Wednesday, March 13, 2024

How To Safely Get Rid Of Black Mold

Mold On Basement Floor

How to Kill Black Mold Safely & Forever

Black mold can also take over the basement floor. It can be caused by leaking pipes, poor drainage or lack of ventilation. To eliminate it, fill a spray bottle with water and spray the floor, then scrub the floor with a stick scrub brush as much as possible. Then, mix water with ammonia in a bucket, and use a scrub brush to clean the floor. Once done, use water to remove all the remaining soapy water from it. Next, prepare a mix of bleach with water and scrub again. Leave the bleach for several minutes and then clean again with plain water to remove the bleach. Dry the floor ensuring to remove all moisture from it. Finally, use a dehumidifier to keep the area moisture free.

Seek Expert Help If You Need To

We hope that our overview gives you a clear picture of how to eliminate black mold in your home.

However, you should never try any type of DIY mold removal if the following conditions exist:

  • You need to clean an area larger than 3 square feet.
  • The surface doesnt clean up easily.
  • Mold growth permeates beneath affected surfaces.
  • You or members of the household have respiratory issues.

If you have any doubts about tackling the job, call in a professional cleaning service. A certified specialist thoroughly inspects your property and takes samples to determine exactly what kind of mold problem youre facing.

Vinegar: The Cheapest Safest Way To Remove Black Mold

Vinegar is a non-toxic and safe alternative. According to one study, a solution of vinegar kills 99% of bacteria, 82% mold, and 80% germs such as viruses.

Keep a spray bottle full of white distilled vinegar in your bathroom and kitchen for quick cleaning. Personally, I dont mind the smell of vinegar but if you find it too strong and unpleasant, just add a few drops of essential oil , and you will be able to tell the difference.

You May Like: Fungus On Leather

How Does Black Mold Form

The main reason behind the formation of black mold is moisture, which can be caused by several things, such as, water leakage, lack of proper ventilation, flooding, irregular maintenance, humidifiers, condensation, clogged-up gutters, damp clothes, humid basements, or even water accumulation around the foundation of your house.

Did you know?

Stachybotrys is the 3rd common toxic mold type found in homes we tested?! Find out more exciting mold stats and facts inside our mold statistics page.

Possible Symptoms And Health Effects

How to Get Rid of Black Mold the Easy and Cheap Way

When there is black mold inside of the walls, it often causes allergy-like symptoms, including watery eyes, sneezing and running nose. If anyone in your home has respiratory problems, such as asthma and those with a weakened immune system may have a higher risk of infections from exposure to the mold. Black mold can also cause more serious illness, such as sleep disorders, memory loss, bleeding lungs in infants and sudden infant death syndrome.

Recommended Reading: Clean Mold Off Basement Walls

How To Get Rid Of Black Mold: Top 8 Natural And Safe Ways

So, youve spotted some suspicious black spots growing in your home. While this is far from ideal, there is no need to panic!

Black mold can grow for a lot of different reasons, and while it can cause harm to people in the house, it is relatively easy to handle early on.

For those who want to manage the black mold with non-toxic and natural remedies, you have come to the right place! Weve compiled a list of 8 simple solutions to manage black mold growing in your home, and made sure to include only non-toxic substances.

Before we get into those treatments, lets break down the basics of what it is and how to spot it.

Mold On Basement Walls

Basements are the preferred spots for black mold to grow. Almost no ventilation, plenty of moisture, and a vast amount of organic material to feed on, make the process of keeping the area clean difficult. If the wall is made of concrete and has black patches, it means theres organic material nearby that keeps feeding it. That material could be carpets, newspapers, cardboard boxes, and even furniture. Get rid of all contaminated items at once before attempting to remove the fungi from the walls.

Remember to use a safety mask, goggles, rubber gloves, and other protective gear to reduce exposure to the toxic spores that are released by it and the chemicals used to remove it. The next step is scrubbing. Scrubbing with water and soap will prepare the wall for the later application of specialized fungi removal products. After using the water and soap mixture, its time to use the chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide or borax. Hydrogen peroxide and water can make a safe and effective solution to eliminate the fungi. Borax, when mixed with water, can also be used to scrub the walls, and it doesnt even need to be rinsed. Once you are done, dry the walls to keep moisture away. A dehumidifier or an open window can help keep the air moving. If the task seems too daunting, get a free quote and hire a professional.

Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Of Leather

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:

Treating Black Mold Poisoning

Killing Toxic Black Mold – How to Remove Mold Safely

If you suspect youre suffering from symptoms associated with black mold exposure or poisoning, there are some things you can do to improve your health.

In conclusion, the best way to avoid the negative effects of black mold poisoning is to minimize your black mold exposure.

You can do this by preventing its growth in the first place. If its too late to prevent it and you suspect theres black mold already in your home, dont wait to book removal, completed quickly and efficiently by the industry experts.

