You notice mold growing in the bathroom. Should you reach out for Fabuloso to kill it? If Fabuloso does not work, what are there the other alternatives? Are there natural products that can kill mold?
This article focuses on removing mold from various surfaces and the alternative household cleaners that kill mold.
Does Fabuloso Kill Mold?
Fabuloso is an all-purpose cleaning product designed to clean various non-porous surfaces. However, it is not designed to kill mold. It can be used to clean some surfaces that have mold, but it will not kill the spores.
There are other products specifically designed to kill mold. Mold forms in damp areas, so the best way to avoid it is by finding the source and eliminating the source of wetness.
Mold is a type of fungus that grows where there is a lot of moisture. It can grow on cardboard, wood, carpets, fabric, walls, and floors. You will find mold mostly in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and crawl spaces.
You can see mold as it is usually green, black, white, and even orange. Mold also has a distinct smell.
It is vital to get rid of mold as soon as you notice it. Mold growth can cause a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and skin, headaches, and wheezing. (Source)
Small areas of mold can be cleaned up using certain products that will kill the mold. However, extensive mold will require professional cleaners that have specialized equipment to get rid of mold and prevent the spores from spreading in nearby rooms.
Fabuloso & Mold on Wood
Fabuloso and Fabuloso Complete can only be used on sealed wood surfaces. Wood is porous and so it must be sealed to protect it from scratches, stains, and moisture. Using it on non-sealed surfaces will cause damage to the wood. Fabuloso will not kill mold that has formed on wood.
To get rid of mold on wood, take the following steps:
STEP 1: Wear protective gear such as gloves, a mask, and old clothes.
STEP 2: Vacuum the wood. A vacuum with a HEPA filter will trap the mold spores and prevent them from recirculating in the air.
STEP 3: Mix dishwashing liquid soap and water (1 tablespoon soap to 1 quart water) and gently scrub the area with a soft brush.
STEP 4: Spray distilled white vinegar on the affected area and let it air dry.
STEP 5: If the mold is stubborn, use chlorine bleach. Mix half a cup of chlorine bleach, 1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap, and 1 cup of warm water. Apply on the wood and gently scrub with a soft brush. Test on a small area first to avoid damage to the wood.
STEP 6: If it is furniture, take it out and let it dry in the sun if conditions prevail.
Once the mold has been eliminated, you can start using Fabuloso as per the instructions to keep the wooden items clean, as long as the wood is intact and sealed.
Fabuloso & Mold in the Car
Mold can form in the car on the upholstery and other material if it has been exposed to moisture. Mold in the car can cause serious health issues as the space within the car is compact. If you suspect there is mold in the car, do not turn the air conditioning or heating on, as this will cause the spores to spread.
Fabuloso is formulated to clean hard surfaces, so using it on car upholstery is not advised.
To get rid of a small amount of mold in the car, take the following steps:
STEP 1: Wear gloves, masks, and old clothes.
STEP 2: Vacuum the area, and preferably use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
STEP 3: Spray distilled white vinegar directly on the area which has mold. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
STEP 4: Scrub the affected area with a soft brush.
STEP 5: If the area is fabric, use a fabric-friendly cleaner and water to finally clean the area and let it air dry.
To avoid mold forming in the car:
- Roll up the windows if it is parked outside, to prevent rainwater from dripping in.
- Wipe up any spilled beverages immediately.
Bleach will discolor the color of the fabric in your car so avoid using bleach.
If the mold formation is extensive, hire a mold removal expert.
Fabuloso & Mold in the Bathroom
Mold formation is quite common in the bathroom. Although Fabuloso can be used to clean hard non-porous surfaces in the bathrooms, it will not get rid of mold.
It is advisable to use other products instead. Different ways to get rid of bathroom mold:
Method 1: Mix water and bleach (2 parts water and 1 part bleach) in a spray bottle. Spray on the affected areas and let it sit for 10 minutes. Gently scrub away the mold and rinse the area with water. You can then use Fabuloso to clean the area thoroughly.
Method 2: Spray vinegar on the affected area and let it sit for 30 minutes. Scrub gently. If necessary, repeat. Then rinse with water and clean with Fabuloso.
Method 3: You can also make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. Let it remain for 10 minutes and rinse off with water. Clean thereafter with Fabuloso.
Wear protective gear when getting rid of mold. It is essential to prevent mold from forming in the bathroom, as it is a commonly used area.
Wipe down the area or use a squeegee after showering and ensure there are no leaking faucets or pipes. Keep windows open to let the bathroom airdry.
Fabuloso & Mold on Concrete
Mold can also form on concrete. Concrete is porous so it provides an ideal place for the formation of mold.
Fabuloso can only be used to clean off grease and grime from concrete surfaces. It will not be able to kill mold from its roots.
The most effective way to deal with mold on concrete is to use bleach. Take the following steps to get rid of mold on concrete:
STEP 1: Add ¼ cup of liquid detergent to 1 gallon of warm water.
STEP 2: Using this solution, scrub the area with a stiff brush thoroughly to remove mold.
STEP 3: Rinse the area with water and let it air dry or dry it with a fan.
STEP 4: Mix ¼ cup bleach and 1 gallon of water in another bucket. Apply it to the area. Let it sit for 20 minutes and repeat. This is to prevent new spores from forming.
STEP 5: The area can then be cleaned regularly with Fabuloso Complete.
It is better to call professionals to eliminate extensive areas of mold, instead of taking on a DIY job. This will ensure mold does not grow again and they will advise you on the preventative steps to take based on your particular area.
DIY Cleaners to Eliminate Mold
If you do not want to buy commercial mold-removing products, certain household items can be used to eliminate mold, such as:
1- Distilled White Vinegar
Vinegar can be used to kill mold by spraying the affected areas and letting it remain for 10-20 minutes. You can wipe and clean the area as normal afterward.
Do not use it on wooden items. Although vinegar has a pungent smell, the odor will not last long. You can use vinegar on porous surfaces as well.
2- Baking Soda
Another household item that effectively gets rid of mold. Mix with water to make a paste and apply to the affected areas. Let it remain for a while and then gently scrub and clean the area. You can add vinegar to make a stronger, more effective solution to kill mold.
3- Bleach
Bleach is one of the most effective products to kill mold as well as bacteria and viruses. Use it on non-porous surfaces.
Mix 1 cup of bleach into 1 gallon of water and put it in a spray bottle. After spraying the affected areas, let it remain for 10-20 minutes, to kill the mold spores to prevent regrowth.
Be careful when using bleach and do not mix it with any other product.
4- Tea Tree Oil
This is a natural anti-fungal. Mix 2 teaspoons in 2 cups of warm water and spray on the mold area. Leave it on for up to an hour and spray again. Gently scrub and clean the area after a while.
5- Hydrogen Peroxide
Pour a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spray on the affected area. Leave it on for 10 minutes before cleaning the same area.
Always wear protective gear before cleaning out the mold. If you are unsure of the effect on the surface, try the product on a small area before for testing purposes.
Final Thoughts!
Mold is unsightly and can cause serious health concerns. It is better to remove it as soon as you spot it before it spread extensively. Nor can Fabuloso kill mold remover nor can it disinfect. Find the source of moisture and fix the leak or the cause of wetness as soon as possible, to prevent mold from recurring.
Small areas of mold can be removed, using various products designed to eliminate mold. For extensive areas, hire mold removal professionals to eliminate it and advise on ways to prevent mold from recurring.
Store mold removal products in a clean, dry place away from pets and children.
