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Before we remove the Mould from your household, we need to do a thorough inspection on your household for any Mould present so that we can remove all of it securely in one swoop so that it doesn't return in a few months.

Once the Mould problem is fully inspected, the present technician will talk to you about recommendations and a quote for how much it will cost to remove the Mould, and what would come from that process.

Having a professional inspect your house for Mould early could save a huge amount of money for you too, as if the Mould is left untreated for too long, it would spread and cost a lot to remove.

Finding mould during inspection

If you decide to do a mold inspection yourself, then you need to thoroughly search every room in your home for mold, including the attic and basement.

Particular attention should be paid to areas near water outlets, such as near the shower or bathtub, sinks, or pipes. You should check with special care the areas that have had a moisture problem. When looking for mold, if you find any water leaks, it can tell you where the mold is growing.

Some of the most common places where mould often grows are substances that are high in cellulose, such as drywall, under carpets, in insulation, or in vents.

Hidden mould

If you can't see mold in a room, it doesn't mean there's nothing there. Mould often grows hidden from view behind walls, above ceilings, under floors, or in air conditioning ducts. If you find small spots of mold on one surface, it could mean that there is a much larger mold colony growing hidden on the other side.

In addition to using your eyes, pay attention to smells. The smell of a mould colony can help you narrow down the area where the mold is hiding. Any health problems you notice when you are in certain areas of your home can also alert you to the presence of mold nearby. Symptoms like sneezing and sore or watery eyes can be telltale signs of mold growth nearby.

Do not disturb the mould

If you find large areas of mould during your inspection, be careful not to disturb them, if possible, as this can spread the spores or mycotoxins throughout your home. Large mold colonies should only be disturbed once proper containment has been put in place during rehabilitation.

Recognizing mould

Sometimes you can find something that looks like mould, but it could really be dark soot or just dirty stains. Look closely to make sure it is mold, minimally altering it if necessary to physically examine it.

If you are unsure, you can always use a test kit to check for mold. Testing can also be helpful if for some reason you want to identify the species of mold you have found in your home.

Finding water problems

The second stage of inspection after finding mould is to find the moisture problem that caused the mold. There is no point in bothering to find and eliminate mold in your home if the water problem that caused it is not fixed - then mold will soon grow back.

You should look for water leaks or signs of leaks. In addition to stopping water leaks or other sources of water, you will need to take steps to ensure that they do not recur in the future. Once you've found the cause of the mold, you'll need to fix it first and then clean up any moisture.

After finding the problem

After you've found the mould, you will need to determine the size and extent of the mold colony before you can begin removing. If the mold looks like it could be toxic, you should consider doing a mold test to determine its species so you know if you can remove it yourself or if you should hire a professional.

In any case, you should still not disturb large mold colonies that you find until adequate containment is established before mold removal, to prevent spores from spreading throughout the home.

Mould testing

After the mould inspection, tests can be performed to ensure that no fungus was found. Mold testing can rule out the presence of mold or help track its location, if it is hidden.

If you found mould and decide you want to do mold tests to find out its species, for example if it is toxic mould or to confirm that it really is mold, then the tests will tell you too.

Mould removal

Once you've found all of the mold in your home, you're ready to move on to thinking about mould removal and the remediation process.

After you've removed and remediated a mold problem, you may want to go through the mold inspection process one more time to make sure the mold cleanup was a success.

1. Trash

Although you throw away the garbage every day, the fault of the smell that sometimes remains behind is usually in the same bin. Wash the inside of the bucket and the lid at least once a week, mixing equal parts of hot water and white vinegar. Dry completely and sprinkle several tablespoons of baking soda on the base of the bucket to absorb the smell. Also put several folded garbage bags at the base of the bin so that it is easier for you to access and change them every day.

2. Pets

When we live with pets, it is easy to get used to the smell of these, so it is important to be aware. Always keep a spray bottle on hand in which you've mixed equal parts water and white vinegar with a couple of tablespoons of baking soda. Spray quickly on any "accidents" and dry with a dry cloth. To freshen up your pets' rugs, sofa, blankets, and beds, sprinkle with baking soda, let sit for several minutes, and then vacuum until they look clean.

3. Food

As delicious as dinner was, the smell it sometimes leaves in the kitchen can ruin your breakfast. This is true with all meals, but much more so with fish. My first tip is that, when you cook, close the doors of the bedrooms and the cupboards… textiles absorb the smell quickly! While cleaning pots and pans, bring water with lemon peels and a couple of cinnamon sticks to a simmer. Before going to bed, leave a deep dish full of white vinegar on one of the counters. The vinegar will absorb the smell in a natural and effective way. (For cleaning it is recommended to use white vinegar simply because it is cheaper).

