Breathing in spores from mold growing in and outside your home can contribute to various health issues, such as allergy symptoms, asthma, and breathing problems. Commercial cleaning products such as bleach can kill mold spores on hard surfaces; however, they can also have toxic fumes. Hydrogen peroxide is a less toxic option with antimicrobial properties, which, when used properly, can kill mold and mildew. Read on to learn when you can use hydrogen peroxide to kill mold:
When Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Kill Mold?
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound of hydrogen and oxygen, and it’s a mild antiseptic with its usual strength of 3%. You can use it to prevent infections in minor cuts and burns and as a mouth rinse. Hydrogen peroxide also has microbicidal properties; therefore, you can use it to kill or slow the spread of bacteria, yeasts, viruses, and fungi such as mold and mildew. You can remove mold on hard surfaces around your home with the correct concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the appropriate length of application, and some scrubbing. Check this too: How to Clean Mold from an Ice Maker Dispenser You have a mixture of hard and porous surfaces in your home. Each surface needs a different cleaning approach if it has mold. In some cases, you might need to replace the surface altogether. Here’s how to use hydrogen peroxide to kill mold on different surfaces:
Hard Surfaces
Hard surfaces don’t have pores; therefore, they are waterproof and typically easier to clean than porous materials. Examples of hard surfaces include:
Stainless steel Glass Metal Varnished wood Hard plastic Vinyl
You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean mold off these surfaces.
Porous Surfaces
Porous surfaces are made from materials with small holes or pores, allowing the material to hold. If a surface allows liquid to be absorbed or passed through, it’s porous. Hydrogen peroxide can inhibit fungal growth on hard surfaces, but it isn’t effective at killing mold on porous surfaces. Porous surfaces around your home include:
Cardboard Wallpaper Fabric Untreated wood Some types of plastic
When mold penetrates porous surfaces like the above, the surface needs to be replaced.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Kill Mold
When cleaning mold in your home, it’s always a good idea to wear protective gloves, a mask, and goggles to prevent contact with mold spores. Here’s how you can clean mold from hard surfaces using hydrogen peroxide:
First, pour 3 percent hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Next, spray the hydrogen peroxide into the moldy surface until the area is completely covered. Let it sit for at least ten minutes until the hydrogen peroxide stops bubbling. Scrub off the mold and hydrogen peroxide with a rag or soft brush. Start by scrubbing gently to avoid damaging the surface underneath the mold, and slowly scrub harder as needed. Wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth or rag. Repeat if necessary.
Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Kill Mold on Concrete?
Concrete is inherently porous; therefore, hydrogen peroxide is not the best option to eliminate mold on concrete. However, you can follow these steps to kill mold on concrete: What You Need
Liquid laundry detergent Bucket Bleach Scrub brush or stiff-bristled broom Sponge Borate-based detergent Garden hose
Procedure
Fill a bucket with a gallon of warm water and add a quarter cup of liquid laundry detergent. Dip a scrub brush into the detergent solution and scrub the concrete thoroughly to remove any dirt and mold. Alternatively, pour the solution onto the concrete and scrub it with a stiff-bristled broom. Rinse the concrete surface with a garden hose and let it air dry. Empty the bucket and fill it with a gallon of warm water. Next, add a quarter cup of bleach and apply it to the concrete by pouring it or with a sponge. Let it set for at least twenty minutes, then repeat. Mix a gallon of warm water with one-quarter cup of borate-based detergent. Pour it over the concrete and allow it to air dry to prevent new mold spores.
Remember that when removing mold, it’s best to wear an N95 particle mask and rubber gloves to prevent contact with the spores. Also, keep the concrete as clean and dry as possible to help prevent future growth.
How to Kill Mold on Plants
Indoor plants rely on potting soil that contains organic matter, which mold needs to grow. Additionally, your plant might have contaminated soil due to various events such as hurricanes, accidental spills, and floods. Darkness also favors mold growth; mold is likelier to appear on houseplants in shady areas away from windows.
What Are the Different Types of Plant Mold?
The three most common types of mold found on plants are black, white, and powdery. White mold appears as powdery patches on plant leaves due to excessive humidity or lack of ventilation. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off; in severe cases, white mold can kill the plant. Black mold appears as black or greenish-black patches on plant leaves. This mold is often caused by overwatering because it needs moisture to grow. It can lead to leaf spot disease, which causes black spots on leaves that can eventually lead to the death of the plant. Black mold is also hazardous to humans if inhaled. Powdery mildew occurs when there’s too much humidity or inadequate ventilation. It can cause the leaves to become brittle and fall; in severe cases, it can even kill the plant.
How to Eliminate Mold
You can remove mold from your plants by following these steps:
Black Mold
The best way to kill black mold instantly is to dispose of any affected material from your plant’s soil. This might include stems, leaves, and flowers. It’s also best to sterilize your gardening tools to prevent the spread of black mold. You can sterilize the tools by soaking them in a bleach solution for ten minutes. Next, you will need to treat the plant with a fungicide. You can make your fungicide by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with one gallon of water. You can also buy a commercial fungicide from your local nursery or gardening store. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label. Once you have treated the plant, you must take measures to prevent black mold from returning.
White Mold
The best way to eliminate white mold is to remove all parts of the affected plant, including leaves, stems, and flowers. Use a gardening tool to remove the mold manually, and if there’s a substantial amount of mold, you can use fresh potting soil. Once done, wash the plant with a fungicide solution to avoid reinfection.
Powdery Mold
You can prune the affected plant areas if you want to remove powdery mold. Once done, you can treat the plant with a fungicide solution to thoroughly eliminate the chance of mold growth.
How to Prevent Mold Growth on Plants
You can prevent mold from growing on plants by ensuring that they have adequate water. However, too much or not enough water can eventually lead to problems. The water quantity depends on the plant species, the potting mix, and the size of the plant. It’s also advisable to ensure that your plants have suitable drainage holes to prevent mold growth. If your pot doesn’t have a drainage hole, you can create one by drilling a hole in the bottom. But, again, be sure to use a pot appropriate for the plant size. You can also provide proper ventilation for your plants by opening windows or using a fan to ensure proper airflow. Mold can be a nuisance to your property. It can lead to structural damage and pose a severe health hazard to humans and pets. You can use the above tips to eliminate mold on your property. Remember also to call in a professional to help with the mold nuisance.
