For decades, mold remains a menace to homeowners across the globe. In a bid to combat this issue, many people are constantly using home-made remedies to get rid of mold and mildew. But does ammonia kill mold?
Yes, ammonia does kill mold and mildew when applied correctly. Put the ammonia solution on a spray bottle, spray the mold-infested area, and allow it to sit for about 3-4 hours. Wipe the excess moisture off the flooring surface and allow the pungent smell to clear.
As one of the common home-made solutions, ammonia is an effective tool for killing mold. Basically, we will answers several questions regarding ammonia and mold as well as how to completely get rid of it.
Ammonia and Mold
Before we get to the question of the day, let us look at what these two things are.
Ammonia is a colorless gas that usually produces a pungent smell. It dissolves in water to give a strongly alkaline solution. It is this alkaline solution that is used for various home purposes, including combating molds.
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moisture and travels through the air. Exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects, such as allergies and infections. That is why molds should be cleaned as soon as they are spotted. Cleaning mold also ensures surfaces are well maintained since it is known to activate fast decay of surfaces.
Does Ammonia Kill Mold And Mildew?
Yes, ammonia kills mold and mildew. In essence, you can easily destroy mold and mildew using household ammonia as long as it is correctly applied.
For you to clear out mold and mildew from your home, just follow these simple steps;
1. Open all windows
First and foremost, you have to open all windows. This makes sure that there is enough air circulation since ammonia releases a poisonous gas. Turning on all exhaust fans also helps with ensuring that the house is well aerated.
2. Wear a respirator.
This will prevent you from inhaling the toxic ammonia fumes.
3. Put your ammonia and water in a spray bottle.
Mix the ammonia with distilled water in the ratio 1:1.
4. Saturate the areas of concern with the ammonia spray.
Spray huge amounts of the solution onto the area with mold. Doing so ensures that the ammonia solution reaches all regions affected by the mold.
5. Let it sit for 3-4 hours.
Once you have sprayed the area with the ammonia-water solution, let it sit for about 3 or 4 hours. Doing so ensures that the ammonia works intensely on the mold by destroying its harmful mycotoxin’s molecular structure.
6. Wipe any excess moisture off the surface.
Use a damp cloth to wipe off the mold and ensure that the surface is clean and dry.
7. Allow the Pungent Smell to Clear
After cleaning the house, you should allow some time for the pungent smell to clear before allowing anyone inside the house.
Is Bleach or Ammonia Better to Kill Mold?
Many people regard bleach as the answer to getting rid of mold. For this reason, that is what they rush to use whenever they come across a mold-contaminated area. While it may be useful in certain applications, it can contribute negatively to specific mold problems.
Bleach on mold; Cons
Basically, bleach has few qualities that prove it is not sufficient to kill mold on the surface compared to ammonia. Some of these reasons include;
1. Bleach loses effectiveness over time.
A chlorine bleach evaporates easily. For this reason, it is difficult to ascertain the actual potency of the solution as the chlorine escapes through the plastic. This then makes it an ineffective cleaning agent for mold-infested areas.
2. It does not work on porous surfaces.
Most bleach works on a non-porous surface; thus, it cannot kill mold on porous surfaces.
3. Bleach is toxic.
Chlorine bleach produces a lot of harmful fumes. These fumes are known to pose a health hazard to both humans and pets. Other than that, bleach also produces a compound known as dioxin. Dioxin is another harmful substance that causes cancer.
There is a much safer alternative to bleach, which is more effective at getting rid of mold. This alternative is ammonia. Ammonia has been proved to be a powerful mold killing agent. It not only kills mold but also weakens the molecular structure of mycotoxins that are dangerous to humans.
Why Ammonia for killing Mold? Pros
Here is why it is considered the best solution for controlling mold.
1. Ammonia is cheap and easy to find.
Household ammonia is available in many stores at a pocket-friendly price.
2. It is highly effective at killing all mold species.
It works on destroying the molecular structure of mycotoxins, which is a highly harmful substance.
3. It does not evaporate.
Ammonia is a better mold killer than bleach as it does not evaporate.
How Do I Prevent Mold and Mildew Growth on my Floor?
1. Keep a healthy humidity level.
These fungi thrive in humid areas, so it is essential to keep your humidity level down. In areas that are prone to excessive moisture, make sure you ventilate. Every time you are using the kitchen bathroom or basement, always turn on the vent fans. Also, running the air conditioner will help dry and circulate the air.
2. Fresh air.
Opening windows helps to increase the ventilation in your home, and it is an excellent way to lower indoor carbon dioxide levels. Fresh air will also help dry out damp, musty areas.
3. Use green cleaning products.
Products with an overwhelming odor are ironically the most significant sources of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in a home. When using these cleaners to get rid of mold, you are essentially trading one contaminant for another. When dealing with mold, try to stick with filters that are water-based, non-toxic, and non-aerosols.
4. Dry wet areas.
Although you should avoid toxic cleaners, it does not mean you should not clean surfaces regularly. Cleaning and drying the floor is a great way to keep your floor clean and free of mold. Mold cannot grow without moisture, so it is essential to wipe the wet floor immediately.
5. Use a HEPA filter.
HEPA filters help to eliminate mold spore concentration in carpets and on the floor surfaces keeping it clean and dry.
Conclusion
Molds are definitely something you do not want in your home because they are a health hazard. They are also known to cause damage to various surfaces around the house. With this in mind, you should always try to clear away any molds from your house using an ammonia solution. It is cheap, easy to make, and will definitely get the job done.