4. Humidity

Excess humidity is responsible for that unpleasant smell typical of basements and garages. I advise you to use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity level in your home below 50%. To get rid of the smell, treat a mold stain by sprinkling undiluted vinegar or mixing a teaspoon of tea tree oil with a cup of water on it. Always keep an open container of the litter they sell for the cat box in your basement and garage. This cat litter contains clay and silica gel. Both components absorb moisture and are used to control odors.

5. Dishwasher and washing machine

Leftover food can cause a bad smell in your dishwasher; So carefully clean the filter to remove any trapped things. Next, put a bowl full of white vinegar in the base of the dishwasher and start the machine (without dishes). At the end of the cycle, it will smell clean! To eliminate the bad smell of the washing machine (possibly humidity), mix in equal parts water with white vinegar and add four tablespoons of baking soda. Wash a cycle (without detergent) with an empty washing machine and hot water.

6. Garbage disposal

It's easy to know where garbage disposal odors are coming from and just as easy to combat them. My favorite method is adding diced lemons to the blender when it is running. In addition to disinfecting, lemons will add a fresh and delicious scent. I also share another good trick: combine the lemon pieces with ice cubes made from a mixture of water and lemon juice.

7. Refrigerator

Keeping an open packet of baking soda in the fridge has always been the way to eliminate odors. If you don't have baking soda on hand, try this method: Put a bowl of coffee beans in the fridge for at least 24 hours. You will see how they absorb bad smells! Also, to give it a delicious aroma that you will enjoy every time you open the door, soak a couple of cotton balls well in vanilla extract and put them in a small open jar in the back of the fridge.

8. Cushions, upholstery and mattresses

Textiles are true magnets of dust and odors. Refreshing them regularly will help you breathe better. A simple method of deodorizing textiles that you cannot wash in the washing machine (such as mattresses and rugs) is to sprinkle with baking soda. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then vacuum it up. To create your own natural textile cleaning fluid , mix water with a couple of tablespoons of witch hazel oil and five drops of an essential oil such as lavender in a spray bottle .

9. Chimney

Nothing like the fireplace to make any environment feel homey and cozy. To avoid bad smells that have to do with wood and fire, start by raising the ashes when the embers are completely cold (for safety use an aluminum bucket to deposit the ashes there) and hire a professional to clean the accumulation annually soot. To eliminate the smell of smoke, clean the fireplace walls with a solution of water and white vinegar. Let the vinegar sit overnight in a deep dish without a lid, and the smell of smoke in the room will be gone the next morning.

10. Shoes

No matter where you store your shoes, whether it's in a shoe closet or a pair of shelves at the bottom of the closet, it's important to keep the space scented. Get in the habit of sprinkling a little baking soda inside your shoes before putting them away… it will absorb bad smells! Other methods that I like to use are: put flavored sabanitas between the shoes of the shoe rack and those used in the dryer, or use a couple of samples of perfume that are impregnated in the paper of some magazines, as long as the smell of perfume does not bother you or cause allergies.

here are many Odours that can afflict your household, such as:

Mould Odours

Mildew Odours

Pet Urine Odours

Cigarette Odours

Water Damage

The smell of a house is one of the things that most influences when making a good impression . And not only is it enough to cover the bad smells: cleaning and ventilation are essential. A good atmosphere is achieved based on small details that should be taken care of, since they will make us feel good every time we enter the house.

Tips to control odor sources

1. Ventilate :

It sounds obvious, but we don't always remember to ventilate every room in the house. With opening the windows for ten minutes each day to let the air flow and renew itself, it is enough.

2. Clean floors :

Cleaning the floor with a disinfectant that provides a clean smell is essential. Hot water with lemon does not have chemical ingredients and, in addition, it gives very good results.

3. Take care of bad smell sources :

The humid areas of the home are the most prone to accumulate bad odors. The kitchen sink is one of them; a good solution is to pour a cup of vinegar with salt and bicarbonate and leave it to act for half an hour, with the cap on; it will eliminate bad odors and help to unclog pipes.

The same goes for the dishwasher and refrigerator . In the first case, you have to rinse the dishes well before placing them and, if unpleasant odors are perceived, do a vacuum wash with vinegar and a little bicarbonate of soda. With the refrigerator , nothing better than cleaning every three months using a cloth soaked in vinegar.