Black mold, typically green or black, in your home, can be extremely hazardous to your health.

Also Check: Kill Mold On Bathroom Ceiling

Why To Avoid Using Bleach On Grout

Natural anti fungal solutions and dedicated mildewcides are effective because these substances penetrate into grout to kill mold under the surface. Household bleach is considered a surface disinfectant because chlorine does not get absorbed into the cement, sand and water that comprise grout or other porous materials.

Chlorine and oxygen bleach are harsher than the acetic acid in standard household or cleaning vinegar or sodium borate sold as Borax. Bleach and other harsh bathroom cleansers are also more likely to cause grout to crumble away, making re-grouting necessary.

If shower grout wears down, water may be able to work its way behind tiles where the presence of excessive moisture can cause a hidden mold problem. Mold growing behind walls is more likely to require professional residential mold removal services.

Tips To Keep Black Mold Away Longer

  • Reduce moisture levels in your home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, humidity levels in homes should not exceed 60 percent.
  • Repair leaks that keep surfaces wet.
  • Add a dehumidifier and use heating and air conditioners to help reduce moisture levels.
  • Install moisture barriers in basements.
  • Clean mold-prone areas regularly to keep black mold growth in check.
  • Mold Allergy. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

  • You May Like: Mould In Bathroom Ceiling

    Other Types Of Mold On Walls

    Black may be the image you picture in your mind when you think about mold on walls. These spores actually come in many different colors and each color presents a different type of mold. Grey, olive-green, brown, blue, green and white molds are all commonly found on walls. Each color is a different type of fungus, but all molds must be killed and cleaned out of the home immediately. Left undisturbed, any color of fungi spores will continue to grow and spread in damp areas. No matter what color of spores you are seeing, know that it is harmful to your lungs and health. Access the area and decide the best way to clean and disinfect the area.

    How To Find And Get Rid Of Black Mold

    HOW TO GET RID OF BLACK MOLD ANYWHERE IN YOUR SHOWER  Page 2 ...

    From testing for moisture to treating moldy walls, we’ll take you through the steps to rid your house of that pesky fungus.

    Your nose might give you the first signal black mold is present, especially since the fungus grows in hard-to-spot areas. A musty odor could be an early indicator of black mold, and if you or someone in your home has an onset of sudden respiratory problems, its growth could be even more serious. Sneezing, coughing, burning throat, headaches, disorientation and watery eyes are common signs of mold exposure. Moreover, if someone has more severe respiratory problems like asthma, it could lead to shortness of breath or fever.

    None of these signs guarantee the presence of black mold, but if the fungus goes unaddressed, it could definitely lead to some serious health issues.

    Get the CNET How To newsletter

    It’s vital to find the source of mold growth and remove it quickly before it causes more damage to your home and health. In some cases, you might be able to do this on your own. In more serious instances, you should enlist the help of the pros.

    This guide will help you find any black mold in your house and learn how to remove it.

    Read Also: Removing Mold On Bathroom Ceiling

    How To Prevent Black Mold Growth

    Conducting routine home inspections and maintenance are the best ways to deal with a black mold problem. Keep an eye out for evidence of water damage and visible mold on a regular basis. The conditions that cause mold should be corrected in a timely manner to prevent mold from growing further.

    The extent of structural damage black mold can cause to your home, depends on how quickly you act to fix it.

    Some of the ways you can keep mold out of your home is by:

  • Controlling humidity levels. Relative humidity inside your home should never be higher than 50%. On excessively humid days, using air conditioners, ventilation systems or dehumidifiers can help control humidity.
  • Managing day-to-day moisture in your home.
  • Ensuring adequate ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms when cooking, showering, cleaning, etc.
  • Using mold inhibitors.
  • Cleaning the house regularly with anti-mold cleaners.
  • To completely get rid of black mold from your home, you must address the root cause of the problem, so that there is no recurrence of mold. For example, just cleaning up the mold without addressing the moisture problem will not solve the issue because the mold will very likely return.

    How Are Mold Allergies And Exposure Diagnosed

    There are no proven tests that show when or where you may have been exposed to mold.

    But your doctor may check for mold allergies by reviewing your symptoms and performing one of the following tests:

    • Blood test. Your doctor takes a blood sample and then sends it to a laboratory to measure the number of certain antibodies, which can indicate your immune systems sensitivity to different mold species.
    • Skin prick test. Your doctor takes a small amount of mold and applies it to your skin using a tiny needle. Your skin will break out in bumps, a rash, or hives if youre allergic to that type of mold.

    Read Also: Airborne Mold In House

    Causes For Black Mold In Basement

    Molds are fungi. They thrive in environments with a high humidity level and put off a musty smell. They are beneficial in nature, helping leaves and other vegetation decompose and enrich the soil. Molds are everywhere and come in many colors green, blue, yellow, white, gray and black. Molds reproduce by putting off tiny spores seed-like organisms that travel through the air. The spores settle on organic materials including food, cardboard, carpeting, fabric, plants, insulation, wood, ceiling tile, drywall, and even cinder blocks and grow if conditions are right, they grow. If you dont get rid of them, you can have significant problems!

