Breaking
FoodNerdy Recipes Management System
Tag

Mold

Browsing
Cooking Tips

Make Ice Cubes Yourself: This is How It Works Without an Ice Cube Mold

Need ice cubes but don’t have an ice cube mold? No problem! We have put together various ways for you to make ice cubes yourself at any time.

If you want to prepare ice cubes, the only option is usually to use molds made of plastic or silicone. You can also buy plastic ice cube bags everywhere, which end up in the garbage after one use. Both plastic and silicone are harmful to the environment and to your own health. Over time, for example, a silicone mold can release plasticizers into the ice cubes. Make sure that your ice cube mold is free of plasticizers such as BPA.

But if you don’t have such a shape or you want to produce ice cubes in an environmentally friendly way, you have to improvise. We have several ways for you to make ice cubes without an ice cube mold.

Make ice cubes without an ice cube mold

Use the shape of a box of chocolates. You can use any type of chocolate. We recommend buying chocolates made from fair trade chocolate. There are some seals for Fairtrade chocolate such as the Fairtrade seal. So keep the shape of a box of chocolates or you transfer the chocolates. You don’t have to throw these away, of course, but put them in a lockable box. The good thing about this variant is that you do not produce any additional garbage. Another plus is that you get ice cubes in special shapes. After all, chocolates often come in a wide variety of shapes. BTW: You can use other forms of candy as long as they are stored in a plastic mold.

Another option is to prepare glasses in advance that you want to drink from later or that you want to serve. To do this, fill in some water (a few centimeters high) and place it in the freezer compartment. But make sure that the glasses are freezer-safe. So don’t use glasses that are too thin. You can then simply pour the drink onto the thin layer of ice.

Crushed ice is also possible. You can use any type of container that is freezer-safe.

Cool drinks with alternative ice cubes

There are other ways you can cool drinks:

You can use frozen fruit as ice cubes: for example, put grapes in the freezer for about two hours and then put them in the glass. Alternatively, you can buy already frozen organic fruit. If the frozen fruit is no longer needed, you can simply eat it – it tastes delicious and you haven’t wasted anything.

You can also slice and freeze lemons or limes. It is best to use organic ones. Then you can be sure that they are free of chemical-synthetic pesticides.

Another option is to pre-chill the empty glasses or just the drinks yourself in the fridge. These are then cool from the start and remain so for a little longer thanks to the cool glasses.

Since the main problem is the material of conventional ice cube molds, you can use stainless steel molds, which can be bought online. There are also so-called whiskey stones made of stainless steel that you can freeze and use again and again.

Try making ice cubes out of liquids other than water. For example, freeze organic juices, yoghurt or fair trade coffee as cubes.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Mold Spots: When Should You Throw Away Food?

Moldy spots on food not only look unappetizing, but they can also be dangerous: the toxins they contain can damage the liver and kidneys and even be carcinogenic. However, mold does not mean that you have to throw away every food item. For some, it is sufficient to generously remove the spoiled area. EAT SMARTER presents the most important foods.

Jam

The fruity spread sweetens the morning on bread or waffles. Even mold on the jam can’t spoil a good start to the day – if the ratio of fruit and sugar is 50:50. Only then can the mold be generously removed and the spread continued to be eaten without hesitation.

The situation is different with jams, which contain more fruit than sugar: These are no longer edible, even after generous removal of the mold, as the mold spores may have spread throughout the entire product – even if they are not visible to the naked eye. In this case, the food should be thrown away.

Bread

“Until now, we have advised to cut out the mold over a large area from a whole loaf, as an infestation with mycotoxins outside the visible area on bread has not yet been detected,” explains certified ecotrophologist Antje Gahl from the DGE. In case of doubt, however, it is better to throw away the moldy bread than to remove it. In the case of individual slices of bread that contain mold, this applies anyway and they must be disposed of immediately.

Cheese

Sliced ​​cheese is a food that should be discarded if it has mold on it. If, on the other hand, a whole piece of cheese is infected, the corresponding area can be generously removed and the cheese can then be eaten anyway.

Fruit Vegetable

If moldy spots are discovered on fruit or vegetables, these foods are unfortunately only for the bin. Due to their high water content, the mold spores spread particularly well and quickly, which is why spoiled fruit and vegetables should never be eaten or processed.

With potatoes, it should also be noted that the green spots that appear must be cut out generously in any case. They contain the natural toxin solanine. This can lead to health problems such as headaches, diarrhea, or vomiting. For this reason, the already boiled potato cooking water should also be discarded and not processed further.

Keep Reading
By
Lifestyle

Mold in The Bathroom: You Have To Pay Attention To That

Mold is a common phenomenon in apartments and houses: many people struggle with mold, especially in the bathroom. However, you can easily fight this.

This is how mold develops in the bathroom: causes

If you discover mold in the bathroom, this can have many different causes. In general, walls, joints, the shower and the ceiling in the bathroom are particularly susceptible to mold growth. The reason for this is that the bathroom is classified as a so-called damp room: in contrast to the other rooms, the air here becomes particularly damp due to showering or bathing.

Especially in the bathroom, hot water often runs for a long period of time. The damp, heated air condenses on the colder tiles in the bathroom; consequently, the condensate sticks to them. Even if the tiles are waterproof, the joints, walls and ceilings are usually not. The moisture can stay here for a long time.

Possibly insufficient ventilation can also contribute to mold development: the amount of moisture cannot be balanced, so the humidity is ideal for mold development. To compensate, the bathroom can often not be heated continuously. In this way, the moisture is not sufficiently removed and offers the mold an ideal breeding ground.

Classification of mold as a hazard

Mold should not be taken lightly: it can lead to serious respiratory problems or even allergies, especially for people who do not have a strong immune system. Red and watery eyes and a runny nose can be symptoms. The type and strength of the mold are decisive for its health risk character.

The most common types are black mold, red mold, yellow mold, and green mold. All types of mold require immediate action: they can develop toxins and thus damage your health. In the worst case, inhaled mold pores can lodge in the lungs and cause deadly infections; for this, however, the mold must be very concentrated and the immune system must be very strongly suppressed. Smaller amounts of mold are basically not a health problem for people with a healthy immune system.

In general, we are constantly exposed to a minimal amount of mold spores in nature. This is because molds also occur in nature. Whether allergies have developed from indoor mold or from nature can often not be determined with certainty.

Here’s how to remove mold

If you discover mold very early on, you can usually remove these traces yourself. It is important that you always wear gloves, a breathing mask and safety goggles when removing: This protects you from the vapors of the cleaning agents and the fungal spores. An affected area of ​​30 to 40 cm2 is classified as “low infestation”. You should then dispose of any rags you use: this is the only way to prevent the spores from spreading. If textiles such as towels are also affected by the mold, you should also dispose of them immediately.

A special mold cleaner* can help with the first traces of mold on silicone joints or on the walls, corners and ceiling. You can buy this online or in stores. Alternatively, the joints can also be cleaned with 80 percent alcohol, which you can get in the pharmacy.

On smooth surfaces, such as in the shower, you can use vinegar or baking soda as home remedies. Vinegar Essence* can be easily applied to the spot if there is superficial mold growth. Baking soda can also be mixed with a little baking soda and water. Once you have reached a mushy consistency, you can gently rub this paste onto the affected areas with a toothbrush. This should effectively remove the mold traces.

Beware of black mold or large-scale mold infestation: the mold has often already penetrated deep into the joints. In this case, be sure to contact experts. Only a specialist mold remediation company can then remove the seals and sanitize the bathroom as much as necessary to keep you safe and curb the spread of mold.

The question of costs: Who pays?

If you live in a rented apartment, you must also report the mold to the landlord. After all, it’s possible that the problem isn’t yours at all: the ventilation options or heating options for the bathroom might not be optimal. It may also be necessary to install an exhaust system. This should definitely be done in consultation with the landlord.

If you haven’t adequately prevented mold, for example by insufficient heating or ventilation in the bathroom despite optimal possibilities, then the fault lies with you. If a dispute arises between you and the landlord, an independent expert can also be consulted to investigate the cause of the mold growth.

If external influences, i.e. the basic structural requirements, are the reason for the formation of mold, the landlord is obliged to pay the appraiser and the damage caused by the mold. If the fault is actually yours, you have to pay it yourself.

Prevent mold in the bathroom

In order for the climate in the bathroom to level off in such a way that it is difficult for mold to form, the window must be opened after the shower and the room must also be ventilated regularly and several times a day outside of the shower. The most effective way of doing this is so-called shock ventilation, i.e. a window that is completely open for several minutes, which ensures intensive ventilation.

In the shower, hair or soap residue provide an organic breeding ground for mold. To avoid this, you should clean the shower regularly. You should also clean the joints and tiles thoroughly and at regular intervals so that the mold cannot develop.

It is also a good idea to wipe dry corners or joints with a cloth after showering or bathing. If you have a heater in the bathroom, it should be set so that the optimum temperature of around 21°-23°C can be maintained and the damp areas can dry well. This is especially important in winter.

Ideally, the humidity should not exceed 60 percent; you can also check this with an appropriate measuring device*. If the humidity is above the ideal value despite heating and regular ventilation, you can also buy a dehumidifier* or an electric fan to help.

Keep Reading
By
Lifestyle

Remove Mold Stains: These Home Remedies Really Help Against Mold

It doesn’t have to be chemicals: how to remove mildew stains yourself with inexpensive home remedies.

The difference between mildew and mildew

Is the dark spot behind the cupboard mold or mold stains? Mold stains and mildew look very similar at first glance, as both are visible as brownish to yellowish or greyish discolorations on the wall, they also have a musty and musty smell. On closer inspection, however, a difference becomes clear, since most mushrooms consist of what is known as mycelium. This, in turn, is made up of filamentous cells, as evidenced by thin, coherent, and puffy filaments that continue to spread out. In contrast, mold stains do not form any visible threads, although mold is also active here. Due to a higher pressure, these show a different growth, but mold stains can form from the mildew stains over time.

Mold stains are just as harmful as mold, and not just for allergy sufferers. Irritation of the mucous membranes, sleep disturbances and lack of concentration can often be the result of mold stains. Mildew stain fungal spores can fly in the air, but will not stick to a surface. As soon as so-called mycotoxins (= metabolites) from mold stains get into the respiratory tract, this can even lead to allergies, gastrointestinal complaints and a weakening of the immune system. In return, mold stains do not cause any structural damage or optical discolouration. If such dark spots appear, it can usually

Mold and mildew mostly develop when there is insufficient ventilation and too much humidity. All factors, such as drying clothes, hot baths, cooking, but also inadequately sealed walls, leaks or holes in pipes contribute to an increase in humidity. Condensation forms, which settles on surfaces and walls, since the air can no longer fully absorb the moisture. Damp, cold and uninsulated walls in particular are the ideal breeding ground for mold stains and dangerous mould. Forced airing ensures sufficient ventilation, a hygrometer helps to determine the humidity level in the air. As soon as mold stains become visible, the cause must be sought, because in many cases mold is a side effect of the discoloration. At best, these should be removed by a specialist, because mold spores can cause significant health problems, ranging from respiratory problems to lung and heart diseases or even burnout. Furthermore, an already widespread mold infestation results in considerable additional costs, which can often lead to lengthy differences in tenancies.

Home remedies for stains

The yellowish to brownish discoloration is not only found on walls and wallpaper, mold stains can also form on wood, paper, textiles or plastic. In the case of mold, professional removal is usually essential, but mold stains can often be removed yourself with the help of household remedies or special cleaners.

However, some protective measures should also be taken here when removing mildew stains. Rubber gloves, a respirator mask and suitable safety goggles are important. Furthermore, the infested stains should not be vacuumed off or swept away, as the fungal spores can easily detach in this way. The inhalation of mold spores should also be avoided by adequate ventilation. Direct skin contact with the home remedies should be avoided due to the sometimes caustic effect. After the stains have been removed, all sponges and cloths used, as well as masks and gloves, should be thrown in the garbage immediately, ideally in the garbage can outside the apartment. Clothing should also be changed, and a shower is advisable to avoid spreading more fungal spores in the area. Other items can be cleaned and disinfected.

Mold stains can be removed from numerous objects, but can only be concealed from some, such as books. Here they appear relatively frequently, often not only on the cover, but also on the pages of the book. When pressed together leaves in a book have soaked up moisture from the environment, they provide a perfect habitat for mold stains. The exclusion of air often causes moisture damage, which can only be concealed by dusting the affected areas with starch. The flour should remain in place for some time so that it sticks to the damp stains and lightens the damaged side at least a little.

Infestation of walls, textiles and wood

Already in earlier times there were stains and mold growth. To this day, some very useful home remedies that have been used since grandmother’s time to effectively remove mildew and mold have proven their worth.

wall and wallpaper
Mold stains can be removed quite easily from walls. If woodchip wallpaper is infested and is not to be changed, glass cleaner can be sprayed onto the stain. After an exposure time of five minutes, you can spray again and then rub the wall clean with a microfiber cloth. However, if the mold stains are deeper in the wallpaper, it usually cannot be saved. Woodchip wallpaper, which you can paint yourself, can still be used to a limited extent after the stains have been removed, but printed wallpaper should be replaced.

If stains are to be removed from the wall itself, you need vinegar or spirit. To do this, one of the two agents is simply placed in a small bowl, mixed with water and a clean cotton cloth immersed in it. The mold stains are then dabbed off with the cloth until they can no longer be seen. Another home remedy is a mixture of 50 grams of baking soda, 50 grams of citric acid and 150 millimeters of water. The solution is applied with a clean cleaning cloth and after half an hour it is wiped off with a lye mixture of water and washing powder. Finally, everything should be wiped off with .

On clean plaster, commercially available chlorine cleaners are suitable for removing stubborn mold stains. Mold stains on the wall are usually caused by moisture. If there is furniture in front of the infested area, move it a little further away from the wall to allow for better air circulation.

textiles and clothing
Mold stains not only appear on walls, but can also be found on textiles. These unwelcome yellow to brownish stains occur, among other things, when laundry has not been completely dried and placed in the closet. The unsightly mold stains on textiles can also be harmful to health. However, mildew stains can also be removed from clothing with simple household remedies. First of all, textiles that tolerate high temperatures can be washed at 60 degrees. In the best case, light stains have disappeared afterwards. Another inexpensive home remedy for fabric stains is buttermilk. For this purpose, the affected pieces of fabric should be placed in buttermilk for one to two days and can then be washed as usual. Vinegar not only helps with mold stains on the wall, but also on clothing and fabrics. The discolored pieces should be soaked in vinegar for one to two hours and then washed normally. Another way to counteract stains on textiles is alcohol. For this purpose, the areas with the mold stains should be soaked in it and then washed. Smaller stains can be treated with baking soda, for this purpose the areas must be moistened and rubbed with the baking soda. After the powder has dried, it can be removed with a brush. Alternatively, baking soda or baking soda can be used to combat mold stains. Another method is a mixture of water and denture cleaner, in which the laundry can be soaked. This inexpensive and at the same time effective cleaning agent has also proven itself in the area of ​​discolored porcelain and is suitable as an alternative to baking powder. The same applies to other textiles such as seat cushion covers or blankets. In the worst case, chlorine cleaners or bleach may also be necessary for white and robust fabrics. In order to avoid mildew stains from the outset, laundry should not be left wet for too long and should not be sorted when it is damp.

wood
In the event of discoloration of wood, action must be taken quickly. Mold stains caused by water damage appear on wood in the form of gray to black or brownish discolouration, which can also be yellowish depending on the type of wood. To remove stains from varnished wood, the wood must first be cleaned with water. It should be well dry before washing the wood with a 1:1 solution of detergent and water using a brush. The wood surface will then dry and the stains should be gone. However, if these cannot be removed, vinegar can also be applied to the affected areas and allowed to act for around an hour. Finally, the area should be cleaned with water and a sponge.

