Mold in the apartment. How to get rid of it?

Mold in the house the problem is not uncommon. Mold there is absolutely V everyone home, even if you don’t see it or just don’t pay attention. It can upset you by appearing on the walls, ceiling and even furniture. Mold appears on vegetables and fruits, which have been lying for a long time. One way or another, you constantly encounter mold in your home.

Surely you, just like us, are very interested in knowing what types of mold there are. What harm can this or that type of mold ? And of course, the most important question is how to get rid of mold in the house .

Mold in the apartment: reasons for its appearance

Molds are microscopic spore-forming organisms that contain enzymes (responsible for breaking down organic materials) and spores (responsible for the spread of mold). Mold belongs to the kingdom of fungi, which also includes yeast. In terms of flora and fauna, molds are not parasitic organisms. They serve to decompose organic matter, thereby nourishing the soil. In medicine, mold is used to produce some medicines; in cooking - for making cheese.

Mold becomes problematic when it appears in an apartment and lives its life among human comfort, affecting the appearance, smell and integrity of building materials.

Mold in an apartment is familiar even to those who live in new buildings, so the fungus is not an age-related defect. Black plaque on walls and other surfaces in the house not only spoils the aesthetic appearance of the interior, but also poses a danger to human health.

Many people believe that it is enough to remove the visible part of the mold on surfaces to get rid of it. However, in this situation, mold stains usually return within a very short time and continue to spread.

This phenomenon, unpleasant for the eyes, can also be accompanied by an unusual odor, irritate the mucous membranes and cause an allergic reaction.

The main reason for the appearance of mold in an apartment is high humidity (dampness), which can arise due to:

violations in the ventilation system;
freezing of walls in cold months (problems with tightness in joints);
ground dampness (most often in private houses);
violations in the heating system;
leaks: in pipes, on the roof, frequent flooding by neighbors;
low-quality or hygroscopic finishing materials.

A comfortable breeding ground for the development of mold fungi occurs with prolonged exposure to high humidity (more than 60%) coupled with temperature (from +20 °C).

Description and characteristics

Mold multiplies quickly, and if you start the problem, it will be more difficult to get rid of it

Mold is microscopic fungi that form on surfaces (ceilings, flooring, walls), between tiles in the bathroom, wood, even in food. Has different colors: black, blue, white.

The fungus appears in warm rooms saturated with moisture, where there is no ventilation and no air circulation

In 1 day, a fungal spore spreads over a square meter. Inhalation can cause chronic asthma, bronchitis, allergies, skin diseases, nausea and headaches.

It is forbidden to touch fungal plaque without protective gloves. Otherwise, the spores will enter the body and begin to multiply.

If the case is advanced, internal bleeding and liver damage may begin.

Types of mold

Mold that can be found in an apartment can have several types:

white mold (mukor)
usually “settles” in flower pots, covering the walls of the pot, the soil and the plants themselves with a white coating. The appearance of such mold indicates excessive moisture in the soil. You can also find white mold on baked goods and cheeses;
green mold
“loves” to appear on food products as a result of processes: fermentation, mustiness, rotting. Eating contaminated food can result in poisoning. Green mold also sometimes affects some types of building materials, such as brick;
pink mold
affects food that has not been stored properly. Having appeared on food, this mold easily spreads to hard surfaces: floors, walls, ceilings. This type of fungus does not penetrate deep into the structure of materials, thereby not destroying them, and if it enters the body with food, it can cause poisoning;
black mold
is the main enemy of home interiors and comfort. This is the most common type of fungus and can affect all surfaces: wallpaper, paint, plaster, wood, concrete, etc. Black mold spores are dangerous to health even in the short term.
blue mold
usually appears on wooden surfaces in the house: parquet floors, wooden frames, furniture. The wood begins to acquire an unpleasant dull blue tint, and the paintwork is destroyed;
Rotting mold
also affects wood materials. This type of lesion is characterized by gray-brown spots. Penetrating into the tree, the fungus corrodes it: the tree becomes thinner and cracks appear.
gray mold
is a serious “disease” of food and plants. It spreads easily, is toxic and is contagious to many fruits, vegetables and plant seeds.

The types of mold listed above have one thing in common: they are attracted to high humidity.

Types of black mold

Black mold, in turn, is also divided into subspecies. Let's look at the most common and dangerous ones that we may encounter in our homes.

Black Aspergillus (Aspergillus niger)

is a type of higher mold fungi from the genus Aspergillus (Aspergillus), which causes diseases in humans and animals, primarily affecting the lungs. The spores of these fungi scatter throughout the apartment, settling on furniture, clothing, food, animal hair, human skin and easily enter the body.