    Act Now and Remove Mold from your HomeCall a Professional Mold Remediation Specialist or Get Up to 4 Quotes Now.

    How To Get Rid Of Mold In A Basement

    How to Get Rid of Black Mold? – Mold Busters

    Mold needs damp surfaces and organic matter two things most basements have in abundance. If your basement isnt finished, or is rarely used, mold can be especially problematic. The first thing you should do is try to remove as much moisture as possible and prevent it from building up again. That means checking on seals, insulating pipes, and fixing leaks. Consider running a dehumidifier or fan on a regular basis to keep the air moving and prevent condensation from forming, and dont overlook the importance of knowing whats going on. Checking on the condition of a basement and looking for mold growth, especially in the corners of the walls and floor, will help you stay on top of any problems.

    Recommended Reading: How To Fix Mold On Ceiling

    How To Get Rid Of Black Mold On Bathroom Tiles

    How To Get Rid Of Black Mold On Bathroom Tiles. When you have finished scrubbing the solution and and. Let the bleach sit for up to 45 minutes, and then brush it away with warm water. You can clean the mold from in between your shower tiles with a number of items that you likely have lying around your house.

    Leak Detection Finds Hidden Plumbing Problems Mold in

    Is Mold On Wood Dangerous

    Yes, it is. While the research on the severity of the health risks associated with wood mold has not been conclusive, there is a unanimous agreement among experts that its presence poses a health risk for humans. Exposure to large quantities of mold spores can potentially cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions in some people. These allergic reactions are not seasonal, and they can happen at any time of the year.

    Such exposure can cause symptoms such as:

    • Skin irritation
    • Constant fatigue
    • Difficulty in breathing

    Some mold types produce toxic chemicals known as mycotoxins, which can be present on the mold spores or the small mold fragments in the air. Exposure to some mycotoxins can cause neurological problems in humans, severe health conditions such as cancer, and may cause death in some cases. Large quantities and more prolonged exposure can make these mycotoxins particularly harmful.

    Black mold is among the common toxigenic molds found indoors. Different types of toxigenic mold produce certain mycotoxins that will cause specific symptoms.

    Don’t Miss: What Kills Mold On Leather

    First You Need To Know What Youre Dealing With

    In an earlier blog, we covered guidelines that help identify different types of mold in your home. That post also included a simple test to determine if your mold problem might be mildew instead.

    You need to know what youre dealing with because some types of black mold are very toxic.

    There are commercial kits available for DIY mold testing at home. However, the samples that you gather must be sent off for further tests to determine their exact mold types.

    Its often safer and quicker to have a certified mold testing and inspection service to take care of it for you.

    Once youre sure that you have a black mold problem, you have to .

    If you feel comfortable taking on the project, we strongly recommend that you carefully follow these 10 steps.

    Should You Clean Mold On Your Windowsill By Yourself

    How to Get Rid of Black Mold

    According to the EPA, the responsibility of cleaning mold depends on certain factors, including the cause and the extent of mold damage.

    You can clean small amounts of mold on windowsills or other places like the shower by yourself using natural cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda, or tea tree oil. Residents can clean molds in small areas or up to the size of a door.

    Nonetheless, any mold damage beyond ten sq. feet requires mold remediation experts service. To add to this statement, without consulting experts, one should not handle mold caused by flooding, sewage, or the HVAC system, as it might require experts to look into the root cause.

    Recommended Reading: How To Rid Mold In Basement

    How Do You Use Vinegar To Clean Mold

    To safely and effectively clean a small area of mold, ServiceMaster advises the following:

  • Add full-strength white distilled vinegar to a spray bottle and spray it on the mold.
  • Let it sit for at least an hour before wiping away mold.
  • If you need follow-up scrubbing, combine one teaspoon baking soda with two cups of water. Pour it into a spray bottle, shake and spray it onto the mold. Scrub with a brush or scouring pad.
  • Rinse with warm water, then spray again with the vinegar and let it dry.
  • To protect yourself from mold and its spores, wear gloves, a mask and goggles. Gloves also prevent any skin irritation from the vinegar.

    How To Remove Mold From Shower Curtains And Liners

    • If your shower curtain or liner is plastic, a mold and mildew spray thats safe for plastic, like Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover, can be used to get rid of mold. Simply spray on, wait until the stains disappear and rinse off.
    • Another option: Wash your plastic liner in the washing machine on the delicate cycle with warm water, laundry detergent and bleach. If the shower curtain is fabric, its best to wash it on the warmest setting possible according to the care instructions.

    Read Also: Mold On Leather

    Popular Articles
    Related news