There is no guarantee that mold growth will not return but you have a fair chance of success if the mold has not gone too far. Bacteria should also be reduced by the cleaning but never eliminated completely.
Is the mold dangerous? Any type of mold in your fridge is a problem (whether it's black mold or a different type), as it could cause allergic reactions for you or the people in your household. Reactions could include things like sinus congestion, coughing, asthma-like symptoms, irritated eyes, rashes, and more.
If food is covered with mold, discard it.
Is it safe to live in a house after mold remediation? In most cases, it is safe to return home after mold remediation is complete. You should follow your mold remediation technician's recommendations, but most pros request that homeowners wait one day after the process is complete to move back in.
First of all, some germs, like Listeria, can thrive at cold temperatures. Second, putting food in the fridge doesn't completely stop germs from growing — it only slows them down. If a fridge is dirty or food is left in the fridge too long, germs can multiply to dangerous levels and potentially make you ill.
Yes, in most instances. There are certain times the odor is so bad that it permeates the insulation and it renders the refrigerator useless. Scrub it well and rinse with a bleach-water solution. Leave it open to dry and air out and it should be fine.
Take out all of your shelves and removable drawers, if your refrigerator has them. Spray them down with vinegar. It is important that you do not dilute the vinegar, as a dilution will not kill the mold as effectively. Let the shelves and removable drawers sit for a minute while the vinegar takes effect.
Mold generally looks slimy or fuzzy, tends to have a raised texture, and can come in a rainbow of colors, including deep green and black. Mildew is powdery, looks white or gray, always appears flat, and grows on surfaces.
Use undiluted white vinegar on hard surfaces in kitchens and baths. A bleach solution also works to kill mold. Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water, apply to the surface and don't rinse. Mix a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water.
Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions) and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.
Mildew is typically a light color, most often gray, but white and yellow are also possible. It will appear fuzzy, fluffy, or powdery. On the other hand, mold tends to be dark green or black. It can look fuzzy, but you may also see it appear slimy, like mildew.
The steady moisture, loosely sealed leftovers, minimal air movement, and persistent darkness can make the inside of your fridge the perfect multiplying ground for black mold.
Placing a box baking soda in your fridge can help absorb moisture as well as bad odors, reducing your chance of developing mold inside your fridge. Just be sure to replace the box each month for the best protection.
Why does it keep coming back even after I've cleaned it off? Mould produces spores regularly to sustain its own life cycle, and those spores easily become airborne. When water becomes available, those spores will germinate within 15 to 24 hours.
Tightly seal all containers in your fridge:
You should make sure that all containers that are kept in your fridge are closed and sealed tightly, that way air does not escape, and you can avoid mold. You can use glass containers for meat, poultry, and fish.
Wipe the inside of the empty refrigerator with hot, soapy water, then wipe with clean water to rinse off soap. Dry with a clean towel. Use a solution of 1 tablespoon of liquid bleach in 1 gallon of water to sanitize your refrigerator.
Extreme temperatures do not kill mold, but they can deactivate them. Even when temperatures drop below freezing, mold spores don't die; they simply become dormant and will begin to multiply and grow again as soon as the temperature rises. That's why controlling the temperature alone will not solve your mold problems.
Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin.
Cleaning vinegar, which contains 6% acetic acid, is the best type for killing mold. White vinegar containing 5% acidity will also work just fine. If you don't already have some at home, white vinegar can be inexpensively purchased at most grocery stores.
Wipe inside of unit with equal parts vinegar and water. Vinegar provides acid which destroys mildew. Leave the door open and allow to air out for several days. Stuff both the refrigerator and freezer with rolled newspapers.
Without a doubt, mold is worse than mildew. According to American Home Shield, “the difference between mold and mildew is that unlike mildew, certain types of toxic molds can result in serious health problems for you and your family.” Black mold, in particular, is dangerous for humans.