Baking Soda: The Natural Solution for Fighting Mold in Your Home

mold

Mold is a common problem that can cause health issues and damage to your property. While there are many products available to kill mold, baking soda is a natural and effective alternative. 

In this article, we will explore how baking soda kills mold and how long it takes to work on different surfaces, including wood, clothes, carpet, and tiles.

Let’s begin.

How Does Baking Soda Fight Mold?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a natural and mild abrasive that can be used to clean and disinfect surfaces. When mixed with water, it creates a paste that can be applied to moldy surfaces. 

The abrasive properties of baking soda help to scrub away the mold, while absorbing the moisture around it, making it difficult for the mold to grow.

Mold on Wood

Baking soda is an effective way to kill mold on wood surfaces. 

To use, mix a cup of baking soda with a cup of water to create a paste. 

Apply the paste to the moldy area, using a brush or cloth to scrub away the mold. Leave the paste on for at least 15 minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth. Repeat the process if necessary.

Mold in Clothes

Baking soda also works well at eliminating mold on clothing. To use, add half a cup of baking soda to your laundry detergent and wash the clothes as normal.

The baking soda will help to remove the mold and any musty odors. It’s important to note that if the mold has deeply set in, it may be necessary to repeat the process or discard the clothes.

Mold in Carpet

Baking soda is a great option for killing mold in carpets. To use, sprinkle baking soda over the moldy area, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. 

Use a brush or vacuum to remove the baking soda, along with the mold. Repeat the process if necessary. Keep in mind that if the mold has deeply set in, it may be best to hire a professional to remove the carpet.

Mold in Tiles

Baking soda is also an effective way to kill mold on tiles. To use, mix a cup of baking soda with a cup of water to create a paste. 

Apply the paste to the moldy area, using a brush or cloth to scrub away the mold. Leave the paste on for at least 15 minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth. Repeat the process if necessary.

How Long Does it Take for Baking Soda to Kill Mold? 

The time it takes for baking soda to kill mold can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the surface on which it is growing. In general, it is recommended to leave the baking soda paste on the affected area for at least 15 minutes to ensure that the baking soda has enough time to neutralize the mold and scrub away the growth.

For light mold growth, one application of baking soda may be sufficient. However, for more severe infestations, it may be necessary to repeat the process multiple times to completely eliminate the mold. Additionally, for surfaces like carpets, if the mold has deeply set in, it may be best to hire a professional to clean the carpet.

It’s also important to note that simply killing the mold is not enough, the underlying cause of moisture must be addressed to prevent the mold from returning. If you’re not sure about the cause of mold, it’s best to consult with a mold remediation professional.

Dangers of Having Mold Around

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow anywhere there is moisture, warmth, and organic matter. While it may not seem like a big deal, having mold around can pose serious health hazards to you and your family.

One of the main health hazards associated with mold is respiratory problems. When mold spores are present in the air, they can be inhaled and cause irritation to the nose, throat, and lungs. This can lead to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. In individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions, mold exposure can exacerbate their symptoms and lead to more severe health issues.

In addition to respiratory problems, mold exposure can also cause allergic reactions. Symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, and skin rash can occur in individuals who are sensitive to mold. In some cases, mold exposure can even lead to more severe allergic reactions.

Overall, having mold around can have serious health consequences, and it is important to take steps to eliminate mold growth in your home. This includes controlling moisture, regularly cleaning and maintaining your home, and seeking professional help if you suspect a severe mold problem. 

It’s important to take mold seriously and take the necessary steps to protect your family’s health.

When Baking Soda is Not Enough, Hire a Professional

When it comes to mold infestation in your home, it is important to understand that DIY solutions may not always be sufficient

In some cases, it may be necessary to hire a professional to remove the mold and ensure that it does not return. 

Here are some warning signs that indicate it’s time to call in a professional:

  1. The mold infestation is extensive: If you have a large area of mold growth or it is present in multiple rooms of your home, it may be best to hire a professional to handle the removal process. They have the tools and expertise to effectively remove the mold and prevent it from spreading to other areas of your home.
  2. You or your family have health problems: If you or a family member have respiratory problems or are sensitive to mold, it may be best to hire a professional to remove the mold. They will take appropriate measures to ensure that the mold is removed safely and without causing further health problems.
  3. The mold is in hard-to-reach areas: Mold can grow in areas that are difficult to access such as attics, crawl spaces, and behind walls. Attempting to remove the mold yourself can be dangerous and ineffective. A professional will have the equipment and knowledge to safely remove the mold from these areas.
  4. The mold has caused structural damage: If the mold has caused damage to the structure of your home, such as warping or rot, it is important to hire a professional. They will be able to assess the damage and make necessary repairs to ensure the safety and stability of your home.

In summary, if you suspect a mold infestation in your home, it is important to address it as soon as possible. 

However, if the infestation is extensive, if you or your family have health problems, if the mold is in hard-to-reach areas, or if it has caused structural damage, it is best to call a professional to handle the removal process. 

They have the tools, knowledge, and expertise to safely and effectively remove the mold and prevent it from returning.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, baking soda is a natural and effective solution for fighting mold in your home. It can be used on a variety of surfaces including wood, clothes, carpet, and tiles.

Overall, using baking soda to fight mold is a cost-effective and safe alternative to commercial mold removers. It’s always a good idea to take preventive measures to avoid mold growth in the first place by controlling moisture in your home, but if mold is already present, baking soda can help to eliminate it and restore your home to a healthy state. 

But if the mold is beyond the power of baking soda, then it’s time to call a professional.

Looking for more baking soda DIY tips? Read DIY Natural Car Deodorizers: Simple and Effective Recipes if you have time.   

Thanks for reading!

-Baking Soda Guy

Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay