Black Mold Removal In Four Steps
Cleaning black mold should be done carefully. Skipping steps or rushing can cause the mold spores to spread, risking health issues for you and your family, as well as the added headache of cleaning another infected area of your house.
Once you’ve got into your safety clothes and prepared the area, these are the steps you should take:
Black Mold On Drywall In Basement
Basements are one of the most common areas to find mold in a home. Due to the lack of ventilation and humidity, many people develop moisture in their basements that make it the prime breeding ground for all sorts of mold and bacteria.
Black mold is made of a toxic microfungus that can cause a host of health complications in humans. The sticky black spores of Stachybotrys chartarum are ingested or inhaled, leading to chronic respiratory problems and even the development of internal bleeding.
Basement drywall mold isnt just hazardous it also spreads fast. Removing the mold as and any traces of bacteria from your home as soon as possible is vital for protecting your property and health.
What Are The Symptoms Of Black Mold Exposure
If you find black mold on your property, theres no need to panic. But black mold presents more health risks to sensitive groups like those with respiratory conditions or immune conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control , black mold spores can generate cold- or flu-like symptoms such as:
- Stuffy nose
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
So while black mold probably wont kill you, it can make you feel sick and should be removed as soon as possible.
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Remove Mould For Good
Remember, mould thrives in damp environments. By investing in a full home ventilation system from EnviroVent, you can keep your home dry and fight back against damp, condensation and black mould.
For example the ATMOS® system gently ventilates the home from a central position on a landing. With an intelligent comfort heater built in, the incoming air is not only fresh, but also a comfortable temperature. ATMOS® draws clean air from the loft and filters it before pushing it down into the home. As the fresh, clean air gently circulates the contaminated air around your home, reducing the pollutants and irritants that can cause illness and allergies.
By installing a ventilation solution you can prevent damp building up and causing black mould meaning no more various cleaning products or time wasted scrubbing walls in order to get rid of your black mould.
Causes Of Mold Growth On Drywall
No matter where it springs up, mould is caused by one thing: moisture. The moisture may come from a flood, leaking water or even high humidity in a home. Unfortunately, mould on drywall is usually due to a more serious problem, as opposed to a simply leaky faucet. Because of this the problem may be larger than you can handle and its very possible that professionals will need to be consulted. Some of the most common reasons for mold on drywall include a leaking window, a flood in the basement, or leaking from an upstairs bathroom. Always start the assessment by determining the exact cause of the mold on your drywall.
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How To Kill Black Mold With Bleach
Killing Black Mold with Bleach on a hard, non-porous surface will kill nearly any type of mold spore that it comes in contact with.
Eliminating Black Mold with Bleach is also very inexpensive and readily available. Many, if not most food markets, grocery outlets, and hardware stores will carry a number of mold killing cleaners.
However, bleach has a heck-of-a time reaching the root level of mold growth in porous type items such as tile grout , wood and cement block. To name a few. Thus, it is very important to pay attention to the type of surface you are intending to clean.
The mold killing agent in the bleach simply does not reach the root and instead, leaves the moisture content of the bleach behind in its wake. This same moisture is what promotes additional mold growth to the area just cleaned.
Have you ever wondered why mold stains keep coming back to the same area of your outside patio or wooden deck after killing the mold growth with bleach? Hmmm..,
Never mix bleach with ammonia This is extremely dangerous and will likely produce Toxic Chloramine Fumes or Vapors.
Never mix bleach with vinegar Combining these two mold cleaners together will not give you a better cleaning agent to work with.
While vinegar will lower the pH in the bleach and in turn make the bleach a better disinfectant, the trade-off for safety purposes is not worth it. And, the vinegar-bleach combo could be lethal as Toxic Chlorine Gases will be discharged into the surrounding airspace.
Arrange A Free Home Survey Now
One of our local experts will contact you to learn more about your problems, offer free expert advice and make recommendations for a permanent solution.
During the free survey we will:
- Assess any condensation, damp or mould problems in your property
- Take readings of the relative humidity levels
- Identify any underlying problems and make recommendations for a permanent solution
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Dont Want To Use Chemicals Heres How To Get Rid Of Mold In Your Basement Naturally
Understandably, some households want to avoid using harsh chemicals in the home to treat mold, especially if its a small and manageable amount. Thankfully, there are several natural and less-harsh products to clean mold away.