If it is too late and mold has already developed from the mold stains, you must act immediately. Black mold massively damages the wood substance, it can even completely decompose it within a very short time. In addition to the health consequences, there may be other risks if the wooden components are stable or load-bearing. If the staining is light, superficial, the wood can be treated with a mixture of chlorine cleaner, vinegar essence and pure alcohol. In the case of deeper and larger infestations, a suitable fungicide from a specialist store should be used to prevent complete destruction of the wood. If stains are still visible after treatment with the cleaning agent, the mold has already penetrated deeper into the wood. The stains must be removed mechanically, which requires sanding the wood. In the case of deeper infestations, a planer can even be used in addition to the grinder. The stains must be thoroughly removed and the clean surface rubbed again with vinegar essence. After the treatment, the wood must be dried thoroughly.

Since black mold is harmful to health, care must be taken to protect yourself when removing mildew and mildew. In addition to suitable respiratory protection, work should be done outdoors if possible.

In order to avoid mildew stains on wood, wooden surfaces should be aired regularly and dried completely. Dirt must also be removed promptly. Wooden parts that are exposed to permanent weathering are more susceptible to mildew and mold growth, which is why storing garden furniture is recommended, especially in winter. Regular care of the wood and preventive mold protection are definitely recommended. Even before buying, you should pay attention to a suitable type of wood, for example hardwoods and pine species are considered to be more resistant to discoloration.

Infestation of joints, mattresses and prams

silicone joints
Even if the elastic and hard-wearing silicone is often used in homes, it is exposed to daily stress there and becomes porous over time. Even if it is considered relatively resistant to fungal attack, harmful mold can form again and again, which should be eliminated soon, especially here. Since moisture is always a perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold growth, rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms and sanitary areas, are particularly affected by mold and need more frequent checks. Long-lasting moisture in combination with heat and condensation can not only cause mold to form on the windows, but also dirt often occurs on the seals and the water gets caught in the joints when it drains, which in turn promotes mold growth.

Basically, you should try to keep these areas as dry as possible. However, mold cannot always be completely removed from silicone joints. First, all gaps should be cleaned of dirt. A grout brush or toothbrush can be used to reach hard-to-reach areas. Then a mushy mixture of water and baking powder can be applied to the joints and worked in. The joint should not be damaged and the baking powder mixture should not dry out. Leave it on for an hour and then rinse off with clear water.

mattress
Unsightly and unhealthy mold stains can also form on mattresses. Reasons for mildew stains on mattresses can be a missing slatted frame, if the mattress is lying directly on the floor, moisture and moisture can accumulate. Air circulation through a slatted frame would be better. When buying a mattress, you should also pay attention to a certain level of breathability in order to rule out unfavorable ventilation and damage to health. Above all, allergy sufferers should prefer a high-quality mattress, as they can be particularly sensitive to pollen. Cold foam mattresses or gel mattresses are particularly suitable for preventing the formation of mold, a breathable cover for pillows and duvets, and regular ventilation and changing of the bed linen is also recommended. Mattress covers or bed underlays that rest on wider slats should also be adequately aired, since excessive pressure can contribute to the formation of mildew stains.

As soon as mold stains become visible on a mattress, you should act quickly, as mold can form as a result of the moisture. There are several home remedies for this: on the one hand, a solution of buttermilk can be applied to the affected areas, and direct sunlight is also often recommended as a home remedy for mold stains. However, if the mold has spread to the entire cover, the mattress must be disposed of. If the affected area is relatively small, a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water can be applied to the mildew stain. This should act on the cover for 15 minutes and then be washed in the washing machine without rinsing. White laundry and a white cover can also be washed with a bleach containing chlorine.

stroller
Clothing and textiles are not the only things that can start to mold and develop mildew due to moisture. Everyday objects in particular, which are often used in all weathers, have an increased risk of infestation. If the yellow-greenish or brownish-grey spots form on the stroller, caution is advised. There is already a health risk here. However, you don’t have to throw the car away just yet. If you don’t want to resort to a chemical solution based on chlorine bleach right away, you can use simple household remedies to counteract the unpleasant discolouration.

To do this, vinegar essence and water must be mixed in a 1:1 ratio. Instead of the vinegar-water mixture, you can also use undiluted, high-proof alcohol, such as denatured alcohol or isopropanol. Then the respective solution is applied and then the corresponding area is covered with a cloth for at least 60 minutes. To prevent the vinegar essence or alcohol from evaporating, the area can also be covered with foil. Then wash off with clear water and repeat the process until the mold stains have been completely removed. Air out the pram well and let it dry completely. Another home remedy for getting rid of mildew stains on more sensitive areas of less robust fabrics is a paste made from baking soda or baking soda and water. This is applied to the affected area with a sponge or brush and then brushed off with clear water. Here, too, the cleaning process should be repeated until the stains have been removed and the stroller allowed to dry out completely. Washable items should also be cleaned in the washing machine. Stubborn stains can also be removed with an organic mildew remover.

