Humidity is omnipresent and accompanies us to a greater or lesser extent in each facet of our existence. In Spain, it ranges from 80% in coastal areas to 60% in the interior, reaching averages of 70% in the Mediterranean area. One of the repercussions of this constant humidity is that of stains on the walls, which, in addition to being unsightly and unsightly, can be dangerous to health due to the possible spores and allergic reactions that could be triggered by the mold generated.
To avoid these symptoms of humidity in your walls nothing better than to know in detail the mechanisms to eliminate or clean them, which I will explain in this post using simple methods and with substances and ingredients that we all have at home. In this way you can eradicate them by cleaning and restore the initial beauty to your internal and external walls in a simple, fast and very cheap way thanks to the countless cleaning methods that you can see from the Mansion of Ideas.
Causes and cleaning of dampness in the walls of your home
Either because of a crack that allows moisture from a pipe to seep in or for environmental reasons(relative humidity) or because the outside water can manage to reach the inside of our home. Regardless of the situation or the context, it would help if you eliminated it effectively. However, it is not impossible; it is often a tedious task. Sometimes, you must get used to living with its company, limiting its action through a correct and periodic cleaning.
The walls are the most emblematic sites and the ones you should pay the utmost attention to because they are indeed the ones that are open and available to the eyes of locals and strangers. Excess humidity produces the dangerous black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum). This condition should be treated as soon as possible to avoid future health complications due to the characteristics of this substance, which is very common in houses where humidity is persistent.
Effective methods for cleaning moisture from your walls
By using hydrogen peroxide
A method widely known for its effectiveness is the use of hydrogen per oxide H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), with which you can enjoy very encouraging results in most cases; see how to carry out this cleaning.
- You will need to use 3% hydrogen peroxide and spray it on the affected walls, where the damp stains are and where you can notice the growth of the dangerous mold.
- Let it act for 15 minutes so the hydrogen peroxide can have the greatest possible effect.
- After this time and with the help of a cloth dampened with water, clean all the moldy areas until you remove all the remains. In this way , you will eliminate the spores contained in the mold and prevent it from continuing to reproduce and colonize your walls along with the moisture.
- This operation can be repeated as many times as you consider necessary until these annoying stains are completely eliminated and the walls are shiny. If you notice that the area remains very wet, you should allow it to dry completely and, if necessary, repeat the cleaning.
Use vinegar to clean your walls
Another valid alternative is the use of vinegar as an effective method of cleaning your walls. Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar is recommended, and to achieve success in eliminating the symptoms of dampness, you must follow the following steps.
- Spray white or apple cider vinegar directly on the mold on your walls.
- If the stains are large, you can dilute the vinegar in water for better performance and mitigate this substance’s unpleasant and strong odor. But remember that the application of pure vinegar is the most effective solution to achieve an outstanding cleaning.
- The vinegar should be left to act for at least 2 – 3 hours.
- Then, rub with the help of a brush all the areas where you applied the vinegar to eliminate this mold and its stains.
If you find the smell of vinegar annoying, you can add a few drops of essential oil with the scent of your choice, allowing you to work comfortably without the interference of the smell.
Tea tree as an ally against dampness and molds
Using tea tree oil, you can keep away stains caused by humidity on your walls. Thanks to its powerful antifungal properties, it is a great candidate for you to achieve a successful cleaning, see how to do it.
- Mix one tablespoon of tea tree oil for every 2 cups of water in a bowl.
- Apply it over the affected area and let it act against stains and mildew until it dries by itself.
- Wait a couple of days, and you will notice that the stains have begun to recede and be removed, repeat the application of this diluted tea tree oil if necessary.
Clean mold and mildew from your walls using bleach
Bleach is undoubtedly an ancient cleaning remedy of recognized effectiveness, but you must be clear that you will need certain precautions to avoid damage to both your skin and your respiratory tract. So apply the respective safety measures (masks and gloves) to carry out this cleaning method.
- Mix water and bleach according to the following ratio (1 cup of bleach for every 3 cups of water).
- Using a sturdy brush, wet its bristles with the previously created mixture.
- You rub and scr rub the stained area of your walls until the moisture and stains are completely removed.
Effective cleaning with baking soda
This natural product will help you remove all the mold and stains left by moisture on your walls; for the correct use of baking soda, you must follow the following steps I leave below.
- Mix baking soda with a little water; the proportions are not very important since this ingredient is very effective, but it could be one tablespoon per 1/2 liter of water.
- With the resulting solution, you spray the entire area of your walls that is affected by moisture and mold; you can also use a brush with which to scrub the walls with this solution.
- Leave this mixture to act for 15 minutes for its effect to be certain.
- With a cloth dampened with water you rinse the entire surface of your walls treated with the baking soda mixture, this will allow you to remove the stains and achieve a detailed cleaning.
Effective and very easy to use methods and very cheap for your pocket, you should also consider attacking humidity by maintaining efficient ventilation using air conditioners or dehumidifiers, as well as opening doors and windows and using paint with anti-mold treatment. In addition, it is advisable to keep your clothes and shoes dry at all times and to check for sources of humidity (broken or embedded pipes).
Follow these tips, and you will be able to eradicate this annoying and unfavorable condition that, as we have already mentioned, is unsightly, harmful, and also dangerous for the health of the people who are an active part of the home where there are these humidity stains and therefore the proliferation of the annoying black mold. So get to work and also take advantage of these tricks for clean your toilet removing stains and tartar build-up. Congratulations on the cleanliness of your home!