Elimination of mold can be done by a homeowner with just a few supplies you already have around the house. Mold or mildew can show up in rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements due to the higher levels of moisture and humidity present in these rooms.
It is important to note that installing fans or opening windows helps to avoid the problem, although sometimes it can be the fault of a leaking toilet or faucet. These spots can show up in places like behind the toilet tank, around ceramic, around the tub or on the ceiling, especially if there has been a major water leak from the room above.
It’s important to know before getting started with painting any area that has mold or mildew spots whether the problem is of a hazardous or non-hazardous type. Knowing the different types of mold as explained by the experts of mold busters in Ottawa will help you make the decision as to whether you need to call in the experts to remove it or if you can simply wash it and remove it yourself.
Supplies You Will Need to Remove Mold From Ceiling
For the simple removal of the non hazardous common mold or mildew buildup here is the list of supplies needed to remove.
- Bleach
- Safety Goggles (protective eyewear)
- Rubber Gloves
- Spray Bottle for water
- Sponge or cloth
- Pail or bucket
Harsh chemicals are not always needed to remove mold from ceilings or walls in the house. If there are concerns as to what type of mold it is you should seek professional advice, but your typical patch of grayish mold in damp places like bathrooms or basements are common due to the high humidity levels and lack of fresh air circulation.
To avoid this issue from starting or recurring, simply install a de-humidifier in the basement which is the dampest place in the house all year round. De-humidifiers in the basement especially during the summer months will remove the extra build up of moisture from the air. Alternatively having a humidifier in the winter months to keep the moisture levels normal through out the house is beneficial for both your well being and health and to maintain the right moisture level throughout especially while the furnace is constantly running to keep us warm from our cold Ottawa winters. Having the perfect level of humidity throughout the house especially in the winter prevents dry skin, dry throats and other irritations.
How To Remove Mold
Step 1 Get Prepared Ahead of time
Use a vacuum or duster to remove and spider webs and dust . Because you will use bleach make sure you are fully protected before starting. Put on safety goggles (protective eyewear) and rubber gloves so that the bleach does not come into contact with you skin which can be irritating.
Step 2 – Mix the Solution
Using the spray bottle, mix equal parts of water and bleach in a well ventilated area so that the fumes from the bleach do not irritate your nose, throat or breathing. Make sure you leave a window or two open during the procedure to allow good clean fresh air exchange while you are working.
Reminder: Make sure to wear your protective eyewear and rubber gloves to make sure your skin or eyes do not come in contact with the bleach as it does give off strong fumes.
Step 3 – Start to Clean the Mold from Ceiling
Fill a pail or bucket with warm water, and put the sponge in it. Set it aside.
Using the premixed half water half bleach solution you mixed in the spray bottle, begin spraying the affected area with the mold. Leave it for a few minutes or until it looks slightly dry.
Using the water soaked sponge in the pail begin to wash away the mold stain from the ceiling or walls. Repeat the process if it does not come off completely in first attempt.
Removing Mold from Ceilings
If the mold stain is a little more stubborn than you thought and is looking harder to remove simply refill the spray bottle with more bleach rather than water, therefore making a stronger solution. Repeat the process.
If all of the above are not successful you may have to repaint the ceiling. First you must make sure you use a proper sealer like the Kilz products, and then re-paint the surface. If you need help with any of the painting you can always call a local house painter in Ottawa who will ensure the right primer and paint is used to repaint the ceiling or walls in your house. Keep up with the maintenance and cleaning of it more frequently to have those spots not reappear.
Remember to find the source of why this mold or mildew happens. If it is just from the extra moisture from hot showers or cooking then make sure to install fans in the bathroom and kitchen areas and make sure the dryer in the laundry room properly ventilates to the outside. Air circulation in these rooms is key to keeping the mold or mildew from starting.
If moisture build up is not due to the lack of air circulation and rather because there is a leak from a water source, then it is vital to find the origin of the leak and have it repaired. There are incidents where the upstairs toilet or bathtub has a water leak and is not visible until it pierces through to the ceiling. Water leaks can create water stains on ceilings and if left unfixed mold can build up as well.
Sometimes it is not just a simple repainting of the ceiling to eliminate the water stains. At times you may need to find a painting company that does stipple ceiling repairs to deal with all the nooks and crannies from the textured ceiling.
This post was originally published on Jun 15, 2017 at 21:19 and edited on 01 February 2020 at 14:04
