Common item used to get rid of mould can make it worse – and could make you ill

If you're battling mould at home, it can seem like a relentless struggle. You might feel like you're doing the right things and finally getting a handle on it, only for it to persistently grow back.

However, one 'mould doctor' has shared her advice on "how to clean mould without making a bigger mess" and revealed the ways this growth can make you sick.

Untreated mould can lead to a range of health issues, including asthma and bronchitis, and can also affect your eyes and skin. @thedetoxdoc explained that the "way you clean up mould in your house could be the difference between you getting sick, and not getting sick".

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She first cautioned against using bleach to clean mould, as "bleach makes mould put more toxins into the air". These toxins may be invisible, but they're present and can cause reactions in everyone.

She further stated that bleach's high water content means that "so once those chemicals evaporate, mould is just going to come back stronger".

She also warned vinegar can "leave a residue" that mould could grow on.

@thedetoxdoc advised that the best course of action is to "work with a professional" to identify the "source" of the mould "so it can be remediated". However, she acknowledged that this can be "expensive", so sometimes a DIY solution is necessary.

Surprisingly, she suggested that "one of the best non-toxic ways to remove mould is with soap, water, and a microfibre cloth".

She advised people to wear a mask, gloves, and ideally full face protection if possible.

"Take a quart of water and add five drops of an unscented non-toxic dish soap to the water, and spray a microfibre cloth three to five times. You want it to be damp, not wet", she recommended.

"But how do we prevent it from coming back?" someone queried in the comments. The expert responded: "Great question. Keeping the humidity below 50% and keeping the air purified are great steps."

Do you have a story to share? Email: danielle.wroe@mirror.co.uk

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