In order to prevent mold from forming in the first place, the stroller should be completely dry, especially after rain. For this purpose, individual parts can be removed and dried separately. Storage in a damp condition should also be avoided. For a longer storage period, attention should be paid to a cool and dry storage location with low humidity.

Keep Reading
By
health

Home Remedies to Remove Mold

Many natural home remedies help against mold in the apartment and in the basement. This is how you fight and drive away mold effectively and prevent new mold from forming.

Once the mold has “moved in”, you first have to find the cause in order to combat the mold in the long term. We will explain how you can get to the bottom of the causes, remove the mold and prevent new growth. Once the mold has been removed, the moldy smell that comes with it, which is particularly common in the basement, usually disappears.

Causes of mold in the apartment and basement

Where there is mold, there is also moisture! Mold is not just a “beauty problem”. It’s about health and much more: Mold threatens due to its cause – moisture! – also the substance and the value of your property!

Everyone actively and passively produces humidity: Whether showering, cooking or simply breathing: we constantly produce “humidity”. And that’s not exactly little. When we shower or cook, tend houseplants, or do laundry, the air humidity regularly increases. And when we sweat, more is added.

1) Vinegar against mold

Vinegar has a low pH. Most types of mold do not tolerate such an environment. Therefore, fighting mold with this old household remedy works quite well in smaller infested areas. In addition, vinegar has no toxic substances. Application: Drizzle plenty of vinegar onto a cloth and rub it vigorously into the affected area. Then wipe the entire surface with a damp cloth. Destroy all rags immediately after use!

Vinegar should not be used under any circumstances if limescale is involved: Stiftung Warentest has tested a number of home remedies against mold infestation in detail. Vinegar performed very well here, but with one caveat: Vinegar is completely unsuitable as a remedy against mold growth on limestone walls.

Why? The acetic acid forms a compound with lime, which is particularly popular with mold as a breeding ground. Treating a moldy limestone wall with vinegar therefore only shows short-term success. Within a few days, however, the mold blooms again and reaches an even more intensive infestation than before. Vinegar could only do well in the detailed test by the Stiftung Warentest if the mold was on a firm and level surface. Please also note useful tips for cleaning awnings and removing mold.

2) Hydrogen peroxide against mold

Known as a hair bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide kills mold. When using it, the substrate must be absolutely dry. You can test the contaminated area for dryness using blotting paper BEFORE use. If there are damp stains on the blotting paper and if it was previously pressed firmly onto the mold area, you should first dry the surface thoroughly with a hairdryer or radiant heater before use.

Once everything is dry, you should close the doors and windows in the affected room. Then you spread the affected area and the surrounding area generously with hydrogen peroxide. After about an hour, the area can be wiped off with a damp cloth.

3) Alcohol and methylated spirits as mold killers

On the one hand, alcohol has a disinfecting effect and, on the other hand, it removes the vital water from the mold. This is how the molds dry out. The alcohol must have a concentration of at least 70%. You can also use medicinal alcohol. Isopropanol – IPA for short – is a good choice, for example.

When choosing this means of destroying mold, care should be taken to ensure that the alcohol penetrates deep into the subsoil, because that is where the branched roots of the mold spores are located. The disadvantage is that alcohol evaporates very quickly.

Therefore, treatments with alcohol must be repeated several times in order to achieve satisfactory results. In a test by Stiftung Warentest, alcohol achieved very good results as a mold killer based on repeated applications. The use of methylated spirits as a home remedy against mold corresponds roughly to the use of alcohol.

Here, too, it should be noted that the spores are invisible, and only visibly affected areas should be treated yourself. It is also important to find the cause and eliminate it permanently. If in doubt, it is best to consult a specialist!

Be careful when fighting mold

Smaller areas affected by mold can sometimes be removed first with home remedies. Nevertheless, there are a few things to consider when using the “do-it-yourself method” of mold removal in order to avoid health consequences!

Mold has spores that are invisible and spread through the air. This is how they get into human respiratory organs, which can cause allergies and other diseases. In addition, inhaling mold spores weakens the immune system.

How can you avoid mold?

Mold is often caused by damp walls or excessive humidity. Today’s structural engineering options for insulating and sealing buildings ensure that a lot of energy can be saved when heating. Unfortunately, there is the negative side effect that the houses tend to be less well ventilated, which means that even small weak points in the thermal insulation can promote mold growth. The kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom are areas that are particularly at risk here since their use results in higher room humidity with less heating at the same time.

Let the water vapor out again quickly

Humidity in living spaces is mainly generated by people. With four people in a household, for example, around twelve liters of moisture in the form of water vapor can occur every day. Plenty of water vapor is produced when showering, washing, and cooking. He should leave the room as soon as possible. It is also helpful if bathrooms are permanently heated.

Keep Reading
By
Lifestyle

Mold Remediation for Mold in the Apartment

If you have mold in your home, you need quick and effective help. Because the mold infestation is very harmful to health! If simple home remedies do not help, mold remediation must be carried out. Learn all about the causes and elimination of the mold.

If you are struggling with mold in your own home, we have tips for mold remediation. Because there are no rooms where mold cannot appear. But why does mold develop in the first place and why is it so difficult to get rid of it?

