How to Remove Mold by Freezing
You might experience the onset of mold due to water damage in your home or humidity in small, enclosed spaces such as your attic or garage. While there are several options for getting rid of the fungal growth, you may decide to take matters into your own hands.
In this case, you can freeze molded items in order to halt mold growth. Remember that freezing temperatures will not kill or remove the mold. You'll need further tools to eliminate it completely.
Things You Will Need
- Disposable plastic cleaning gloves
- Trash bags
- Fungicide
- Cleaning rags
- Dehumidifier
- Fan
Warning
This freezing method is appropriate for small, in-home outbreaks. You should rely on professionals for larger outbreaks, especially those in public places. Consult a professional before treating photographs or antique items, since they could become damaged in the freezer.
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Wear protective plastic gloves before touching anything that appears to have mold on its surface. Since mold can cause health complications, such as skin infections and respiratory issues, you'll want to protect yourself as much as possible.
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Lay the infected items onto trash bags in an open air place so that they can dry out. Air circulation is an important first step toward mold removal.
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Inactivate the mold growth by placing the items into a freezer. At 0 degrees Fahrenheit or less, mold is no longer able to multiply. However, the cold temperature will not cause the mold to die. Freezing helps in the mold removal process by keeping the problem from getting worse. In the meantime, you can prepare to dispose of the fungi and work toward cleanup.
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Remove the items from the freezer after 24 hours, and begin with the removal process. Start with a fungicide, using cleaning rags to wipe the frozen mold from the surface of the items. Follow up by placing dehumidifiers or fans in the infected area to increase air circulation.
The Drip Cap
- You might experience the onset of mold due to water damage in your home or humidity in small, enclosed spaces such as your attic or garage.
- While there are several options for getting rid of the fungal growth, you may decide to take matters into your own hands.
- However, the cold temperature will not cause the mold to die.
- Start with a fungicide, using cleaning rags to wipe the frozen mold from the surface of the items.
References
Writer Bio
Since 2006, Pilar Ethridge has had the pleasure of honing her writing skills as the assistant editor of the newsletter from a Washington, D.C. nonprofit organization. Her interests include children's media, film, American pop culture, crafts, and performing arts in general. Based in Southern California, Ethridge received a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of California.
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