Fight mold growth for a healthy home. Hang the “not welcome” sign with these cleaning tips and learn how to keep windowsills, bathrooms, kitchens, and air conditioners free of mold and mildew.
- Windowsills. Check the insides of windowsills for mold growth and wash with mild soap and water. Re-glaze windows for a better seal and make sure any drainage openings in the tracks are clean and not clogged.
- Humidifiers and Vaporizers. Empty these appliances daily and clean every three days with a solution of vinegar and water. Vaporizers should be cleaned daily with the vinegar and water solution.
- Air Conditioner. Air conditioners need to be serviced often to reduce mold growth. Clean the coils of the central unit every other month with mild soap and water, followed by a solution of heavily diluted vinegar and water, and replace the filter.
- House Plants & Dried Floral Arrangements. Re-pot your houseplants with a sterilizing potting soil and don’t over-water. Throw away dried floral arrangements with signs of mold growth.
- Bathrooms. Clean those really tough areas in the bath and shower with a non-ammonia-based detergent and thoroughly dry. Keep a squeegee handy to quickly wipe down shower walls after each use to reduce the amount of standing water in your shower.
- Kitchens. Clean under sinks where mold is present with denatured alcohol and one-cup water. Check plumbing under sink periodically to look for leaks.
- Refrigerators. Wash the inside of refrigerators with a mild soap and water solution. If the refrigerator has a bad smell, add a teaspoon of lemon extract or a teaspoon of vanilla to the wash water.
