- Abedis 06;
- fungifluid Alps;
- Biocide C;
- Dali;
- AtlasMyox;
- Spectrum fungicide;
- Xiolate;
- Teflex;
- Snowball;
- Biotol-Spray.
Olympus stop mold
It is used to disinfect:
- basements;
- apartments and houses.
Does not harm pets. Suitable for processing materials such as: stone, brick, wood, drywall.
Abedis 06
Antifungal drug, with the help of which:
- eliminate harmful bacteria;
- prevent their reappearance.
Colorless liquid that does not stain the treated surface.
Alps fungifluids
A disinfectant used for:
- destruction of fungus and mold;
- preventive measures.
For 5 square meters, 1 liter of Fongifluid is consumed. With its help, concrete, stone and wood are transformed.
Biocide C
The biocide has the ability to destroy harmful organisms, suppressing their vital activity. The drug is applied to the damaged area, after which it begins to penetrate deep into its structure, destroying the fungus.
Observe safety rules when working with it.
Dali
A versatile and inexpensive product that helps eliminate moss, mold and mildew. It shows itself well as a prophylactic agent that prevents the appearance of harmful organisms. Principle of operation:
- we apply the drug to the infected area;
- after a while we clean the dead residue with a brush.
Atlas Mikos
An effective drug used to destroy:
- algae;
- mousse;
- mushroom;
- mold.
Can be used on all construction surfaces. Benefits :
- quick results;
- easy to apply;
- does not have its own color.
Spectrum fungicide
It shows itself well in the treatment:
- wooden structural elements;
- plaster;
- painted surfaces.
Equally effective against mold indoors and outdoors.
Xiolat
A powerful antiseptic that penetrates all building materials on which mold forms. Not the cheapest option, but worth the money spent.
Teflex
Advantages of the drug:
- powerful formula;
- convenient packaging;
- good shelf life.
Otherwise, it has similar properties, not much different from its competitors.
Snow impregnation
It is used to control moss, shingles and mold, both inside living quarters and outside. Compatible with a wide range of building materials, penetrating quickly and deeply into their structure.
Philasmufi
Antifungal spray that eliminates lichen and mildew from:
- concrete;
- bricks;
- paper wallpaper;
- plaster.
It is in great demand among buyers, being distinguished by positive reviews on thematic forums.
Furacilin
An antimicrobial drug sold at any pharmacy. It is used for therapeutic treatment of a person, but in a certain dosage it is able to fight bacteria on the floor and walls of the building.
white
Another non-essential tool, not directly intended to combat fungus and mold. Refers to folk remedies, which does not negate its effectiveness.
You need to buy the usual whiteness, without the mark "for clothes".
Biotol Spray
An expensive imported product with poor efficiency, according to consumer reviews. Sold in most departments selling household chemicals.
Prophylaxis
Preventative measures that keep mold from appearing include:
- Ensure constant ventilation of the room.
- Open the windows often to ventilate them. Otherwise, pockets of mold will start in the window frames.
- Eliminate all liquid leaks in the apartment by repairing leaking faucets, pipes and sewer joints.
- Do not push furniture close to the wall. Leave a gap of up to 2 centimeters.
- You can treat problem areas with a high probability of mold formation with hydrogen peroxide.