Does Baking Soda Kill Mold?
Maintaining a hygienic home requires attention-to-detail cleaning and sanitisation. However, the process is beyond removing visible dust and stubborn stains from different surfaces. Cleaning experts believe that mould is a serious concern that can pose potential health hazards if left untreated.
It is the most common fungus that loves to grow in dark and humid environments. This means bathroom walls, shower areas, basements, damp and dirty carpets and ceilings are the most vulnerable areas for mould infestation. Thus, it becomes imperative to inspect humid or damp spots in your home and treat the mould stains using the best methods.
Luckily, plenty of natural cleaning options are available to help remove nasty black spores from almost anything. That one product is Baking Soda. It is a natural cleaning agent that works wonders in naturally removing grease, oil residue, bad odours and common germs.
In this article, we will discover whether baking soda kills mould and mildew from different surfaces. This guide also includes other natural ways to banish mould spores effectively like a pro.
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]What Are the Health Concerts of Mould Infestation in Home?
First, you’ll need to understand that mould is a type of fungi that is a common problem in homes. Different types of mould grow in humid and warm environments and spread across surfaces. It can be black, grey, white, green, yellow or even pink in colour that can gradually damage the surface. The worst part is that exposure to mould spores can pose serious health concerns, including:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Allergy triggers
- People with asthma symptoms may develop serious illnesses, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
- Respiratory disorders
- Skin infection
So, it is always good to pay attention to initial warning signs, such as musty smells, black spores on bathroom walls, plumbing issues, consistent breathing problems in the home, etc. You can also hire professionals for a quality bond cleaning Ipswich and spruce up the entire rental property with perfection. They use proven methods to tackle dirt, grime, and nasty stains to help you get your full bond back.
However, if you want to remove mould from different surfaces, prefer choosing natural cleaning agents over store-bought cleaners.
What is Baking Soda?
Before you dive into the science behind killing mould with baking soda, let’s better understand this natural cleaning product. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a white crystalline powder used as a leavening agent for baking cakes and cookies. It is mildly alkaline, with a pH level of 9, and effective at removing grease, grime, and oil stains from different surfaces.
The best part is that budget bond cleaning Ipswich also use baking soda as a versatile agent to remove stains, banish bad odours, and disinfect surfaces without causing any damage. In short, it is safe to use around the home with kids and pets.
How Does Baking Soda Kill Mould?
Though baking soda is not the most effective agent to remove mould, it has a certain potency to banish a few types of mould and fungi. You can try best strategies to achieve a tidy home by killing black spores. Here is how it works:
- Mildly Alkaline: Mould loves to grow in damp and mildly acidic environments, and baking soda is alkaline in nature. This way, it creates an environment to prevent spores’ growth and make them hard to survive. However, it may not completely remove from the surface.
- Moisture-Absorbing Agent: Baking soda effectively absorbs moisture, which mould needs to thrive. In other words, it dries out the area and prevents mould spores from growing further.
- Abrasive Product: White crystalline powder’s abrasiveness helps you easily remove stubborn black spores.
According to some studies, baking soda can kill certain strains of fungi, including Aspergillus niger, that causes black mould on damp surfaces.
Step-b-Step Guide to Removing Mould with Baking Soda
Here is a step-by-step guide to kill mould using baking soda. Make sure you keep the doors and windows open for proper ventilation when tackling mould spores. This will also improve air quality and prevent you from triggering allergies. All you need to do is to:
- Mix 1 quarter tablespoon baking soda with one cup of warm water in a spray bottle.
- Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil and mix well.
- Spray the solution onto mouldy areas such as bathroom walls, shower curtains, and ceilings, and leave it for 20-30 minutes.
- Next, use a brush or a scrubbing pad to remove mould stains. Scrubbing can break down the mould from surfaces.
- After scrubbing, wash the area with clean water. You can repeat the process if required.
- Wipe down the surface with a clean cloth to dry the surface completely. This will prevent mould re-growth. The best part about white vinegar is that it can help you eliminate bad odours from almost all surfaces. So, use it for multiple purposes and achieve desired results.
There is no denying that baking soda is effective on mould, but it can help you tackle a moderate amount of spores. Make sure you use other powerful natural cleaning products for better results. You can also seek professional assistance to effectively remove mould from your living space and maintain its shine for years.
Other Natural Cleaning Products For Mould Spores
Mould can thrive on hard surfaces and even carpets and rugs. If you want to effectively remove the stains from different surfaces, use more effective and reliable options as shared below:
White Vinegar Solution
White vinegar contains acetic acid, which can effectively kill mould and mildew from surfaces. Pour the diluted solution on the surface and leave it for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush. For effective results, use hot water.
Tea Tree Oil
It is an antifungal and antibacterial essential oil that can effectively remove almost all types of mould. Mix 20 drops in hot water and spray on the affected area. Scrub and rinse to achieve the best results.
Hydrogen Peroxide
It is mildly acidic and can be poured directly onto mould-laden areas. Highly-trained bond cleaning Ipswich experts recommend directly using 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide on the affected area. Let it sit for an hour before rinsing off with warm water. Wipe and dry the area to prevent further infestation. The best part is that you can use this cleaning product to clean limestone floors, wooden surfaces, tiles and grout lines like a pro.
Is Baking Soda an Effective Solution for Mould Removal?
Wrapping up
It is always good to act on mould spores and stains proactively to prevent damage. By taking preventive measures, you can reduce the health impact and maintain a shiny abode. You can use baking soda as a natural cleaning agent to remove mild to moderate mould stains. For better results, you can also use other options like vinegar, tea tree oil, and hydrogen peroxide. You can also call experts for effective mould removal.