The smell of dampness and mustiness – this is not just a household inconvenience, but a signal that the room is actively multiplying microscopic fungi. To effectively remove the smell of moldIt is not enough just to light a scented candle. It is necessary to address the root cause by combining quality disinfection with climate control.
Why is there an unpleasant odor?
Before you start cleaning, it is important to understand where the stench is coming from. The main factors are excessive moisture, lack of air circulation and leaky pipes. Mold often hides in hard-to-reach places: under wallpaper, behind cabinets, inside the washing machine or in the joints of bathroom tiles. Until the fungus is destroyed, the odor will return again and again.
Effective remedies to fight fungus
To remove the persistent “aroma” of the basement, you can use both specialized chemistry and proven home compositions. The main emphasis should be placed on the antiseptic properties of the components:
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Table vinegar. The acid effectively destroys the structure of most types of mold. It is sprayed on the affected surface and left for an hour, then washed off with water.
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Baking soda. It is a safe absorbent that not only kills fungus, but also actively absorbs foreign molecules from the air.
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Hydrogen peroxide. It has a powerful antibacterial and antifungal effect, but you should be aware of its bleaching properties on fabrics and paint.
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Tea Tree Oil. A natural antiseptic that helps to freshen the air and prevent spores from reappearing.
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Professional fungicides. Compounds based on chlorine or quaternary ammonium compounds are suitable for deep-seated mold on concrete or brick.
Step-by-step cleaning of surfaces
The first step is to mechanically clean the visible plaque. Use a stiff brush and soapy water to remove the top layer of spores. The surface is then thoroughly dried with a hair dryer or construction heater. The chosen antiseptic is applied to the dry surface. It is important to treat the area, capturing an extra 20-30 centimeters around the spot, since the threads of fungus invisible to the eye spread much wider than the visible lesion.
How to prevent the odor from returning
Cleanliness in the home is not only maintained by cleaning, but also by proper maintenance of the space. To get rid of dampIt is necessary to check the work of exhaust ventilation and air the rooms more often, especially in winter. The use of dehumidifiers helps to maintain humidity at the level of 40-50%, which is a critical threshold for the life of fungal colonies.
Special attention should be paid to textiles. Curtains, carpets and upholstered furniture absorb spores very quickly. If a thing smells musty, it should be washed at high temperature with oxygen bleach or taken to a dry cleaner for ozonation. Ozonation is one of the most reliable modern methods, allowing complete sterilization of the room and removal of even the most persistent odor molecules.
Regular checking of corners and timely elimination of condensation on windows guarantee a healthy atmosphere in the house. Clean air without the impurity of fungus spores directly affects the well-being and longevity of the renovation. Only a comprehensive approach, which includes thorough disinfection and humidity control, can defeat the smell of mold.
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