Mold on the ceiling is unsightly, harmful to health and somewhat difficult to clean. Plus, it can permanently damage your home, so it needs to be treated as soon as possible. With the following simple steps, you can learn how to get rid of mold for a clean ceiling and healthy environment.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Eliminating the Source of Mold
Step 1. Check if there is a leak in the roof
Mold is often caused by water leaking from the roof. If the water comes from the roof, then, before cleaning the mold, you will have to repair it, otherwise, the mold will recur.
Step 2. Make sure you ventilate and promote air circulation
Often, mold shows up in the bathroom and kitchen because the rooms are not sufficiently ventilated. To solve the problem, you can install fans or air extractors to allow moisture to escape.
Depending on the model, you can install the air extractor yourself, while in other cases a professional installation is required. Talk to a specialist vendor to determine which type of vacuum is best suited to your needs
Step 3. Try to get lots of natural light into the room
Mold proliferates in dark areas. Opening windows and letting in sunlight helps prevent mold colonies from growing. If it is not possible to increase natural light, try artificial lights, which heat the environment and reduce the growth of mold.
Step 4. Improve insulation
Mold growth can be promoted if the house is not properly insulated. Cold air outside the walls and hot air inside can form condensation. When warmer and more humid air collides with cold walls, condensation forms, which contributes to mold problems.
- The insulation provides a barrier between the cold external air and the warm internal air, making the conditions less favorable for the proliferation of mold.
- Insulation should be strengthened in the walls and near heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Step 5. Check if there is a large colony of mold on the other side of the ceiling and remove it if necessary
A small patch of mold on the underside of the ceiling indicates a more prolific colony on the other side, outside. In this case, even if you remove the patch, the outer colony will only grow again.
Step 6. Use a dehumidifier
Mold proliferates in hot, humid weather. The dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, mitigating the favorable conditions for mold growth.
Step 7. Leave the door and window open and the fan on for 15 minutes after showering
In this way, the dispersion of water vapor is promoted, eliminating humidity, which causes mold growth.
Step 8. Spread the towels in another room
Wet towels make the room more humid. Make sure you spread them out in another room to dry them completely and to minimize humidity.
If you have mildew problems, avoid drying laundry on a clothesline or chairs around the house. Excess moisture favors its proliferation
Part 2 of 2: Remove the Mold
Step 1. Recognize the signs of mold problems
Usually, mold is visible on the ceiling. This can be black, green, brown or orange. Other symptoms of mold include: black streaks and a musty, damp smell.
Step 2. Eliminate mold immediately after discovering it
Removing mold quickly and solving the causes of its formation prevent harmful effects on health or permanent damage to the home. Also, removal will be easier and mold is less likely to reoccur.
Step 3. Think of a safe way to get to the mold
Use a ladder, stool, or other sturdy object that can support your weight, preferably with rubber or non-slip feet to prevent accidental falls. If the object does not have anti-slip feet, buy an anti-slip mat to put under it, especially if the floor is slippery (for example, if it is made of tiles).
Step 4. Examine the material used for the construction of the ceiling
If the ceiling was made of porous materials (for example, wood, plasterboard, etc.), unfortunately, you will not be able to clean it properly. In fact, mold will recur again in the future. To fix the problem, you will need to remove the affected portion of the ceiling and replace it.
The porous ceilings include the orange peel ceiling
Step 5. Put the ladder in the correct position
Place the stool or ladder under the area to be treated. Make sure you can comfortably reach the mold and be in a safe position.
- To clean with your arms raised, you need a lot of physical strength and flexibility.
- If you have arm, neck, back, or wrist problems, cleaning the ceiling for long periods can be painful. Try cleaning a little at a time by taking breaks, or ask someone to help you.
Step 6. Remove the paint with a scraper
If the ceiling is painted and the paint is flaking, use a scraper first to remove the flakes. This way, by making sure there is no other mold under the paint, cleaning will be easier.
Step 7. Put on old gloves and clothes
Put on gloves to protect your hands from chemicals and mold. Wear old clothes that you can wash in boiling water to remove spores that may have fallen on you or that have spread into the air.