How do I recognize mold in the apartment?

You can often recognize mold by noticeable changes on the wall, such as brown or dark spots. These are usually a reliable indication of mold. Because of this, you should prioritize getting rid of dark spots. But mold doesn’t always have to be visible. Even if there are no stains on the walls, mold may be present. Then you will be made aware of the mold by an unpleasant smell in the apartment. Other signs of mold are, for example, dust lice or silverfish. Also, read our tips on fighting silverfish and neutralizing bad smells in the home.

How dangerous is mold?

Mold in the home can be dangerous and damage your health. If you have mold in your home, you should remove it as soon as possible. Because with increased occurrences, the mold spores are inhaled. This can lead to allergic reactions such as coughing, runny nose, and irritated eyes. In addition, the respiratory tract can become diseased. Asthma can also be exacerbated.

Combating the cause with mold remediation

This means that hairline cracks in the masonry have to be repaired, leaking roofs or window frames have to be sealed, or even further measures have to be initiated. Pure mold control by chemical agents only temporarily reduces the effects of mold. In the long term, mold control is only successful if the causes are eliminated in combination with mold treatment. It, therefore, makes little sense to fight mold yourself with chemical bombs without a plan and without knowing it. In order to combat the causes, an examination by experts is necessary. This is the only way to research why the mold has developed and how the causes can be combated in the long term.

Eliminate mold with professional tools

Removing mold with home remedies works well for small areas. But if you discover large areas of mold in the apartment, you should fight the mold with professional tools. Then you should not save at the wrong end. As a result, a chemical bomb is often not enough to permanently and effectively eliminate the mold. Mold remediation can be carried out using the following tools. It can also be advisable to consult an expert, some of whom also use new methods, such as biological mold remediation.

1) Mold remediation with a dry vacuum cleaner

If damp walls and floors are the reason, they must be dried to prevent further mold growth. You can dry them with a dry vacuum cleaner. The mold may have to be milled off and the wall re-plastered. You should get help from a professional for this. In addition, see our tips for removing dust stains from walls.

2) Eliminate mold spores with the air purifier

You should also clean the air with toxic mold spores with an air purifier. There is a liquid that is used in conjunction with a cold fogger to kill the poisonous spores. The liquid is called Spore Killer. Also, note the best everyday helpers in the household.

If mold is caused by water damage, a dehumidifier is very helpful for temporary use. However, a dehumidifier does not prevent new mold growth and should therefore not be used continuously, as it only eliminates the damage that has occurred but does not solve the cause.

3) mold remover for mold growth

For mold removal itself, you will find a wide range of mold removers. These can be used to remove mold and prevent new growth. The agents for eliminating mold can be purchased in doses depending on the extent of the infestation.

You should also think about the protective equipment. Because dust and spores can cause health hazards when inhaled, you can counteract them with the right protective equipment. Therefore, play it safe with gloves, disposable dust mask, breathing apparatus, and disposable protective suit, and protect yourself and your health during disposal. Also, note our tips for removing mold in washing machines.

Professional help with mold remediation

For professional and sustainable mold removal, it is important to know the causes, methods, and procedures. Therefore, do not approach mold control naively or recklessly. Instead, get help in the form of experts in the house. Because they have the appropriate protective equipment as well as the right tools and the necessary knowledge. Mold removal should not be taken lightly and should not only be fought with a chemical substance. In order to achieve long-term success, you have to proceed with a plan and with knowledge.

Keep Reading
By
Lifestyle

Tips for Removing Mold Stains

Learn how to remove mold stains safely and easily. Receive valuable tips and tricks.
Mold stains can be removed from laundry, clothing, walls, mattresses, or the shower curtain. There are various remedies against mildew stains. Mildew stains are often caused by poor insulation or insufficient ventilation.

Many stain removers are based on chlorine bleach. Care should be taken to combat mold stains. A useful tip: reduce humidity to prevent mildew stains.

Remove mold stains from clothing, textiles, and laundry

If you want to remove mold stains from your clothes, you can soak the garment with the stains in buttermilk. The clothes are then washed as usual. In many cases, this method could prove to be helpful.

Removing Mold and mildew stains from the laundry is also important from a health perspective.

Javel water (bleach) is also suitable for removing mildew stains from textiles. Disinfectants are also included here. But you should be careful with it here – it is best to only use it on light-colored and hard-wearing textiles. UV light from the sun can also help to remove mild mold stains.

Remove mold stains from the mattress

Poor ventilation can cause mold stains on mattresses. Because at night, people sweat into the mattress. If the air cannot circulate, the result is mold stains on the mattress.

In order to be able to successfully remove the mildew stains, the mattress should be aired out in fresh, dry air for a long time if possible. It is best to stand it upright and align the mattress to the sun.

If instead of mildew stains there are already full-blown mold stains, then it is advisable to dispose of the mattress. To prevent mold stains you should have a slatted frame. It is also important to remove the bed linen from the mattress in the morning so that it can air out.

Remove mold stains from wallpaper or walls

Spirit and water can also help against mildew stains. When using a retail cleaning product, it is important to note that it often contains chlorine bleach.

Remove mildew stains

A solution of spirits and vinegar essence can be used to treat mold stains and spots. In the case of very severe stains, it is advisable to consult a professional. Mold spores can pose serious health risks.

