Closet items repel summer mold in the “perfect” breeding conditions.

During the summer months, humidity and lack of ventilation combine to create the perfect environment for mold to grow and thrive in your home. This has been particularly true in recent weeks, with hot and often humid weather contributing to rising humidity levels.

But experts say there are ways to combat the problem — without the need for specialized or expensive products. According to the experts at Clear It Waste, the problem can be solved using items you may already have in your cupboards at home.

Get rid of summer mold in your home

Vinegar and water

A cupboard staple like white vinegar could be your secret mold-killing weapon this summer, as it can kill up to 82% of mold species. Simply mix a solution of one part vinegar to one part warm water in a spray bottle. Apply this spray to the mold and leave it on for at least an hour. Once done, simply wipe the vinegar with a damp cloth, which should remove the mold.

Josh Clarke, manager at Clear It Waste, said: “Most of us will already have some white vinegar in the cupboard, so why not try this cheap method? Vinegar is a great eco-friendly and budget-friendly cleaner that can help get rid of mold quickly, however, it may not necessarily be a long-term solution for particularly stubborn mold.”

Sodium bicarbonate

The advantage of using baking soda is that it does not contain harmful chemicals, making it harmless to your family and any pets, as well as without the risk of it damaging your property. Simply mix two tablespoons of baking soda with warm water in a spray bottle, shake and mix well, and spray on the affected area. Leave this on for a while, then wipe and rinse the area.

Josh said: “This method is natural and effective, and if you want extra prevention, simply spray the solution on the area once you’re done and let it dry naturally. This can help provide a protective layer to prevent mold from returning quickly. However, if your case of mold is quite severe, this may not be the method for you due to the lack of chemicals in this formula.”

Whitening

Bleach can act as a harsher method of mold removal and can be a great way to get rid of light mold stains in bathrooms and on grout. When using this method, it is best to wear protective gloves and keep pets away.

Simply mix one part bleach with four parts water and wipe/wash the surface with the solution. Afterwards, rinse the area with water to remove any bleach residue and dry thoroughly with a cloth.

Josh said: “It’s best to only use this method on bathrooms, tiles and grout to avoid the bleach ruining any colours, paints or wallpaper. However, it can be a great way to quickly remove mold from bathroom surfaces, especially where mold tends to thrive.”

Three ways to prevent mold this summer

Good ventilation

Lack of ventilation can encourage mold to thrive, so making sure your home is well ventilated is a vital start to mold prevention. Opening windows, using extractor fans and dehumidifiers can all contribute to a well-ventilated home.

Low humidity

Moisture is one of the main causes of mold, so it’s essential to make sure your home isn’t too damp. To do this, you can aim to reduce moisture build-up in rooms with condensation problems, as well as use a dehumidifier. They can remove excess moisture from the air, which can help reduce the humidity level in a room.

Clean regularly

This may sound cliché, but it really is key to reducing the risk of mold because mold and dirt/bacteria thrive and grow together. Pay particular attention to areas where you think mold might be a problem, such as around the bathroom. Regular and effective cleaning of these areas should help prevent regular mold growth and accumulation due to the lack of bacteria.

The impact of mold on health

Mold can negatively affect your health if not treated properly. Common symptoms of mold exposure include:

• Allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and skin irritation

• Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory problems

• Sinus infections

• Asthma attacks

• Fungal infections

If you feel that mold will affect your health, it is always best to talk to your family doctor.