Mold can wreak havoc on your home and your family's health. Some mold is easy to spot and clean, while other types can be invisible, hard to detect, and difficult to treat.
 

According to the CDC, mold exposure can cause:

Wheezing

Red or itchy eyes

A stuffy nose

Skin irritation
 

People with asthma or mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Because of this, it's crucial to keep your house free of mold.
 

We've asked experts for their best tips on getting rid of mold, what to know before starting, how to prevent mold from returning, and more.
 

Before Getting Started

Simple mold exposure can cause headaches, coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Andy Pace, a Healthy Home Concierge and founder of the Green Design Center, warns that long-term or heavy exposure can lead to:

Lung damage

Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), causing:
Extreme joint pain

Fatigue

Brain fog

Digestive issues
 

Identify the Source

Finding the mold source can be as simple as visually inspecting shower walls and sink bases. More complex situations, like window and roof leaks, may require professional help.
 

Safety Precautions

Pace explains, "Mold releases spores when disturbed. These spores can spread and cause more problems."

To prevent this:

Wear a mask and eye protection

Encase the area with plastic to prevent spore spread

Run an air purifier
 

What You'll Need

Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide

Spray bottle

Scrub brush

Protective gloves

Safety goggles

Old cloth or sponge

Water

Paper towels
 

How To Get Rid of Mold

Jacqueline Stein, a professional cleaner and owner of Home Reimagined in Austin, Texas, provides methods for cleaning mold:
 

Method 1: Using Vinegar

Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar.

Spray the moldy surface thoroughly.

Let sit for at least an hour.

Scrub with a brush or sponge.

Rinse with water and dry completely.
 

Method 2: Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle.

Spray the moldy surface.

Let sit for 10 minutes.

Scrub with a brush or sponge.

Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
 

Stein advises against using bleach, as it may cause mold to regrow. "Choose your product wisely or consult a mold specialist," she suggests.
 

How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of Mold?

The time varies depending on the infestation's extent, methods used, and surfaces involved. Guldeste Tursunbaeva from Superb Maids in Charlotte, North Carolina, says, "Small, surface-level mold can be removed in days, while larger or deeply embedded mold may take weeks."
 

Simple surface mold (mildew) can be cleaned with dish soap and hot water. More severe cases may require removing affected materials and using mold encapsulate coatings.
 

How To Prevent Mold

Mold needs moisture, a food source, and mold spores to grow. While it's impossible to eliminate all mold, you can minimize growth by:

Regularly inspecting plumbing for leaks

Maintaining your HVAC system

Keeping indoor humidity below 50%

Fixing leaks in your roof, walls, or plumbing

Ensuring good ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and humid areas

Using a dehumidifier in damp areas

Cleaning and drying wet materials promptly

Leaving washing machine doors open after use
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to hire a professional for mold removal?

For more than surface mildew or if health issues occur, Pace recommends hiring a professional mold inspector.
 

Can I use other cleaning products to remove mold?

Products like AFM Super Clean All-Purpose Surfactant are safe and effective. Some people use baking soda or tea tree oil. Tursunbaeva advises caution when combining products to avoid harmful reactions.

​

​