Molds, the microscopic organisms that thrive in humid environments, spread spores that are dangerous to our health. Not to mention they’re unsightly and gross. They’re stubborn, too, often reappearing despite our efforts in keeping them away.
You probably check for them in the most visible areas, such as your kitchen, bathrooms, and basement. While those are the places molds thrive the most, other parts of your home, including your things, can also grow them.
Fortunately, removing molds isn’t costly, and home remedies work effectively. If you’re anticipating another round mold infestation due to the rainy reason, there are the areas in your home you need to check:
1. Air Ducts
Dust and grime aren’t the only dirt sitting on our air ducts. If yours has never been cleaned yet, check it for molds, vermin, clogs, and other noticeable debris. Dirt in your air ducts are best entrusted to a pro, so call for reliable air duct cleaning services when you find pesky mold in the area.
2. Closet or Wardrobe
The clothes in your closet or wardrobe may always be dry and clean, but the dark and enclosed space itself is the risk factor for molds — or mildew, specifically. For it to develop, mildew needs darkness, moisture, and a food source, and closets and wardrobes provide precisely those.
Clothes can still get moist even after you’ve dried them. That’s because closets and wardrobes lack air circulation that repels mildew. Couple that with the area’s darkness, and mildew will surely find refuge.
As for its food source, the fabric is one of them. If neglected, they will eat away the material until it rots. Hence, place a dehumidifier in your closet or wardrobe, especially during monsoon seasons.
But if you already found them in your clothes, remove them with three parts water and one part bleach, if the clothing is white. Otherwise, use lemon juice or vinegar on the affected spot.
3. Shoes
Shoes, especially leather, are another breeding ground for mildew. If you haven’t worn yours for a long time and leave them in storage, you should check them for mildew regularly.
To remove mildew from leather, mix equal parts of cool water and rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture, and use it to wipe the leather. When the mildew is gone, wipe the leather again with a cloth dipped in water only.
Let your shoes dry entirely, and re-condition them afterward with a leather conditioner. Examine the storage for molds as well, and if you spot any, wash them off with a chlorine-bleach-and-water solution (for plastic storage), or drench them in hot water (for fabric storage).
4. Filing Cabinets
Probably the least checked household item because of digital files’ availability, molds may house filing cabinets as a consequence. Once they eat away your important papers and other records, it can be difficult to salvage them.
Hence, prevention is your only defense against mold in the case of filing cabinets. Run a dehumidifier in your home office or any room they’re in during the muggiest months.
5. Dishes
If you skip the dry cycle in your dishwasher to save energy, you may unwittingly invite molds as a result. Hence, save energy on other tasks instead, and don’t risk molds growing on your dishes. Run the dry cycle, or manually dry them with a dish towel to ward off the mold.
Essential Items to Have to Kill Molds
Since molds tend to be a persistent problem, stock up on these essentials to kill them fast:
- Vinegar
- Tea tree oil
- Baking soda
- Citrus seed extract
- Hydrogen peroxide
Mixed with water or used alone, these natural mold-killers are a life-saver during muggy seasons. Keep a stash of those and watch the less-noticeable mold breeding grounds closely. In turn, molds will barely have their chances.
