When it comes to mould removal, most people reach for bleach or ammonia, which are effective cleaners. But, bleach, ammonia and other commercial cleaners produce dangerous fumes that degrade
the indoor air quality of your home, making household members sick upon repeated exposure.
Their use in excess is dangerous, which is why you should clean mould or fungus with natural products if any surface or fixture in your house has them.
Hiring professionals performing quality end of lease cleaning in Darwin is a great solution for cleaning a dirty rental property. As professionals have the experience and supplies to effectively get rid of mould, fungus, grime, and other contaminants, your chances of getting
a complete bond repayment increase.
However, before you seek the assistance of professional cleaners, here are ten easy and natural ways you should try to get rid of fungus and mould in your home.
1. Wash With Soap & Water
Mould and fungus in the initial stages are easy to remove and don’t leave permanent marks and spots. You can remove them with soap and warm water by using the right techniques. Professional end of lease cleaners in Darwin ensure they move top to bottom while cleaning household surfaces/fixtures.
Additionally, they scrub in a circular motion, ensuring to clean the areas 50 cm from the edges of visible spots because they can have mould spores invisible to the naked eyes.
2. Apply Undiluted Cleaning Vinegar
Cleaning vinegar has 6% acetic acid, which can effectively kill over 80% of mould species. You need to use it undiluted to get the best results and prevent the regrowth of mould and fungus.
- Spray the solution directly on the mould and fungi, letting it dwell for at least one hour. Respray the vinegar if it dries before the dwell time is over.
- Since vinegar dissolves the mould and fungus, wipe the remaining residues with a paper towel from the affected area.
- Washing the cleaned areas with soap and water is optional.
3. Make A Baking Soda & Dishwashing Liquid Paste
Due to repeated exposure to moisture, dirt and grime, tiles, grout lines, sinks, and other areas in your bathroom/kitchen can develop mould and fungus. To clean them without toxins or harsh chemicals, make a paste of baking soda and dishwashing liquid in a bowl. Baking soda is a great scrubbing powder, whereas dishwashing liquid is perfect for degreasing and washing almost any surface.
- Apply the paste generously on the affected areas and let it remain untouched for 30-45 minutes.
- Afterwards, scrub with a soft brush and wash with warm water.
- Repeat the process if any spots remain.
4. Remove Mould/Fungus With 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic and anti-fungal solution, meaning it can effectively and efficiently kill almost any mould or fungus. To make a potent cleaner, mix cream of tartar with the solution and apply it to the mouldy surfaces/fixtures. Wait for 10 minutes, then scrub gently before washing the residues with soap and water. You can also make a 50/50 solution of water and hydrogen peroxide to remove mould and fungus from anywhere.
5. Sanitise With Lemon Concentrate
Lemon like white vinegar is about 5% acidic and perfect for dissolving mould from your home’s kitchen, bathroom, and other areas. You can apply the concentrate directly on the affected areas and scrub off the mould or fungus immediately.
Since lemon concentrate is highly acidic and aromatic, it is an effective and efficient cleaner that leaves a pleasant smell. However, always test the cleaner on an inconspicuous spot to know it won’t bleach or damage the surface/fixture.
6. Use Anti-fungal Essential Oils
Essential oils like tea tree, lemon, citronella, geranium, eucalyptus, and peppermint can eliminate mildew, fungus and mould from household areas. You can add 5-10 drops of any oil with 300-500 ml of water or white vinegar. Spray the solution on the mouldy areas and let it work for at least one hour.
Afterwards, scrub the wet surfaces/fixtures with soap and wash with water. If the mould or fungus has dissolved completely,
clean with a microfiber cloth. Professional end of lease cleaners in Darwin often use since essential oils add potency and fragrance to cleaning solutions.
7. Properly Ventilate Rooms
Mould, mildew and fungus profligate rapidly in areas that remain dark, poorly ventilated and damp. Therefore, you can often spot them on basement, kitchen, and bathroom surfaces. To inhibit their growth and get rid of existing mould/fungus, aerate the rooms by opening the doors and windows.
Allow sunlight and natural light inside the rooms in addition to turning on exhaust and ceiling fans.
8. Prevent Mould/Fungus In Wardrobes With Camphor
Wardrobes become damp and dumpy when the weather is humid and cold. To prevent your clothes, towels, bags, and other wardrobe items from mould and fungus, place small gunny bags filled with camphor balls. Since camphor is aromatic, anti-fungal and natural, it is a great alternative to naphthalene balls and other chemical pest repellents.
9. Treat Mould/Fungus With Steam
Steam can easily reach a temperature of over 100º Celsius and kill almost any species of bacteria, viruses, mould and fungus on household surfaces or items. You can use it to sanitise almost any area of the house, and since you only need water to make steam, it is one of the most eco-friendly ways to
get rid of mould and mildew.
10. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Rich in antioxidants, grapefruit seed extract is a potent mould and fungus remover. Like an essential oil, you can mix it with water to spray on the affected areas. Wait for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush to loosen the mould and fungus. Wipe the residues with a microfiber cloth and reapply the solution, letting it air dry to prevent future growth.
Endnote
Mould and fungus anywhere in your home are health hazards, as they aggravate asthma, rhinitis, headaches and chronic respiratory conditions. They also threaten the structural integrity of surfaces and fixtures, meaning mould, mildew or fungus in your rental property is a serious issue.
You can hire a professional
end of lease cleaning Darwin to deep clean a rental property. However, try the easy and natural ways mentioned above to get rid of mould and fungus generally without toxins.
