Mobile homeowners probably ought to know how to get rid of mold in a trailer to keep their place clean and healthy. It may surprise you that you can use everyday household items to get rid of mold. Here’s a quick walkthrough of what you need to know about mold in mobile homes.
Is Mold Common In Mobile Homes?
Any home can be prone to mold infestation, but trailers are usually at higher risk. This risk is especially true in areas that flood during storms.
A flood may not reach inside the first floors of houses, but trailer floors are built a little lower and become more susceptible to water damage. This kind of water damage can make conditions just right for mold growth.
When installing a trailer, you have to make sure you get a licensed installer to handle it. If you didn’t install it the right way, such as installing it on an unlevelled ground, mold could manifest under the floor, and you could have a lot of mold to clean.
How Do You Get Rid Of Mold Instantly?
We established earlier how water damage could be a culprit for mold growth. That said, you have to look for signs of water damage to track where mold might be growing. If you’re having trouble, don’t worry because we’ve got a handy guide on water damaged campers for you.
Once you take care of water damage, it’s time to inspect your mobile home for any signs of mold. To start, you’ll have to rely on your sight and smell.
Mold can appear in a variety of colors. To help these colored stains become easier to track, here’s a walkthrough of mold colors to spot.
Mold also gives off a musty smell. If you detect such an odor, you can be sure that mold is growing nearby.
Inspect all the little nooks and crannies as mold can grow in hidden or hard-to-reach places. Check around your stove, behind the fridge, in the vents, and on the walls and doors. Be on the lookout for anywhere you wouldn’t usually see anything.
You’ll also need to check in places prone to moisture, such as showers, bathtubs, and sinks. Also, check inside the fridge if there might be any noticeable stains.
If you see any mold in your insulation, it may be hard to get rid of it in that area. It’s a good idea to replace it once you detect mold.
On getting rid of mold, you might be having second thoughts on strong chemicals, especially if you have pets or children. Don’t worry because here’s a list of everyday household products you can use.
It’s probably surprising to know that you can use vinegar as a household cleaning product. Put vinegar in a spray bottle (you don’t have to mix with water), and spray the affected areas. Leave the vinegar for about an hour, and then wipe it off carefully with a wet sponge.
Another home remedy you can try is hydrogen peroxide. Like vinegar, you can pour a 3% concentration into a spray bottle and spray the hydrogen peroxide on the moldy area. This time, you can let it sit for just 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off.
Tea tree oil is also a good alternative. Mix about 10 to 15 drops or one teaspoon of the oil in one cup of water in a spray bottle. It may be a little tricky depending on how much mold grows, but it’s still very effective.
In addition to these alternatives, you may also use baking soda. You can create a solution by mixing ¼ tablespoon with water in a spray bottle and spraying it to the moldy area. Let the baking soda paste stay for two minutes before scrubbing the area.
A lesser-known remedy is distilled ethanol. You can spray it directly using a spray bottle or mix it with water first if the smell is too strong.
Moreover, you can also use grapefruit seed extract. In a spray bottle again, mix two cups of water with 20 drops of the grapefruit seed extract and spray the affected area.
Remember, when cleaning mold, make sure to equip yourself with a face mask, gloves, and protective eyewear. You’ll want to prevent any health risks when in contact with mold.
How Do You Prevent Mold In A Trailer?
To prevent mold in your mobile home, make sure the inside is well ventilated. Keep windows and vents open from time to time. Even if you’re using a furnace, you can keep them partly open to ensure mold doesn’t grow as much.
Moreover, try to keep moisture out of the trailer as much as you can. Fix any pipes and clean up water stains immediately.
If you can, invest in a dehumidifier. Mold grows in high humidity, so you need to keep your humidity levels in check. Humidity at 30% to 50% is a good level range to help inhibit mold growth.
Conclusion
With all the home remedies we listed, you’ll have a better idea of how to get rid of mold in a trailer. Mold can be a nuisance, but with these tips, you’ll get through it.