Cleaning the House...Safely

Cleaning the House...Safely

Wiping can help clean the surface, but it may not be enough to kill the fungus. To ensure the fungus is eliminated and prevent any potential health risks, fungicides should be used.

Principles and method of cleaning

If the area to be cleaned is confined to one corner of the house and the material is difficult to clean or very porous, it is best to do the cleaning outdoors. If there is a lot of fungi present, items such as insulating paper, carpet underlay, ceiling, gypsum wall, and compressed wood products must be wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent the spread of mold spores.

It is important to be aware that wiping may clean the surface, but it may not be enough to kill the fungus. Fungicides should be used to ensure the fungus is eliminated, as dead fungi can still cause health problems due to the production of mycotoxins.

Always be on the lookout for the emergence of mold. If the results are not satisfactory, any activities that could lead to high humidity, such as drying clothes indoors, boiling water, cooking indoors, turning off the air conditioner and opening the window, should be done immediately.

To clean moldy surfaces, use a thick and large piece of tissue paper (or paper towel) that has been dampened with water. Wipe the surface from bottom to top, or from left to right or right to left in one direction only. Do not wipe back and forth. After wiping, throw away the tissue paper. Do not save it because this will cause the mold spores to spread. Collect the paper in a large garbage bag and be careful to open and close the bag gently so that the mold spores are not dispersed by the wind. Do not turn on a fan as the strong wind will cause the mold spores to spread more easily.

It is recommended to use a mild soap and water solution to clean surfaces. Detergents should be avoided, as they can create problems after washing and can also lead to polluted water due to their ingredients, which can act as food for fungi.

For effective cleaning, you can use a fungicide solution mixed with a third wipe. There are many different types of fungicides available, so it is important to choose the right one for the material you are cleaning. Examples of liquids with mild fungicidal activity include:

1. To effectively remove mold from surfaces, use a spray bottle filled with a mix of distilled or fermented vinegar (at least 7% concentration) and water. Spray the area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe off. This method provides satisfactory mold elimination (80%), but does not kill spores.
2. To kill many types of mold, use a spray bottle with a mix of tea tree oil (2 teaspoons) and water (2 cups). Spray lightly on the affected area and wipe off the excess. This method is effective, however it is quite expensive.

Another effective and expensive solution is to use grapefruit seed extract. Mix 20 drops in 2 cups of water and spray lightly on the desired area. Afterwards, wipe off the excess. This method does not have a pungent smell.