Kill mold spores with alcohol

Kill mold spores with 70 to 80 percent alcohol

03/02/2015

Mold is a problem in many homes, but over the winter months due to the rarer airing threatens an increased spread of fungal spores. „Molds are produced in the home wherever it is damp, especially in bathrooms or in corner rooms bordering external walls. Blame are often cold or thermal bridges and false ventilation“, reports Cologne home improvement school DIY Academy.

First, the mold is usually recognizable in the form of so-called dark foxing. Here, cleaning agents or disinfectants with or without chlorine can be used for disposal according to the DIY Academy. The solution is applied and washed off after a short period of exposure with a sponge and plenty of water. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated as needed. Ethyl alcohol, a 70- to 80-percent alcohol from the pharmacy, can be used to kill the spores, the news agency reports „dpa“ citing the consumer center Hamburg.

Remove contaminated material
Sometimes, however, the superficial treatment of the mold is not sufficient and it requires a removal of the infested material. „If the problem is deeper, it means only: remove everything“, So the message from the DIY Academy. In this case, it is advisable to mask any wallpaper that has been affected with a foil beforehand in order to minimize the release and spread of mold fungus components. For the same reason, according to the experts, even contaminated wall plaster should be slightly moistened before being knocked off. In addition, health and safety at work should be considered during the renovation. So gloves, safety glasses and respiratory protection are essential. Also, the DIY Academy recommends keeping the room doors closed during work and opening the windows wide. Thus, the fungal spores escape to the outside and do not get into other living spaces.

Wallpaper provides molds nutrients
According to the DIY Academy should be on problematic areas in the apartment in general „No wallpapers are attached as they provide unwanted nutrients to molds.“ Here, for example, offers a purely mineral decorative plaster as an alternative to Raufasertapeten. In addition, it can be avoided by a previous coat with a mineral primer and a layer of lime plaster due to their natural alkali content infestation. In the case of the emulsion paints, use should be made of special moisture-proofing paint with mildew protection. Basically, however, the mold must be completely removed before applying the new wall covering, otherwise a renewed spread threatens.

Avoid mold by properly ventilating
Proper ventilation has, according to the experts, a significant influence on mold growth. Ideal is the so-called cross-ventilation, in which several times a day for three to five minutes opposite windows and doors are opened. Furthermore, adequate heating of the rooms is important, since warm air absorbs much more water vapor than cool air and therefore significantly more moisture can be transported outside during air exchange. According to the experts, furniture on exterior walls should preferably be set up with a distance of about ten centimeters to allow sufficient air circulation. Also, let's do without clothes drying in the apartment as possible.

Threatening health complaints from mold
If the mold has already spread more extensively, this requires extensive renovation work, which according to the DIY Academy should be carried out by a professional. Do-it-yourselfers should treat only surfaces that are no larger than half a square meter, reports the „dpa“ citing the consumer center Hamburg. The experts should not only take care of the renovation, but should also determine the reason for the formation of mold. Under no circumstances should the mold be taken lightly because it can cause massive health problems. For example, over the past 20 years, mold-related illnesses have increased tenfold, reports the DIY Academy. In particular, allergy sufferers are affected, with complaints such as irritation of the mucous membranes, headaches and asthma are mentioned as possible health consequences. (Fp)