Aspergillus fumigates

comes out in places of mechanical damage to fruits and vegetables. If baked goods are baked from seeds susceptible to this dangerous fungus, black fluffy spots or mold will soon form on the baked goods. Fuming Aspergillus spores are highly allergenic and can destroy red blood cells, suppressing the production of immunity.

Alternaria alternata

lives on dead parts of plants, on autumn leaves, on overripe fruits and tubers. Often found on textiles, products, including meat. Externally, the colonies of this fungus look like spots from black to green-olive. Spread of spores occurs even at low humidity levels on sunny, windy days.

Fungus remedies

Let's look at how you can treat walls against mold, depending on the type. Suitable for green and white:

PS 50 – suitable for plaster and drywall;
Boramon C30 – ideal for processing wooden surfaces;
Mellerud – suitable for concrete, wood, plaster and wallpaper.

To combat black you can use:

Belinka – eliminates black and other types of mold;
Well Done - suitable for treating plaster, tiles, and surfaces coated with oil paint.
Astonish - can be used to process plastics and ceramics without damaging the surface.

Important: When working with chemicals, use a respirator and gloves. Wear long sleeves. Open the window for ventilation.

Why is mold in an apartment dangerous for humans?

Mold spores spread quickly: up to a million spores are formed daily in an affected area of one square meter.

Within three years, the fungus can destroy a concrete partition.

Due to the toxic fumes produced by many types of fungus and their spores, health problems begin. Spores settle on surfaces, on the skin and food, and enter the body through the nose, skin and mouth (with food and by inhalation).

The most common reaction to mold is an allergy. The severity of the effects depends on the time of exposure and individual susceptibility. People with weak immune systems, pregnant women, children and the elderly are most susceptible to allergies to mold in the apartment.

The fungus is equally dangerous to humans through direct and airborne contact. With short-term exposure, the following symptoms appear:

skin itching and redness;
tearfulness, dry eyes;
nosebleeds;
nervousness;
swelling of the mucous membrane;
dry cough;
headache;
dizziness;
disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract;
insomnia.

Prolonged exposure to mold on the body is fraught with:

lung diseases (asthma, pneumonia, emphysema);
liver and kidney damage;
decreased immunity;
poisoning;
exacerbation of symptoms of existing chronic diseases;
development of cancer.

Types of fungi on walls

The following types of fungi exist in nature:

Mold fungi or black mold - appears on concrete, paint or stone surfaces. Outwardly they resemble spots or dots of green, blue, brown or black. This type of mold can completely destroy building materials.
Blue fungi are mostly gray-blue in color. This variety destroys wood fiber and also penetrates the paintwork very easily.
Rotting fungi - this variety affects only wooden surfaces. Such rot can be brown, white and bacterial.
White house fungus - this species attacks wooden surfaces and can cause enormous damage to the home. It is very difficult to get rid of this fungus.
White mold spreads rapidly and can form on a variety of surfaces.
Actinomycetes - mainly affects wood, softening it.

How to determine the presence of mold in an apartment

The presence of fungus cannot always be determined visually. Mold on the walls of an apartment can be hidden under wallpaper and in other hard-to-reach places. Let's figure out what signs can tell us that mold “lives” in the apartment.

Stains on the walls.
Most often they can be found in the area of joints, in places where the wall has frozen and where leaks and flooding have been noticed more than once.
Unusual smell and taste.
Almost all types of mold emit a pungent “aroma.” It vaguely resembles the smell of dampness: a basement, a storage room in an old private house, the smell of stagnant water, mud. Pay attention to how your home smells, whether there are any unnecessary odors. If you notice a musty odor or unpleasant taste when brushing your teeth, your toothbrush may be carrying fungus. In this case, you need to inspect the bathroom for mold and replace the cleaning accessories. In the same way (by smell) you need to check washcloths, towels, rugs and curtains.
Condensate.
High humidity levels and ventilation problems can cause windows to fog up (condensation). The same goes for mirrors and household appliances in the bathroom.
Rust on the pipes in the apartment.
If possible, pay attention to the pipes laid in the bathroom. The presence of rust indicates high humidity, which means that somewhere nearby there may be a source of fungal mold.
Itching of the mucous membranes and sore throat
can be a manifestation of an allergy to dust or toxic mold. If the symptoms do not subside after airing and wet cleaning, then it is worth checking the rooms for the presence of mold.
Postnasal drip
is one of the clear signs of a mold allergy, characterized by the production of excessive mucus in the nasopharynx. In addition, sneezing, dry cough, rhinitis and other symptoms may appear.
Damp basement.
If you live in a private house, pay attention to the condition of the basement and cellar. During the period of snow melting, water can accumulate in the basement area until it floods. The basement in a private home is a favorite place for mold due to poor ventilation and condensation.
Faulty ventilation.
In an apartment where it is constantly stuffy and condensation accumulates, mold most often forms. Due to difficult air exchange in the room, the microclimate is depressed: the concentration of carbon dioxide, humidity and air temperature increase. Plastic windows are sealed and do not allow air to pass through. Under such conditions, dampness in the apartment becomes constant, which leads to the formation of mold.
Trouble breathing and a feeling of chest tightness
are common signs that mold is rampant in your home. Therefore, if there are no viral diseases, but the symptoms persist, this is a reason to think about cleaning the apartment from mold.
Air analysis.
You can check for mold in the air using a smart mold probe. Fungus control specialists have such devices. Be sure to ask for a license to conduct the survey.