For example, vinegar and baking soda are both acidic and can be used to scrub away mold and help kill the spores in its wake. Simply make a half-water, half-vinegar solution, spray on the mold, leave overnight, and come back the next day to scrub with soapy water. For baking soda, make a paste of 50:50 baking soda and water to use as an abrasive scrub, or mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle and spray the solution on the affected area before scrubbing.
Though these methods are usually effective in getting rid of mold in basements, more serious problems may require stronger solutions or professional intervention.
How Do U Get Rid Of Black Mold
White distilled vinegar is an affordable, natural solution to removing black mold. Its antibacterial acidic characteristics are exactly what you need to get the job done. Pour the undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle to apply to the area, or just go for it and pour that vinegar right onto the mold stains.
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Types Of Mold In The Basement
This fungus usually grows in the moist areas in your basement. The typical victims are wooden walls and floors, but other parts can also get contaminated. Thats why its also essential to learn how to clean water damaged wood bases.
You need to familiarize yourself with mold types so you know which ones are dangerous. Here is a list of them:
Limit Your Exposure To Mold
Its important to limit your exposure to mold and mold spores. Keep them out of your eyes and try not to inhale any.
- Wear a mask or an N-95 respirator to avoid inhaling mold.
- Wear gloves that extend to the middle of your forearm. If youre just using water and a mild detergent, household rubber gloves work fine.
- Wear goggles that dont have ventilation holes to avoid getting mold or spores in your eyes.
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Question 5question 5 Of : What Kills Mold In Your Gut
How To Eliminate Black Mold With Ammonia
Wear a respirator and gloves when working with ammonia-based mold cleaning products. Never mix ammonia with chlorinated bleach
Open nearby windows or doors to get a cross-flow of air to dissipate any fumes generated by your cleaning
- Combine ammonia and water in 50/50 proportions.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray contaminated areas evenly.
- Allow the mold killing solution to sit for 5 or 10 minutes.
- Scour mold tarnished area with a small brush or equivalent and wipe clean.
- Repeat if necessary.
Often enough, many mold killing products will have ammonia already in them. Be extra cautious to follow the directions on the label to the letter and ensure that the cleanser is never mixed with bleach !
Otherwise, ammonia is similar to using bleach in that it should only be used on non-porous areas Always wear gloves when working with any chemical and wash hands immediately, thereafter!
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What Are The Dangers Of Black Mold
Black mold exposure can cause a host of health hazards to human beings and pets, causing potential allergic or respiratory problems. Mold exposure is particularly dangerous to older people, those with compromised immune systems, or respiratory conditions. Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum left unchecked can release dangerous mycotoxins and must be addressed immediately upon its discovery in your home. Mold spores are common in every home, but mold growth and excessive mold must be addressed carefully and quickly. Symptoms of black mold include coughing and sneezing, throat irritation, and itchy eyes.
Black mold can also cause great damage to your home. Left unchecked it can grow behind walls and in ceilings and other places where it can grow undetected. Mold attaches to organic materials such as carpets, drywall, and furniture and can destroy your belongings and even lead to structural damage in your home.
Damage Buddy Tip
How Does Mold Grow On Windows
Ironically, windows always get wet yet they are the part of the house normally overlooked by homeowners. Sometimes its difficult to clean the window sills, so you might not notice mold until its already severe.
Humidity is the biggest culprit of moisture buildup in your windows. You should find ways to keep air circulating in your home.
Condensation can also lead to water damage to your windows. Check that your framing is secure and theres no moisture in the corners.
Leaks from pipes or the roof can create the perfect breeding ground for mold. Keep all your fixtures in good condition.
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Getting Rid Of A Larger Mold Problem
Black Mold Removal With Tea Tree Oil
Getting rid of black mold with tea tree oil has many advantages over using corrosives such as bleach or ammonia based mold cleaning products.
Going green with tea tree oil is not as cheap as using bleach or ammonia. However, a small amount of tea tree oil will go very far in effectively getting rid of black mold. And, the environment and your lungs will thank you for it!
Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide that is effective at killing black mold spores and getting rid of mildew throughout the home. It will work for you equally as a cleaner and as a mold prevention agent.
Ive written a much more in-depth article here on the many wonders of different essential oils. And, how they can assist you if removing mold in your home naturally. I really hope that you enjoy the read!
Non-Cleaning Attributes: Tea Tree Oil is renowned for its anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties. The Aboriginals of Australia have used it for centuries to treat sore throats and ward off infection from cuts and burns.
