Black, green, white spots on the walls, ceiling, in the corners of the bathroom. Mold is not just an aesthetic defect. It is a poison that slowly poisons the lives of the residents. Mold spores float in the air, settle in the lungs, cause allergies, asthma, chronic bronchitis. Black mold (Aspergillus niger) is especially dangerous. It releases mycotoxins that can affect the nervous system. In 2026, the problem of mold in apartments became more acute due to the widespread installation of plastic windows (no ventilation) and a love for drying laundry in rooms. We discuss the causes of mold and methods of fighting it. Causes of mold appearance Mold loves three things: warmth, humidity, and lack of air movement. Where does the humidity come from? Poor ventilation (clogged grilles, non-working exhausts). Drying laundry indoors (10 kg of wet laundry releases 5 liters of water into the air). Leaking pipes, roof, wall freezing. Aquariums, flowers, frequent boiling of the kettle. Incorrect installation of plastic windows (no microventilation). Without eliminating the cause, fighting mold is useless. Prevention: how to prevent mold Regularly ventilate (2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes), even in winter. Install intake valves on windows (a cheap solution) or bризеры. Check the operation of ventilation: bring a piece of paper to the grille — if it sticks, everything is fine. Do not dry laundry in the room (use a dryer or balcony). Move furniture away from the walls by 5-7 cm for air circulation. Install an exhaust hood over the stove. After taking a shower, wipe the tiles dry. The humidity level in the room should be 40-60% (buy a hygrometer). How to fight mold with folk remedies If mold has just appeared (a small spot), try: vinegar solution (9% table vinegar) — apply, leave for an hour, rinse. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) — spray, leave for 10 minutes, wipe. Ammonia (diluted 1:1 with water) — effective, but toxic (work in a mask). Baking soda (paste of baking soda and water) — soft ... Read more