Textiles also absorb bad odors and in this case, bicarbonate is also a good ally: sprinkle it on the carpets and leave it on overnight, then vacuum it.

The bathroom is a delicate area for obvious reasons, but also due to humidity. A bowl of rice or charcoal will help absorb moisture and odors. The towels deserve attention: they should be washed every week and spread out well after each shower, so that they dry completely. Using vinegar instead of fabric softener will make them clean better and softer.

4. Air fresheners :

Place them on the windows -so that the aroma circulates through the room thanks to the air- and bet on the natural. Try to avoid chemical air fresheners that, in addition to being less healthy, tend to provide a cloying smell and consume energy. The lavender, pine, and dried flowers -narcisos, roses, jasmines or gardenias- are excellent choices that also serve to decorate.

Essential oils act as air fresheners and can also help boost your mood. There are many types and each one has different characteristics and benefits: lavender, lime or lemon, mint, patchouli, rosemary ... In addition, they are the perfect option for when you want a room to smell good in a short time: a saucepan with boiling water and A few drops of essential oil, poured into a glass container, will make the room aromatize in a very short time.

What is disinfection? Disinfection is an operation that destroys pathogens, such as batteries, viruses and protozoa, while preventing the growth of microorganisms in the vegetative phase. It should aim to reduce the density of pathogenic bacteria to a level such that the organism itself does not become weak after being attacked by these germs. Taking into account the result of the elimination of pathogenic organisms, we can distinguish between three levels of disinfection: - Low level: Most vegetative bacterial forms, some viruses and fungi are destroyed, but not Mycobacterium tuberculosis or bacterial spores. - Intermediate level: all vegetative bacterial forms, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, most viruses and fungi are inactivated, but it does not ensure the destruction of bacterial spores. - High level: All microorganisms are destroyed, except some bacterial spores. When we refer to total disinfection we are talking about chemical sterilization, which is a process by which all organisms, both pathogenic and non-pathogenic, are destroyed, including spores. It is a terminal procedure, as well as an absolute term. Chemical agents We have previously pointed out that we can only talk about disinfection when we use a disinfectant. In addition, it must be taken into account that highly disinfectant products (high level) are usually not very useful for cleaning processes, since they contain different compounds not suitable for general cleaning. Among the chemical agents there is a difference between: - Antiseptics: They are compounds that prevent decomposition or putrefaction, by controlling the growth of microbes. They are germicides of low toxicity and, therefore, can be used on the skin and other types of tissues. - Disinfectants: They are understood as germicides of greater toxicity and that are used on objects, environment and inanimate surfaces. As a general consideration, it can be said that aseptic and antiseptic measures could be effective separately in the fight against infection, but it is essential to bear in mind that their use in a complementary way is totally necessary if the actions are to be successful. . These disinfectant products can have different actions: - Bactericidal: The compounds kill bacteria of all kinds, although they generally do not kill spores. - Bacteriostatic: Prevents the reproduction and growth of bacteria, but does not kill them. - Fungicide: They kill fungi, molds and yeasts of all kinds, although they generally do not kill spores. - Fungistatic: They prevent the reproduction and growth of fungi, molds and yeasts, but they do not kill them. - Virucida: It destroys viruses, but not spores. Types of disinfectants Below is a list of the most commonly used chemical disinfectants: - Aldehydes: The most commonly used are formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. They have a great power to destroy bacteria, microscopic fungi and viruses. - Quaternary ammonium: They are generally odorless, colorless, non-irritating, and deodorizing. They also have some detergent action, and are good disinfectants. However, some quaternary ammonium compounds are inactive in the presence of soap or soap scum. Its antibacterial activity is reduced by the presence of organic material. Quaternary ammonium compounds are effective against bacteria and somewhat effective against fungi and viruses. - Phenols: Phenols are derived from coal - pitch. They have a characteristic odor and turn milky in water. Phenols are very effective against bacterial agents and also against fungi and many viruses. In addition, they retain more activity in the presence of organic material than disinfectants composed of iodine or chlorine. - Hypochlorites: Chlorine compounds are good disinfectants on clean surfaces, but they are quickly inactivated by dirt. Chlorine is effective against bacteria and many viruses. These compounds are also much more active in hot water than in cold water. Chlorine solutions can irritate the skin and are corrosive to metal. They are relatively cheap. - Peroxides: They are active against bacteria, bacteriological spores, viruses and fungi at fairly low concentrations. - Iodoforms: Iodine compounds are a combination of elemental iodine and a substance that makes iodine soluble in water. They are good disinfectants, but they do not work well in the presence of organic material. They are effective against bacteria, fungi, and many viruses. Many iodine products can stain clothing and porous surfaces. Inappropriate practices Contagions are caused by poor disinfection, due in many cases to: - Not disinfecting the intakes that are more prone to pathogenic germs. - Misusing disinfectants or not using effective concentrations properly. - Leave little time to act. - Use the same equipment or cleaning supplies for everything. Even ineffective cleaning can be a source of infection. Let's see some examples: - Dirty mop poorly disinfected. When scrubbing, what you do is paint the floor with a thin layer of germs and dirt. Between the humid and warm fringes, any residual bacteria or germs that have not died multiply quickly. - Mop scrubbing and a single bucket of water. Its effect is very similar to the previous case: the dirty water that accumulates is a deposit of germs that the mop is responsible for distributing from one room to another or from one room to the rest of the rooms. - Aspirated with a vacuum cleaner without absolute filter. The dust collected with all the bacteria that were deposited on the ground passes through a common filter or bag, being absolutely insufficient. In this way, they are returned to the atmosphere and quickly enter the body of any person through the respiratory tract. - Sweeping with a dry mop or broom. Bacteria are not trapped and are easily dispersed throughout the environment. Consequently, the risk of them being aspirated by anyone increases. - Dirty cleaning room. All cleaning machines and tools are potential germ-spreading agents. In a dirty room, microorganisms become embedded in tanks, mops, rags, etc. and they can stay weeks or months. When these contaminated tools are used again, the bacteria will spread again, unless they are discovered and stopped in time. - Wet floors. Another ideal site for bacteria is located in cracks, tile joints and baseboards. When scrubbing, these places fill with moisture and it is often the ideal place for germs to multiply and travel later. Hospital cleaning will always be easier if the floors are free of porosity or cracks and joints. Any crevice where moisture can accumulate is likely to accommodate bacteria. For this reason, and as a measure to avoid this, it is advisable to use non-porous and continuous floors and, where appropriate, waterproof it using the appropriate procedures: crystallization, sealing by emulsions, etc. Sectors The concept of disinfection, depending on the area and sector where it is carried out, changes. Disinfection of a bathroom or kitchen is not the same, or that carried out in a hospital center. Cleaning personnel who perform this disinfection technique have to know very well what they are working on. In a hospital there are cleaning and disinfection protocols that do not lead to errors in the techniques, while in the rest of the sectors it is more linked to the criteria of those responsible for the center or the professionalism of the company hired to carry out the cleaning. Whatever the criteria, we must all bear in mind that there are critical points that require special care when cleaning and disinfecting. Both a toilet in a public toilet and the food handling table in a kitchen or any place where there may be a risk of contamination that could lead to a danger to public health deserve special attention.

