Avoid scrubbing mold off walls using vinegar.

Avoid scrubbing mold off walls using vinegar.

Schimmel in your apartment can induce fear. How can you dodge or eradicate it? There are some widespread misunderstandings about this. Here are three you should be aware of.

Have you checked behind your closet or in your storage room only to find mold? The shock can be immense, and the queries flood in: From where does it originate? How did this happen? Most significantly: How do I get rid of this mold?

There are many fallacies circulating about mold, as per the Consumer Center North Rhine-Westphalia. Here are a few:

1. Misconception: Mold develops solely from inadequate ventilation

This isn't true, according to the Consumer Center. Mold in residential buildings arises wherever spores find a suitable nutrient source and sufficient moisture. Moisture can have diverse origins: building defects, storm damage, flooding, water leaks, moisture in new construction, or thermal bridges.

However, cold temperatures can also be responsible, or excessive moisture in the room air. For mold damage induced by the latter, it's typically a combination of poorly insulated buildings, thermal bridges, and insufficient heating and ventilation that's responsible, note the Consumer Center. Identifying the culprit can be challenging. And sometimes, you can't prevent mold in old and poorly insulated structures by simply heating and ventilating as usual.

Advice: Initiate an investigation of any potential building or water damage. If these are rectified, the affected materials infested by mold can be eliminated, and the afflicted building components can then be dried.

1. Misconception: Insulation causes mold

Rather, the contrary is the case, per the Consumer Center.

Explanation: Warm air can hold more moisture than cold. In old buildings, there's often a risk of mold on walls or windows, where the temperature is extremely low. This is because the air cools down there, and the surplus moisture cannot be absorbed by the air anymore. If it settles on cold walls or windows, mold can form. Yet, if the walls are well insulated and the windows are well sealed, the temperature at their surface is not much lower than in the room air, suggest the Consumer Center. This reduces the risk of mold.

Know this: Temperature and humidity can be measured with a thermo-hygrometer. The relative humidity should not exceed 50% for extended periods right by surfaces.

1. Misconception: Vinegar counteracts mold

While vinegar is indeed a practical cleaning tool, it isn't suited for removing mold on walls, asserts the Consumer Center.

Rationale: On mineral surfaces, the acid in vinegar is typically neutralized. And at last, the mold spores receive even more water and an additional nutrient medium to grow.

If you wish to remove a small, surface-level mold infestation independently, you can employ a typical household cleaner, say the Consumer Center. For porous surfaces like plaster, you can also use a 70-80% alcohol solution, such as diluted denatured alcohol, which dries rapidly. Caution: Ventilate thoroughly and maintain a distance from open flames.

The consumer advocates also suggest removing the mold with gloves and a face mask. If the mold damage is more considerable or older and has permeated deeper into the plaster, then professionals should be consulted. Otherwise, eliminated mold particles could later regrow or pollute the air in the room.

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1. If you're seeking advice on dealing with mold in your home, particularly in areas with poor heating and ventilation, consider consulting with a real estate advisor. They might suggest energy-efficient solutions to improve your home's insulation and heating, reducing the risk of mold development.
2. During your visit to consumer centers to learn about mold prevention, don't forget to ask about the role of heating in mold growth. While it's often believed that insulation can cause mold, proper insulation and heating can actually prevent mold by maintaining consistent temperatures and reducing moisture levels in the room.
3. When it comes to removing mold, it's essential to be aware that vinegar is not an effective solution, contrary to common misconceptions. Instead, consider using a household cleaner for surface-level mold or a 70-80% alcohol solution for porous surfaces like plaster. Always remember to ventilate thoroughly and wear protective gear when dealing with mold to prevent further spread or health issues.

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