How to Get Rid of Mold under the Sink
People are usually confused when it comes to how to get rid of mold present in their homes. Considering mold is a health hazard, it should be removed the instant it appears in your house. You will have to be more active in removing mold as the summer season approaches. In the summer season, mold growth accelerates due to humidity. One of the most common areas where mold growth takes place is under the sink. It is fairly easy to remove. All you need to do is follow the instructions given below.
Step 1 – Take Necessary Precautions
Wear a pair of gloves, goggles and a mask in order to prevent any health hazards that may occur due to touching or smelling the mold. Certain types of mold may cause certain allergies and asthma, which is why safety comes first.
Step 2 – Locate the Mold
Before starting with the cleaning process, it is important to locate the mold. The mold comes in a variety of colors and textures. Also, they give a distinct musty smell. The mold under the sink probably would be slimy or fuzzy since it gets enough moisture and humidity.
Step 3 – Identify the Mold
There are different types of molds. Identify what kind of mold you are dealing with. If it is a toxic one, contact a professional for its removal. If it is non-toxic, for example Memnoniella or Stachybotrys, it can be removed by yourself.
Step 4- Remove Mold Using Natural Products
There are three natural treatments that can be used to get rid of mold. In the first one, mix tea tree oil (two teaspoons) with water (two cups) in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to ensure the contents blend well. Now spray it on the moldy area. Let it dry. It will take the mold a couple of days to disappear. The other treatment uses vinegar with distilled water. Mix them in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle vigorously. Sprinkle it on the mold and let it dry. In a few hours, the mold will disappear. The third treatment uses grapefruit. Mix grapefruit seed extract (25 drops) with water (2 cups) in a spray bottle. Shake to allow the ingredients to blend well. Spray on the patch of the mold and let it dry. It takes a few days for the mold to disappear completely.
Step 5 – Mold Removal Using Commercial Products
If you do not wish to use a natural product treatment to kill molds, use a mixture of chlorine bleach with distilled water (with the ratio 1:4) in a spray can. Spray it on the moldy patch and leave it for an hour. This will kill the mold. Now scrub the dead mold off the surface under the sink. Avoid use of wire gauze pads or any such pads that may scratch the surface.
Step 6 – Washing and Drying the Area
Now, wash the area with soap and water. Ensure all the residues are removed. Dry the area completely so the mold does not reappear. Place all the contents of the dead mold and any affected materials in a plastic bag. Tape it and discard it, since dead mold may still cause allergic reactions.