How to remove mold from walls with a professional approach

If home remedies and methods do not give the desired effect, then the question arises of how to get rid of fungus on the walls using other methods that are more effective and reliable. A similar question always arises when, after treating a wall with various preparations and impregnations, mold appears again after some time. This usually happens on plastered surfaces, brick or concrete, when the fungus has already taken root in the material itself. No drug can cope with fungus at this stage of its development, so mold on the walls under the wallpaper and on painted surfaces will appear again.

In this case, experts recommend removing the top layer of the wall as deep as possible. The plaster is beaten down to the base, the same applies to putty and oil paint. After this, it is necessary to subject the base to some procedures. This can be drying the walls using a hair dryer, heat gun or blowtorch. These methods can almost completely destroy the fungus. Then the dried surface is treated with any fungicidal preparation. Such products are distinguished by the fact that they not only kill fungal spores, but also act for a very long time as protection against mold.

Antiseptic primer has proven itself quite well. This special product, used in the fight against mold fungi, can be purchased at any construction supermarket. It is convenient to use because it is usually sold in ready-made form, which does not require dilution or dilution with other drugs or water. It is applied to a clean, dry base using a brush. As it dries, the surface is almost ready for further finishing work.

To get the maximum effect, you must follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations for its preparation and method of application. In some cases, the applied solution must be left for almost half a day so that it penetrates deeper into the structure of the material. The manufacturer also indicates the method of application. This could be a simple paint brush, sprayer or roller. And you need to follow these recommendations. And only after deep surface treatment can you begin further work on restoring the surface - plastering, puttying, painting or wallpapering. Specialized means of combating fungi include the following drugs:

Fongifluid Alpa.
Rocima.
Traetex.
1% solution Metatin GT (Metatin GT).
Dali.
Olympus Stop mold.
Biotol spray.

Before working with drugs, you must read the instructions for their use.

Where does mold live in an apartment?

We wrote earlier that mold prefers to grow in places with high humidity. The first step is to carefully examine:

places under sinks (in the bathroom and kitchen);
basements;
bathroom (shower curtain, protective rubber band of the washing machine and the outer part of the drum);
places where wallpaper comes off or “bubbles”;
window sills and window structures;
ventilation holes;
under baseboards;
under flower pots;
wherever a leak occurs.

Dangerous black mold lives mainly in kitchens, bathrooms (tile joints in rooms with high humidity levels), toilets, swimming pools, humidifiers, air conditioners and washing machines. Colonies of black fungi can form on damp walls, ceilings, etc.

How to get rid of mold in an apartment

If mold has already appeared, then you need to get rid of it as soon as possible. Such spores tend to scatter throughout the house without human manipulation - so you need to carefully prepare to fight this dangerous enemy.

Safety precautions

When cleaning to eliminate mold, we recommend using rubber gloves, a respirator, safety glasses, a plastic cape (disposable raincoat) and other personal protective equipment.
Cover furniture, floors and other surfaces with film to prevent mold spores from settling on them.
Before starting the operation to eliminate the fungus, everything that can be removed must be removed from the “infected” room.
While cleaning, do not turn on the fan, air conditioner, humidifier, or open windows. Air flow can help spread spores. It is also recommended to seal the ventilation hole with film.
Do not use a household vacuum cleaner to pick up pieces of mold from the floor unless you plan to immediately send it to a landfill after cleaning.
The dehumidifier (if there is one) can just be turned on. Mold microorganisms will have a reduced chance of growing and spreading throughout the apartment.
After cleaning, used items and materials (protective films, gloves, brushes, rags) must be thrown away.

How to remove mold in an apartment

There are several basic measures to get rid of mold:

mechanical cleaning
of the floor covering, ceiling, walls, cracks and other places where mold was found using a brush, scraper or spatula;
treating affected surfaces
with a special product or solutions prepared at home;
getting rid of affected things.
If mold has affected furniture, a mattress, or any other item that is difficult to clean, replace it with a new one;
calling a specialist to your home.
If you have doubts about the effectiveness and safety of self-elimination of mushrooms in an apartment, you can submit an application to a sanitary doctor requesting an examination of the living space. After receiving the results of the study, a document is issued with which you can come to representatives of the housing office, who will begin eliminating mold in the apartments.