All tea tree oils are not packaged equally. Check the label first before purchasing and ensure that the contents were made from the Australian tree melaleuca alternifolia.
Note: For mold cleaning purposes, check the label carefully for the active ingredients terpinen 4-ol and cineole .
Be careful not to ingest Tea tree oil it is toxic if swallowed.
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How To Get Rid Of Mold With Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural alternative to bleach or other strong chemicals. It is not toxic and is wont harm the environment.
RecipeDistilled white vinegar
SurfacesAny surface, but use sparingly on pourous surfaces
ApplicationSpray or apply with a rag to the mold, not too heavily. Wait 10-15 minutes, then spray or apply again and scrub with a brush, rag, or other somewhat abrasive tool, being careful not to scratch or destroy the material that you are trying to protect. Wipe clean with a damp rag.
CautionsStrong odor, but will dissipate.
How it worksVinegar is acidic, with a ph of about 2.5. The acid deforms the shape of the proteins on the mold, which breaks down the molds structure and kills it.
AdvantagesNatural, non-toxic cleaner. When not completely rinsed away, the low ph of vinegar helps prevent mold from returning.
DisadvantagesNot as strong as bleach or commercial products.
Mistakes To Avoid While Mold Cleanup
When doing mold remediation on your own, make sure to avoid the following mistakes:
- Choosing the wrong mold cleaner. Again, bleach is not what kills mold. Cleaning mold with bleach is not going to help. The best way to clean mold is by using natural products like the ones mentioned above.
- Not addressing cross-contamination. Heres one important thing you should know. Once you start scrubbing off the mold from the surface, some of the spores will become airborne. This means that your entire home can be exposed to mold infestation. Thus, it is essential to containing the area. Dispose of all the cleaning materials and clothing you used to prevent cross-contamination.
- Not eliminating the moisture source. No matter how hard you clean the parts of your home infested by mold, it will just keep coming back until you address the moisture problems. After the cleanup, speak with a mold remediation professional to determine the causes of water problems or leaks in your house.
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Tips For Preventing Mold On Walls
The most effective way to prevent mold and mildew from growing on your walls is to control moisture in your property. You can minimize the humidity within your home by using a dehumidifier and ensuring all rooms are well ventilated.
Condensation can also cause mold in your home. However, you can help to prevent it by insulating roofs, windows, exterior walls, and pipes.
Bathrooms and kitchens are particularly prone to mold and mildew. Ensure that these rooms are cleaned regularly to prevent spores from growing.
Specialist Sprays And Cleaners
While the natural remedies featured in the old wives’ tales may have their advantages, chiefly being toxic-free, affordable and quick and easy to use, they can only really be trusted to deal with minor mould outbreaks. For serious outbreaks, it’s time to get to the DIY store and invest in some specialist treatments. Your local store will probably stock a wide range, varying in potency and price. One spray popular with property professionals, such as landlords and letting agencies, is HG Mould Remover Spray, designed to effectively remove stains on almost all surfaces. Unsurprisingly given its potency, caution is advised when using this specialist treatment.
Alternatively, basic mould and mildew sprays, for instance those made by major brands such as Dettol, promise to remove mould and remove any black staining outbreaks may leave behind. Such products are especially effective at getting rid of unsightly marks on tile grout and are also good at getting into tight spots and gaps but unless a preventative measure is put in place the mould is likely to return after a period of time.
Formulated from a unique combination of proven biocides and antimicrobial technology, Mould Guard Plus is completely safe to use. It therefore requires no protective clothing and has minimal handling issues. It is environmentally friendly, odourless and fully biodegradeable to EU standards.
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Getting Rid Of Mold With Baking Soda
From absorbing odors in the fridge to relieving heartburn, baking soda has a multitude of uses around the house including black mold removal. Its safe for your family and pets, and it not only kills black mold, it absorbs moisture that attracts mold.
Add one-quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle of water and shake until it has dissolved. Spray the moldy area with the baking soda and water solution, then use a scrub brush to remove mold from the surface. Next, rinse the surface with water to remove any residue and baking soda. Finally, spray the area again and let the surface dry without wiping. This will kill any left-over mold and help prevent the mold from returning.
For really tough black mold removal, mix two parts baking soda with one part white vinegar and one part water. Stir the mixture until it becomes a thick paste. Spread your mixture liberally onto the surface and let it dry. Scrub away the black mold and stains, and wipe down with water.
