How do you remove black spots or “fogging” from the walls?

The phenomenon of fogging has been known since the 1990s. It can be translated as fogging and is caused by the presence in the air of the house of plasticizing substances that create a dark, soot-like film on walls and ceilings of houses and apartments.

These are the possible causes of fogging

The causes of this phenomenon can be several. That is why we have gathered the most common ones so that you can identify the origin of the problem that affects you:

The main cause is COSVs (semi-volatile organic compounds). These substances are present, for example, in plasticizing substances that are part of the paint on the walls or vinyl wallpapers that are placed in the rooms of the house. Over time VOCs “escape” from them, combine with airborne dust, and settle on ceilings and walls. Certain room conditions, such as radiators and insulating surfaces, promote fogging attachment. These surfaces include, for example, the laminate floors, vinyl wallpapers, latex coatings on walls and ceilings, PVC windows or furniture made of various plastics. Fogging often occurs after a renewal has been carried out, because COSVs are released from new materials that have entered the house. This phenomenon can also occur due to additional sources of soot and dust, such as candles, incense sticks, cigarettes, wood stoves, some gas stoves, or fiber-releasing carpets.Insufficient ventilation is often responsible. That is why fogging can be discovered when you return home after a vacation.

How Fogging Is Distinguished From Black Mold

Fogging is not aesthetic, but It has no health consequences. Unfortunately, black dust and black mold look very similar, but with a few tips you will be able to tell the two apart, especially in the early stages:

If the mold is fresh, it can usually be easily cleaned. Make sure you have the proper protective gear, gloves and mask at the very least.Jogging is much more difficult to clean, but protection is not necessary. If the black spots appear in a large area overnight, there is a high probability that it is due to fogging. Mold takes longer to spread. However, if you are not sure about the black spots on your walls or ceilings, you should promptly seek professional advice.

Black mold is a direct and immediate health threat. Fogging is not to the same extent, but the plasticizers that cause it should not be in the air in our homes, since they can transport compounds with effects on our endocrine system.

How can stains be removed?

Since wiping it over or gently wiping it often does not help against foggingyou must help yourself in a different way:

Use a soft cloth to avoid unnecessary damage to walls or wallpaper.Moisten the cloth in water with dish soap. The best idea is to try to prepare the dishwasher yourself and thus save on plastic containers.

How to prevent a new occurrence of fogging

Ventilate the rooms often. Especially through cross ventilation, the wind blows a lot of dust out of living spaces.Vacuum and dust surfaces regularly. By reducing dust, it cannot combine with COSVs and become fogging.

If you intend to make a home renovation, you can pay attention to some things and also avoid fogging:

If you already have vinyl wallpaper or latex paint in your rooms, consider more sustainable alternatives, for example, paints without solvents and without plasticizers.If you need new furniture, look for those that have a guarantee of not have been treated with chemicals. It is possible that they cost you more money, but they will also last you longer so that in the end you will pay for them more than enough.