Akhakhu
Question time!:
My bathroom tiles are awful. Especially where they meet the actual bathtub. The plastic stuff that covers up the cracks is being pushed up by mould. I can clean the stuff on the surface, but it just comes right back again because it's there under the plastic stuff. It's always visible, too and it's really gross. Is there a way to clean up the mould that's in the tile cracks
under the plastic stuff without destroying the plastic stuff?
Or is this just a case for "look better before you pick your next apartment"?
I know this is really late but--
If you spot mold in your house, you should get it inspected before attempting to clean it or cover it up.
Some mold is deadly and very toxic/harmful and will require the Government's help to provide a safe clean-up (I used to live in Washington state and my apartment had a deadly mold spore problem, the apartment was entirely tented and bombed, and then pored over by individuals who did spraying and removal techniques).
Please, also, get a mold inspection done every few years-- they're cheap and could save you a lot in the long run for hospital bills, or the life of a loved one.. mold is a SERIOUS problem if it's a bad strain.
Other Tips for Cleaning:
1. If you're like me and my boyfriend, you cycle your clothing (winter clothes get stored away in the summer, and vice-versa). Make sure to securely pack your clothing in containers/bags that are air-tight and bugs can't get to them. I usually include a cedar block in each container and a fabric softener sheet to keep it fresh.
2. Radiators-- not everyone has them but they store a LOT of dust. Use an old toothbrush, a soft rope, and a rag to clean them semi-regularly.. the summer is the best time for a thorough cleaning of your radiators since they aren't on and piping hot.
Also, if they're really old you could buy radiator-safe paint and spray paint them, not only does it look nice but newer paint makes the surface smoother and makes it easier to get the dust off.
3. Baking soda in the cat box will help cut down on odor immensely. I keep boxes of baking soda in my house just for this use.
4. There are some products out there that are wonderful to use for your shower-- you spray the shower with the product when you get out of the shower and it does a light cleaning, with no scrubbing or rinsing on your part required (make sure you check warnings regarding toxicity though). You should still do a thorough cleaning of your shower periodically.
5. Most people don't think to do this-- but it can't be stressed enough: clean your cleaning tools. If you re-use sponges, toilet brushes, tooth brushes, and everything else and think that they're safe and free of germs simply because cleaning solution has been on them, think again. The same goes for things like plungers, they are rarely cleaned.
A strong bleach and hot water solution can be applied to things like toilet brushes, plungers, and other handled scrubbers, etc..
You can heat damp, clean sponges (make sure to rinse them thoroughly in hot water) in the microwave for a minute (on paper towels) to zap bacteria and effectively sterilize them. The container you use to store all of this stuff should be sterilized with bleach and water as well.
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