Tips To Fix Mold, Damp & Mildew Naturally

Live in a rainy climate? Is it affecting your home negatively? Here’s how to fix mold, damp and mildew naturally

By Diane Small

April showers bring May flowers, sure. But spring and summer rains can also bring loads of damage to your home. Namely, mold, damp and mildew. And they can bring that damage fast! In fact, mold can quickly develop within 24 hours, so swift action is essential to prevent its spread. But the question is: what action, exactly?

We’ll explore that shortly.

But first, what’s the difference between mold, damp and mildew?

Mold and mildew are commonly used interchangeably. However, there are distinctions between them.

Mold encompasses various microscopic fungi that grow in hyphae filaments. It can develop on organic materials like leaves, paper, clothing, or household surfaces like walls and ceilings.

Mildew refers to specific types of moulds and fungi in their initial stages. Mildew is often seen in places with excess moisture, such as shower walls and windowsills. mildew is easier to clean, and is not as dangerous or insidious as mold.

Damp simply refers to excess condensation, and often occurs in areas such as between brick walls and plasterboard. However, if left untreated, it can lead to mold.

The health effects of living with mold and mildew

These forms of harmful fungi produce irritants that can cause allergic reactions and impact indoor air quality. Other symptoms may include:

• sinus congestion
• coughing
• headaches
• general malaise
• fatigue, and more.

Note: Effects are felt not only in humans, but pets, too.

Certain kinds of fungi, such as black mold, have been linked to even more serious health issues, including chronic lung disease and fungal infections in the body. So it’s best to get rid of it as soon as you notice it!

Here are our top tips to fix mold, damp and mildew naturally.

How To Get Rid of Water Damage In Your Home

1. Avoid Damp

According to a study by Utilita Energy, 20% of households regularly experience excessive condensation. These conditions can lead to damp in the home, which can be identified by damaged wallpaper and discoloured plasterboard. Wet patches along walls can be the ideal breeding ground for mold, so it’s best to act quickly. 

To find water damage, home owners can use thermal imaging cameras. By detecting heat—otherwise known as infrared energy and thermal energy—thermal imaging cameras highlight areas with excess moisture. They may find water behind walls and above rooflines, for example.

To reduce condensation and prevent it from forming, home owners can take a few simple steps to remove excess moisture from their homes.

This includes:

• ventilating bathrooms after showering
• opening windows in kitchens after cooking
• wiping windows to remove any condensation
• heating the property
• avoiding drying clothes inside.

Dehumidifiers also work wonders to lower moisture levels inside a property.   

2. Remove Mold

When warm, moist air contacts a cold surface, mold spores can develop within 24 hours, becoming visible and spreading throughout the home in the next 18-21 days. Easily identifiable due to its fuzzy black appearance, mold can also present as green and red, and has an intense musty smell. While unpleasant, Utilita Energy’s study found that 24% of adults have found mould in their home at some point. 

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There are multiple health risks associated with mold. When living on a property with an infestation, dwellers may experience cold-like symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, wheezing and nasal congestion. Mould spores can also exacerbate asthma and allergies, so acting quickly when noticing spores in a property is essential.  

When wearing gloves, goggles and a mask, dwellers can remove the spores themselves by wiping the surface with professional mold removal liquid. Wondering how to fix mold naturally? The most natural option is a boric acid solution. Compared to most mold removal liquids, this is pretty benign and non toxic. And I can personally attest to the fact that it really works!

Note: If spores have touched any furnishings, clothes or cloths, they should be thrown away or professionally dry cleaned.  

Also note: It is vital to ensure that the mold is a non-toxic strain caused by condensation rather than sewage or contaminated water before acting.

You should also avoid mixing bleach with ammonia, acids or other cleaners, as this can release harmful, toxic fumes. 

3. Getting Rid Of Mildew

If left untreated, damp homes may also start to grow mildew. Mildew, defined as a form of fungus, can be identified by its grey, white or light brown appearance. It can quickly ruin fabrics and leave properties with a distinct, foul odour.  

Just like mold, mildew can harm dwellers by causing allergic reactions and respiratory issues. It can be removed from properties with professional cleaning products or a mixture of bleach and water. It may also be worth mixing vinegar with warm water and wiping the area. Although, whether it’s black mold or red mildew, remember to take safety precautions and contact a professional if unsure. 

Additionally, mildew can damage house plants by growing on the leaves, buds, petals, and shoots. This weakens the plants and may cause them to turn yellow or brown, as well as possibly drying them out completely. To prevent mildew from killing plants, you can spray the infestation with neem oil. This is a naturally occurring pesticide. Or, try a combination of water, baking soda and liquid, non-detergent soap.

Mildew spores can also be killed with a simple one-part mouthwash and three-parts water mixture.