Remove mold stains on parquet or wood

Mold stains on parquet or wood can usually only be sanded down. Immediately reseal after sanding. Removing mold stains from wood is no easy task. This is because the wood has absorbed the moisture. If there are only slight mold stains in the wood, you can dry them. You can then try to remove them with Schimmel.

Removing mold stains from leather

A mixture of water and spirit can also be used to remove mildew stains on leather. In this case, the mold stains can best be removed with this. Because you can simply wipe the material and the stains are gone.

Remove mold stains from the tent

Mold stains often appear in the tent if you pack the tent up while it is still damp. There are special mold removers for stubborn mold stains on tents. However, these methods do not always lead to a good result. For example, mold stains on a white tent are better removed with hydrogen peroxide. To do this, the material is placed in a 3 to 6 percent solution.

Remove mold stains from paper

In order to remove mold stains from paper, all moisture must be removed from the stains. To do this, you can sprinkle starch or talcum powder on the stain. After a certain time, this is then usually completely removed.

Remove mold stains from the shower curtain

In the case of mildew stains in the shower curtain, special stain removers are usually not used. You can easily wash the shower curtain at the maximum temperature. In this way, the mold stain disappears.

Remove mold stains from upholstery

How to remove mold stains from furniture and upholstery? A combination of vinegar essence and alcohol is considered an effective stain remover. Simply rub the mildew stain with the solution. Then you should rinse the upholstery thoroughly with water. Do not get a new one immediately afterward. To prevent new mold stains from forming, the upholstery must first air out and dry.

How to avoid mold stains?

To avoid mildew stains, you should air the rooms in your apartment or house regularly. You should also make sure that you ventilate sufficiently after showering and bathing. In this way, the probability of getting mold stains in the apartment decreases. In addition, regular ventilation of the rooms also reduces the risk of mold forming. If you have a problem with mold stains caused by moisture, an ergometer is helpful. This allows you to measure the humidity and get to the bottom of the cause of the moisture.

Keep Reading
By
Lifestyle

Home Remedies to Remove Mold

Many natural home remedies help against mold in the apartment and in the basement. This is how you fight and drive away mold effectively and prevent new mold from forming.

Once the mold has “moved in”, you first have to find the cause in order to combat the mold in the long term. We will explain how you can get to the bottom of the causes, remove the mold and prevent new growth. Once the mold has been removed, the moldy smell that comes with it, which is particularly common in the basement, usually disappears.

Causes of mold in the apartment and basement

Where there is mold, there is also moisture! Mold is not just a “beauty problem”. It’s about health and much more: Mold threatens due to its cause – moisture! – also the substance and the value of your property!

Everyone actively and passively produces humidity: Whether showering, cooking or simply breathing: we constantly produce “humidity”. And that’s not exactly little. When we shower or cook, tend houseplants, or do laundry, the air humidity regularly increases. And when we sweat, more is added.

1) Vinegar against mold

Vinegar has a low pH. Most types of mold do not tolerate such an environment. Therefore, fighting mold with this old household remedy works quite well in smaller infested areas. In addition, vinegar has no toxic substances. Application: Drizzle plenty of vinegar onto a cloth and rub it vigorously into the affected area. Then wipe the entire surface with a damp cloth. Destroy all rags immediately after use!

Vinegar should not be used under any circumstances if limescale is involved: Stiftung Warentest has tested a number of home remedies against mold infestation in detail. Vinegar performed very well here, but with one caveat: Vinegar is completely unsuitable as a remedy against mold growth on limestone walls.

Why? The acetic acid forms a compound with lime, which is particularly popular with mold as a breeding ground. Treating a moldy limestone wall with vinegar therefore only shows short-term success. Within a few days, however, the mold blooms again and reaches an even more intensive infestation than before. Vinegar could only do well in the detailed test by the Stiftung Warentest if the mold was on a firm and level surface. Please also note useful tips for cleaning awnings and removing mold.

2) Hydrogen peroxide against mold

Known as a hair bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide kills mold. When using it, the substrate must be absolutely dry. You can test the contaminated area for dryness using blotting paper BEFORE use. If there are damp stains on the blotting paper and if it was previously pressed firmly onto the mold area, you should first dry the surface thoroughly with a hairdryer or radiant heater before use.

Once everything is dry, you should close the doors and windows in the affected room. Then you spread the affected area and the surrounding area generously with hydrogen peroxide. After about an hour, the area can be wiped off with a damp cloth.

3) Alcohol and methylated spirits as mold killers

On the one hand, alcohol has a disinfecting effect and, on the other hand, it removes the vital water from the mold. This is how the molds dry out. The alcohol must have a concentration of at least 70%. You can also use medicinal alcohol. Isopropanol – IPA for short – is a good choice, for example.

When choosing this means of destroying mold, care should be taken to ensure that the alcohol penetrates deep into the subsoil, because that is where the branched roots of the mold spores are located. The disadvantage is that alcohol evaporates very quickly.

Therefore, treatments with alcohol must be repeated several times in order to achieve satisfactory results. In a test by Stiftung Warentest, alcohol achieved very good results as a mold killer based on repeated applications. The use of methylated spirits as a home remedy against mold corresponds roughly to the use of alcohol.