Step 8. Prepare a solution to remove mold
The options are many. Try mixing 30g of sodium borate, 60ml of vinegar, and 475ml of hot water. This solution deodorizes the environment, kills mold and reduces the possibility of it recurring.
- Sodium borate is a natural cleanser that does not emit harmful fumes, has deodorant and fungicidal properties, and acts as a mold inhibitor. Furthermore, it is a low-toxic and inexpensive mineral product.
- Vinegar is a delicate, natural and safe acid that kills 82% of mold species. Furthermore, it is non-toxic and does not emit harmful fumes, it has deodorant properties and can be bought cheaply at the supermarket. You can spray it directly on the surface and leave it on.
- Bleach is effective in killing mold and also removes the stains caused by the latter; however, it can damage materials, emits noxious fumes, and does not penetrate porous materials. The chlorine contained in the bleach remains on porous surfaces absorbing the water inside, leading to the formation of moisture where mold proliferates. To use, mix one part of bleach with ten parts of water.
- Hydrogen peroxide is a good substitute for bleach as it is safe and does not harm the environment. It has fungicidal, antiviral, antibacterial properties and is effective in removing mold stains. Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on the mold.
- Ammonia can be used on hard surfaces, however it is ineffective on porous surfaces. Plus, it's an aggressive and toxic chemical and it doesn't have to never be mixed with bleach (otherwise it would produce toxic gases). To use, mix ammonia and water in equal parts.
- Baking soda kills mold, is safe and deodorizes the environment. In addition, it can absorb moisture and keep mold at bay. It kills different types of mold especially when combined with vinegar. Mix 8 g of baking soda with 250 ml of water to prepare the solution.
- Tea tree oil is a natural and effective remedy for killing mold. Although it is quite expensive, it is harmless to people and animals, has fungicidal and antibacterial properties. Make sure you buy tea tree oil from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant; mix 6 ml of oil with 250 ml of water to prepare the solution.
Step 9. Put on safety goggles and a gas mask or mask
Since some agents contained in the anti-mold solution can be corrosive, it is essential to protect the eyes in case the detergent drips on the face. In addition, the dead spores can disperse in the air, therefore it is necessary to wear a mask or an anti-gas mask to prevent the inhalation of harmful substances.
- Make sure you ventilate the room properly during cleaning to prevent the inhalation of spores.
- If you want, to prevent the spores from spreading, block the other rooms with plastic sheets. Cover door sills and ventilation ducts and direct the fan to an open window to let out the spores.
Step 10. Spray the solution on the visible mold
Pour the anti-mold solution into a spray bottle and spray directly on the area to be treated in the ceiling. Be careful not to use too much of the solution to prevent it from dripping onto your face.
Step 11. Scrub the mold with the abrasive side of a sponge
Rub back and forth to lift the mold. Take breaks when necessary, especially if the mold is very extensive. If necessary, move the stool to reach the entire area to be treated.
Step 12. Rinse the sponge frequently to prevent mold from spreading
Change sponge or rinse the one you are using very often, otherwise you run the risk of spreading mold on the ceiling instead of eliminating it.
Step 13. Spray the solution again
After removing visible mold, spray the ceiling again by coating it with a layer of anti-mold solution to decrease the likelihood of it returning after a few days.
Step 14. Let the ceiling dry
If you have fans, turn them on. Or, if it's a hot day, open the window and let the air in. This way, the ceiling will dry out faster and the spores will go out.
Step 15. Sand the ceiling
If the ceiling is stained or if you intend to paint it, it is advisable to sand it in the areas previously covered with mold in order to remove any traces and prepare a better base for painting.
If you have to repaint the whole ceiling you will have to sand it completely otherwise you will notice a difference in color between the treated area and the rest of the ceiling
Step 16. Paint the ceiling with a specific formula paint
Use waterproof paint to prevent mold from appearing, especially if caused by condensation. Ask a hardware store clerk for advice and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Advice
- Clean up mold as soon as you notice it to keep the situation from getting worse and to prevent permanent damage to your home.
- Test the mold solution on a small area of the ceiling to make sure it doesn't damage it.
- Before you start cleaning, identify the cause of the mold that will otherwise recur.
