How To Clean Up Mold

Deciding on the best way to clean mold depends on the surface the mold has taken over.

For example, you’ll clean mold from patio furniture a little differently than you’ll clean shower tiles because the cushions can’t take abrasive cleaners like tiles can.

How to Clean Patio Furniture:

If you live in a humid or overly damp part of the country, you more than likely have to clean your patio furniture regularly to reduce mold growth. Following these steps will show you how to clean mold from outdoor furniture and cushions.

Mold Removal Solution:

In a spray bottle, mix a solution of:

• 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid
• 1 teaspoon borax
• 1 quart warm water

Spray both sides of the cushions with a liberal amount of the mixture; be sure to spray along any decorative edging.

Let this sit on the cushions for 15 to 20 minutes. While you’re waiting, spray the table and chairs with the same solution and wipe them down with a cloth.

When time’s up, scrub and rinse both sides of the cushions with a soft-bristled brush. Add the spray attachment to the hose set to full force and spray the cushions then let them air dry.

You’re Not Alone in the Shower:

Mold can be black, white, gray, or green. Mold needs three things to thrive: Moisture, humidity and food. While moisture and humidity are a given in any shower, you may not think your shower provides food.

But it does for mold. Mold eats anything organic. By organic, I don’t mean food that is produced without chemicals. I mean organic as in carbon.

To rid your shower of your colony of visitors, you’ll need an acidic cleaner like vinegar. If you haven’t cleaned your shower in awhile and the colony has progressed to a city, you’ll need something a little stronger.

Shower Cleaning Solution:

• Mix one part white distilled vinegar to one part water
• Add to a spray bottle and thoroughly spray the shower
• Let stand for 10 minutes and scrub with a sponge or scrub brush

For added scrubbing power, add ½ to ¾ cup of baking soda to make a paste. Apply to the moldiest areas, let stand for 15 minutes then scrub.

Cleaning Tough Mold:

Open the windows to properly ventilate the room. Use an equal mixture of chlorine bleach and water then spray on the moldy areas. This should immediately remove those tough mold stains.

If the mold is really bad and the bleach does not work, there are commercial cleaners specifically made to remove the toughest mold stains that get stuck in tile grout. Follow the instructions and be sure to wear rubber gloves and protective eye wear when working with corrosive chemicals.