The current pandemic situation caused by COVID-19 forces us to take extreme hygiene measures , both personal and in our home, clothing and food. If you are wondering how you should disinfect your home , what is the protocol to follow when shopping at the supermarket or at what degrees it is convenient to wash your clothes, we will tell you.

Learn how to disinfect the house correctly

This is the first thing you should be clear about. Before, you cleaned the house by removing germs and dirt. With the broom and cloth in hand, everything was much easier. Now we must add a powerful disinfection to cleaning , through certain products that kill bacteria and germs.

Kitchen and bathroom, bacteria sources

The kitchen and the bathroom are two of the main sources that accumulate, daily, more germs and bacteria. For this reason, the cleaning you do must be exhaustive, with disinfectant products such as:

Bleach.

Ammonia.

Disposable gloves.

Cloth or cloth.

You have to know that an external cleaning is not enough . If you want to disinfect the whole house well, it is necessary to clean the inside of the cabinets as well, removing all the products from inside for proper sanitation.

How to disinfect the house from the moment you enter

Keys, knobs, locks, the television remote. All surfaces with which we have regular contact, such as mobile phones, tables, keyboards, mice or worktops, among others, are potential sources of germs that you should clean.

Cleaning depends on the type of surface, but you can generally use a cloth with bleach or hydroalcoholic solution . Of course, you should wash the cloth you use after each use , and in the case of opting for a cotton one, try not to use it for the different surfaces.