Here, too, it should be noted that the spores are invisible, and only visibly affected areas should be treated yourself. It is also important to find the cause and eliminate it permanently. If in doubt, it is best to consult a specialist!

Be careful when fighting mold

Smaller areas affected by mold can sometimes be removed first with home remedies. Nevertheless, there are a few things to consider when using the “do-it-yourself method” of mold removal in order to avoid health consequences!

Mold has spores that are invisible and spread through the air. This is how they get into human respiratory organs, which can cause allergies and other diseases. In addition, inhaling mold spores weakens the immune system.

How can you avoid mold?

Mold is often caused by damp walls or excessive humidity. Today’s structural engineering options for insulating and sealing buildings ensure that a lot of energy can be saved when heating. Unfortunately, there is the negative side effect that the houses tend to be less well ventilated, which means that even small weak points in the thermal insulation can promote mold growth. The kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom are areas that are particularly at risk here since their use results in higher room humidity with less heating at the same time.

Let the water vapor out again quickly

Moisture in living spaces is mainly generated by people. With four people in a household, for example, around twelve liters of moisture in the form of water vapor can occur every day. Plenty of water vapor is produced when showering, washing, and cooking. He should leave the room as soon as possible. It is also helpful if bathrooms are permanently heated.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Mold on Food: In The Trash or on The Plate?

When food forms mold, the question often arises as to whether it is still edible or should it be thrown away. We have put together an overview for you on how to deal with various mold-infested foods.

If we discover a white, gray or greenish coating on food, we are faced with the decision: can it still be on the plate or should it be thrown away straight away?

It is important to know that there are different types of mold – some of them form toxic mycotoxins. These mold toxins are metabolic products of moulds.

Guidelines for food mold contamination

Basically:

Even if there is little mold infestation, you should never eat mold.
You should dispose of moldy food immediately or cut away moldy areas immediately and generously. Because mold spreads through touch and through the air and mold spores are often not (yet) visible when they develop. It is therefore better not to take unnecessary risks.
By the time mold becomes visible on the surface of a food item, it has often already infected the interior.
Water-rich foods should be discarded even if they are only mildly moldy. Mycotoxins spread very quickly in water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. The same applies to foods made from fruit or vegetables rich in water, such as compote or juices.
If you are unsure, throw away the moldy food. In the worst case, mold can be harmful.
Examine adjacent fruit or vegetables. To be safe, wash it off and then rub it dry. If necessary, cut away the spot that was near the mold and eat the rest immediately. If the mold has already spread, discard any affected food.
Under no circumstances should you feed moldy food to animals. Mold is just as harmful to them as it is to humans.

Foods to throw away if mold is present

Fruit and vegetables: You should completely dispose of fruit and vegetables containing water and products made from them, such as juices or compotes, even if there is only a small amount of mold infestation. Firmer varieties such as carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, apples and bananas can usually be generously cleaned of mold and eat the rest.
Citrus fruits: The same applies to citrus fruits such as lemons, tangerines or oranges as to water-rich fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, you have to throw away the whole fruit.
Milk and dairy products: You should also throw away products such as yoghurt, quark or cream cheese if they go moldy. The same applies to milk alternatives and products made from them.
Cheese: Soft cheese, semi-hard cheese and cream cheese all belong in the organic waste if there is mold. An exception is hard cheese: if it is only superficially infested, you can remove the mold over a large area. If the inside is also affected, you better discard all the cheese. An infestation of “wild” mold should not be confused with an intentional addition of noble mold in some types of cheese.
Sausage and meat: In most cases, you should completely dispose of moldy sausage and meat products. You can only simply cut away the mold on air-dried products such as ham or salami in one piece. On the other hand, you should always throw away moldy cold cuts, even if they are dried sausages. However, there are also types of meat products, such as noble salami, in which noble mold refines the taste.
Jams and marmalade: Low-sugar varieties or sugar substitutes such as sweeteners should be discarded entirely if they become moldy. In the case of varieties with a high sugar content, it is possible to generously remove only the affected area. However, the BfR recommends throwing moldy jam or marmalade in the trash.
Bread: If you see mold on a loaf or slice of bread, you should discard the product entirely. In most cases, the mold spores have already spread inside.
Nuts: Be careful with nuts. Spoiled nuts often contain aflatoxin, a potent fungal toxin. This is mainly caused by damp storage. You should therefore be particularly careful with nuts that have to be transported over long distances and check them for spoiled nuts before eating them. It doesn’t matter whether the kernel or the shell is affected: you should throw away moldy nuts completely. If necessary, unfortunately even the whole pack.
Grain and seeds: Mold on grain has usually already developed in the field or through storage. This is where you should dispose of the whole pack. The susceptible varieties include, for example, spelled kernels, wheat bran, sesame or poppy seeds. Mold can also attack flour, for example if it is stored too warm or too humid.
Dried fruits: Moldy dried fruits also belong in the trash. But be careful: often the white coating on dried fruit is just sugar deposits. For example, fine white hairs speak for mold. Mold often shows up in dried fruit in the form of black dots inside.
Spices: As with nuts, moldy spices produce the highly toxic substance aflatoxin. Therefore, throw away affected spices completely. Mold develops, for example, when you hold the spice container over the steaming dish: heat and moisture promote mold growth.

Keep Reading
By