It is necessary to get rid of wall paint and wallpaper if colonies of mold fungi were found underneath them.

Popular mold control products

After cleaning the surface from mold (if possible), you should treat the infected part with antiseptic agents. Some of them can be found in the arsenal of every housewife.

Antiseptic primer.
This product can be purchased at a building materials store. When treating the surface with a primer, you should strictly follow the instructions. This solution can kill mold and prevent it from appearing in the future.

It is necessary to get rid of wall paint and wallpaper if colonies of mold fungi were found underneath them.

Bleach.
The main active ingredient in bleach (white) is sodium hypochlorite. It is effective in killing any type of fungus, including its spores. It is necessary to use rubber gloves when using this product, as chlorine can corrode the skin of your hands. It is also not recommended to clean fabric surfaces and materials that may lose their original color. After treating damaged areas, it is necessary to thoroughly ventilate the room. Whiteness is diluted with water in proportions of 1:10.
Acetic acid.
This acid eats away mold and prevents its further development. Vinegar is poured into a spray bottle and applied to the surfaces attacked by the fungus for about an hour. Afterwards the surface is wiped with plain water. For prevention, it is recommended to repeat this procedure once a week. Be careful not to get vinegar on your skin. The treatment must be carried out in a respirator.
Hydrogen peroxide.
This is an antibacterial and antifungal drug: non-toxic, has no pungent odor, but has a slight whitening effect.
Ammonia
is recommended to be used to combat mold on glass (mirror), tiles and other non-porous materials. To obtain a solution, ammonia is diluted with water 1:1. After a couple of hours, the areas treated with the solution are washed with water.

Please note that the smell of ammonia may cause headaches and a sore throat. Never mix ammonia with bleach; this mixture can release dangerous toxic gas.

Baking soda.
Of all the listed products, soda is a safe and natural household cleaner that is found in every home. Baking soda does not harm either humans or pets, therefore, if materials and things are seriously damaged by fungus, the soda does not need to be washed off. It is necessary to dissolve a spoonful of soda in 200 grams of water and treat the walls, floors, ceiling, etc. with the resulting solution.

Sequence of repair activities

Before you start planning and thinking about how to remove fungus from the walls, it is recommended to carry out a number of preparatory activities. Porous surfaces require special attention.

Work begins with removing old wallpaper;
Then you need to thoroughly clean the “sick” area with an iron spatula or brush, completely removing the loose plaster;
Treat the canvas with a cleaning composition to open the cement pores;
Apply the anti-mold and mildew agent on the walls until the surface is well saturated;
Prime the canvas with a deep absorption antiseptic;
After waiting for the solution to harden, repeat the priming procedure;
Plaster, prime and putty the walls;
Perform final wall cladding.

Removal of moldy fungus in the cellar is accompanied by drying and waterproofing of the room.

Preventive measures

To prevent the occurrence of mold and protect your apartment from spore-forming dangers, you must follow several rules every day:

Maintain normal moisture balance (no more than 60%).
Along with humidity, monitor the air temperature in the rooms (no more than +25 °C).
Avoid leaks and eliminate flooding from the upper floors as soon as possible.
Ventilate the room regularly (at least 4 times a day).
Monitor proper ventilation in the apartment.
Use specialized detergents (antiseptic and sanitizing agents safe for children and animals).
Arrange furniture correctly. The problem of some corner apartments is that an external wall filled with bulky furniture can become moldy due to insufficient air circulation between the wall and, for example, the back wall of the closet.

Regular ventilation is an effective way to combat mold. However, some types of fungus can enter an apartment from the street along with other allergens, germs, dust and unpleasant odors. In the cold months, traditional ventilation is fraught not only with the entry of pollution from the street, but also with drafts and strong cooling of the room.

In this case, installing supply ventilation with round-the-clock ventilation functions (without the need to open windows) and air purification can help.

A breather is a compact supply ventilation device that ventilates a room 24 hours a day. The device supplies the room with fresh air purified from street pollution and cleans the room air from dust, allergens, spores and germs (thanks to the recirculation mode). In winter, the breather heats the supply air to a comfortable temperature, which relieves households of drafts.

A comfortable microclimate in your home is the key to comfort and strong immunity! Be healthy, and let the air in your apartment always be fresh and clean!

Briefly about prevention

It is very easy to prevent fungal colonies from establishing themselves in your home. It is necessary to ventilate the room daily in the morning and evening. Carry out timely repairs of air conditioners and humidifiers. Monitor indoor humidity levels. The Airnanny A7 multifunctional ventilation system will help with this. It traps and destroys mold, harmful gases, viruses, maintains optimal humidity and temperature values, and provides ventilation with the windows closed.

Forget about mold forever! If you follow preventative measures, this will not be difficult. Let your home have coziness and a comfortable microclimate.