How To Remove Mold Stains

Removing Household Mold Stains and Mold Spot Removal

Mold is a common term given to fungi in almost all parts of the world. Mold consists of a white substance called mycelium. Mold looks like velvet. It grows in area where moisture is present. Once mold has conditions for growth, it grows rapidly and spreads. When the conditions for growth do not exist, the mold becomes powdery and can be easily airborne and spread through air. Where it finds conditions encouraging growth, it starts growing again without difficulty.

Mold spores grow quickly in area that are humid and without ventilation. Mold can grow on almost all surfaces like paper, leather, wood, wet cement, wet tiles etc. Temperature is not a major factor affecting mold growth and high temperature with absence of moisture will effectively prevent mold growth. Here the prevention is not due to high temperature but due to absence of moisture. In case the moisture is absent from the mold affected area, the mold does not die, it propagates.

Air borne mold is a health hazard to human beings and many mammals. The mold separated due to high temperature, becomes air borne and because of its smaller size can be a serious health hazard as it is lodged in respiratory tract. It can also go in your body through cuts and cause problems with immune system.

Chlorine Bleach is an effective remedy for molds. Chlorine acts by oxidizing the mold and effectively killing it. However, chlorine is only a surface oxidizing agent and cannot penetrate the mold body of mold. For complete killing of mold, deep penetrating biocides have been developed effectively killing the mold. If you do have only chlorine or chlorine based solutions for killing the mold, you would have to repeat the application over a period of time to completely eliminate molds.

Precautions when using chlorine based chemicals: Chlorine based chemicals can cause respiratory problems. Chlorine can also cause damage to leather, woodwork, and many similar surfaces having natural origin.

Mold Stain Removal:

Mold stains will continue to cause damage and discoloration unless molds are removed completely, and conditions helpful to growth are eliminated. Circulation of dry air to remove moisture and exposure to sunlight are effective solutions to remove mold. Mold stains will require different treatment in each case.

Removing Mold Stains in the Bathroom:

Remove mold from the bathroom with help of chlorine bleach based solution. Dip and squeeze the sponge in solution and apply it to the affected area, lightly scrub and then rinse immediately. It is not necessary to leave the bleach on for more than a few minutes to be effective. Check for mold growth in seams and remove it by above method.

Mold Stains on Floor:

Wooden floors in your home can be damaged by mold. Fortunately, the growth of mold is not immediately noticed. If effective steps are taken to remove molds, the damage may not be noticeable. If allowed to remain long time, the discoloration takes place.

In early stages, the mold is removed effectively by chlorine-based solutions. As with leather, do not allow the chlorine based solution to remain in contact with wooden floor for long time. Wipe off immediately.

If the mold has been there on wooden floor for a long time, take the following steps to remove mold and bring back original color.

1. Dry the area completely and air for some time. You may use chlorine-based solutions for cleaning.
2. Cover your nose with a filter to ensure that the mold or chlorine does not enter your respiratory tract. Wear hand gloves.
3. Take a small piece of metal 8” X 4“and 1/16” thick and scrape the affected area. Just clean the surface by scratching. Do not scrape deeper.
4. By sanding with a 180 grit, “finish removal” sand paper prepare the area.
5. Apply chlorine-based solution to the surface again and remove stubborn stains. Do not allow the cleaning agent to stand for long time.
6. Once again, polish the area with 200 grit or 250 grit paper.
7. Refinish the spot with original finish taking care to match with original finish. Use services of expert if you are not if you can do it yourself.

Mold Stains on Clothes:

Clothes should be thoroughly aired and hung in sunlight if possible. Sunlight is best for killing the molds. UV rays in sunlight do this effectively. After this is done, wash the clothes in a normal manner. Use the bleach only if the clothes are not affected by the bleach.

Home Mildew Stains:

Mold and mildew stains on paper or paintings cannot be removed without damaging the paper or the painting. The paintings that are damaged by molds can hardly be restored to original glory. For this reason, take particular care of your period paintings to ensure that they are not damaged by mold. Here the prevention is the only cure.

Safety Precaution while working with molds: The molds can damage your lungs when removing dry molds. Cover your nose when working with mold and do not deep breathe when working with mold. Molds have more mobility when dry and for this reason if you can remove a mold colony with wet tissues, it will be best solution.