Mold is a type of fungus that will grow on any surface, including rubber. If you want to learn how to remove mold from rubber, keep reading to know more! Just remember to work outside your home, wear some safety gear, and rinse the rubber after being soaked in the solution.
We don’t pay attention to it much, but we use rubber in our daily activities. We use it for kitchenware, bath necessities, and other home products! Even though rubber is water-resistant, mold can still grow on it if not treated early on.
This situation can be a headache. Fortunately, this article will help you get rid of mold from rubber and give you some tips on which solution you should use.
What Are The Cleaning Solutions For Mold Removal?
1. Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most effective natural cleaning agents for mold growth. It is a popular choice among homeowners because vinegar is non-toxic, and it is extremely safe to use for any household item.
However, one downside of vinegar is it’s not as fast as the other chemicals. After applying the solution, you will wait for a couple of hours for the mold to absorb the vinegar. Speaking of, you may also want to check this article for tips on removing mold from rubber seals.
2. Bleach
Black mold is toxic and can cause several health issues. Fortunately, bleach is strong enough to remove this type of mold. However, handling this type of cleaning solution is tricky.
Even though it acts so much faster than vinegar, you must handle this chemical with extreme caution. If you’re not careful enough, it can burn your skin.
3. Ammonia
Ammonia is also a fast-acting and effective cleaning solution. Just like bleach, it’s also highly toxic. It would be best if you only use ammonia as your last resort for stubborn molds.
We know that it can be tempting to mix cleaning agents in hopes of a much better outcome. However, please don’t do this as it can lead to serious health issues.
5 Easy Steps On Removing Mold From Rubber
Step #1. Prepare your workplace outside
Before starting anything, you must set up your place outside your home. Your garage or yard will be fine. Since you will be handling chemicals, it would be best if you were somewhere with great ventilation.
Even if you use vinegar, the scent can be strong enough to stay inside the house for several hours. Make sure that you get everything you need and organize them so you won’t come back to the house every now and then.
Step #2. Wear some protective gears
As said earlier, chemicals like ammonia and bleach can be dangerous. However, they do their job very well in removing mold and eliminating spores that the naked eye can’t see.
Protect your skin by wearing non-porous gloves and covering parts of your body that can be exposed to the chemical. These cleaning agents can also release toxic fumes, which can irritate the eyes and cause difficulty in breathing. Make sure also to wear a facemask and eye protection.
Step #3. Apply your cleaning solution to the affected area
Once you’ve picked your chosen cleaning solution, pour it in a spray bottle. Remember to dilute it first with water to ensure that it will work correctly. Too much or too little water means you won’t get accurate results.
When using ammonia, make an equal part for water and the chemical itself. If you prefer bleach, dilute it by mixing a teaspoon of bleach and 2.5 liters of water. On the other hand, you can use vinegar safely without needing to dilute it.
Step #4. Leave for a few minutes
After applying the solution, take your soft brush and rub the visible molds. Do this until you remove all surface mold.
Next, get a sponge and spray it with some cleaning solution. Use it to wipe away the mold. Then, put some solution on the rubber and leave it for a while, depending on which cleaning product you use.
If you’re using vinegar, leave it for 30 minutes to an hour. However, when working with ammonia and bleach, fifteen minutes is enough.
Step #5. Rinse the rubber and air dry
Once the time is up, use a brush to scrub the mold again on the rubber. Then, wipe it off with a sponge you used earlier. After that, rinse your rubber with clean distilled water.
Please leave it to dry completely. You may use a fan to speed up the process.
However, don’t place it directly under the sun as it can affect the rubber’s performance. On the other hand, repeat the process for any mold left.
Conclusion
The first rule on how to remove mold from rubber is setting up your workplace outside. Remember that you will be handling strong chemicals like ammonia and bleach. These things are toxic and highly corrosive.
Removing mold from rubber is not difficult, although it can be dangerous! Doing this activity outside your home will protect your family and furniture from catching these chemicals. It would also be wise to use safety gear such as gloves, masks, and eye protection.