Clothes from the street, to the washing machine

When you get home, either because you work or because you come home from shopping, we advise you to put it directly in the washing machine . You can use traditional products, such as the following, to disinfect clothes easily:

Vinegar.

Baking soda.

Peroxide.

Lemon.

You simply have to add the one you choose to the wash. You can also choose to boil the clothes for half an hour or wash them at 60ºC .

The purchase is also disinfected

Washing fruit and vegetables before consuming them is important, beyond the coronavirus. Anyway, if you want to do it correctly, you can follow these basic tips that the OCU recommends .

Wash fruits and vegetables at the time of consumption, not before and remove any part that is damaged.

Wash them under the tap and try not to let them soak, as this increases the risk of contamination.

Rub the skin well to remove residues and contaminants.

In short, it is best to clean your house several times a day, especially those parts most prone to harbor the virus. While you clean, do not forget to ventilate the rooms and, once you finish, remember to wash your hands. Now that you know how to disinfect the house , put these recommendations into practice as soon as possible!

The presence of mould inside the house can lead to respiratory or skin allergies. Discover some natural methods to eliminate it quickly.

Eliminating mould from the house is a necessity that goes beyond aesthetics. While those dark stains make the walls look bad, the importance of removing it lies in health issues.

This time we want to share a series of recommendations and natural products that facilitate this task without the need to use chemical solutions. Do you dare to try them at home? Take aim!

It is true that its presence is gradually deteriorating the paint and other materials involved in construction. However, the most serious problem is that it becomes a source of fungi and bacteria that can affect the body.

Although at first it is only annoying because of the musty smell that it gives off, little by little it becomes responsible for allergies and difficulties in the respiratory system. For this reason, with the aim of ensuring the well-being of all household members, it is essential to take measures to combat it before it continues to proliferate.

Tips for removing mould from the house

Before trying any product to eliminate mold in the house, it is essential to know and adopt some decisive tips to control its growth. These are measures that help prevent excess humidity inside the home, which reduces the environments that these microorganisms need to develop.

Ensures ventilation

Opening the doors and windows at least once a day  is a simple measure to reduce the presence of mold, mites and other particles that accumulate inside the home. The air that circulates thanks to this habit allows wet areas to dry naturally.

This, incidentally, alters the environment in which fungi and microorganisms grow. This explains why a little ventilation can help neutralize many unpleasant odors that are often trapped inside.

Don't cover the mould

One of the big mistakes when trying to hide the presence of mould in the home is to cover the stains with furniture, fabrics and other similar elements. This action prevents air from circulating over the affected area, which allows the mold to be retained in an environment that favors their growth.

It is best to try to keep the area free of any cover to prevent it from getting worse. In this way, as we have already said, we will improve its ventilation.

Avoid hanging clothes inside the house

This may surprise you. Even if you consider it “harmless”, hanging clothes indoors can have negative consequences for respiratory health.

Moisture favors the growth of fungi and mites , especially when there are walls that already have obvious mold stains. In addition, the lack of air prevents the garments from drying well, deriving unpleasant odors that are sometimes difficult to eliminate.

Natural products to remove mold from the house

Many naturally-derived ingredients have properties that help disinfect and clean surfaces to more easily remove mold from the home. They are one hundred percent ecological products that leave the environment with fresh air  while neutralizing bad odors and moisture stains.

White vinegar

The acidic composition of white vinegar has interesting effects on the control of mold that proliferates in the home. Its application eliminates dark spots and removes fungi and bacteria that are concentrated in the affected area.

How to use?

Spray the product on moldy walls, bathrooms or tiles , and let it work for 15 minutes.

After this time, remove the residue with plenty of water and a brush.

Sodium bicarbonate

Baking soda is a versatile product that is used in many ways around the home. It is antifungal , deodorant and antibacterial, being ideal for various cleaning tasks.

It stands out for its ability to stop mold growth. Its application facilitates the removal of dark stains and strong odors.

How to use?

Moisten a generous amount of baking soda and brush it into the desired area.

Let it act for 20 minutes and rinse.

Sea salt

Sea salt has a particular quality that makes it stand out as a solution against mold. This mineral  disinfects surfaces , but also absorbs moisture in closed spaces.

Usually it is used directly in the problem area. However, some use it alternatively as a preventive.

How to use it?

Rub plenty of sea salt over the affected surfaces, using a sponge or brush.

Let it act for 20 minutes and rinse.

Optionally, pour plenty of salt into small containers.

Place them in strategic places like corners or inside closets.