Thursday, March 21, 2024

What To Do If Your House Has Black Mold

Tips On How To Remove Mold From Home

How To Test For Black Mold In 5 Minutes

The first step is to locate and confirm the presence of mold. In addition to looking for the obvious discoloration spots, you can have your home tested for mold. According to homeadvisor.com, the average cost to test for mold is $834. However there are home mold-testing kits available for $10 to $50.

It is quite important that you remove the mold the moment you discover it, because the spores can affect the quality of air in your home. It is always advisable to hire a professional to remove the mold, but if you do it yourself, use an OSHA approved respirator, gloves, disposable coveralls, non-vented goggles. Listed below are a few tips on how you can remove mold from your house:

Remove moldy materials

If not properly disposed of, moldy materials may stir up spores, which can spread into your house. Because of their microscopic size, a square foot of wall can have over 3,000 million mold spores. You have to use the appropriate equipment and follow the safety procedures so as to protect yourself from the spores.

Excessive levels of contamination may require that you discard absorbent materials such as carpets, wall paper etc. To avoid airspore becoming airborne, professionals seal off the affected area with tape, and use plastic sheets to seal doorways and vents. They also use air movers, dehumidifiers and HEPA air scrubbers to eliminate moisture and dry out the air and surfaces.

Heating, Insulation and Ventilation

Find and fix interior plumbing leaks

Check the ductwork

Can Black Mold Spores Travel In The Air

Yes. Mold spores are airborne and can attach themselves to peoples skin, clothing, shoes, shopping bags, furniture, carpets, and even pets. Once spores enter your home, they can settle onto any surface and start to multiply. They can also enter your house through open doorways, open windows, and HVAC systems.

Mold spores are microscopic and are virtually found everywhere. They are naturally found in the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors. Since spores are tiny and lightweight, they become airborne easily, every time we vacuum or walk on the carpets or even sit on our couch.

Remove Mold From Cinder Block Walls

If it is growing on the surface of painted cider block in the basement or cinder block in the crawlspace, simply clean it using a good bathroom cleaner. Once the cinder block has been thoroughly cleaned, repaint cinder block using a paint that has an antimicrobial additive added to the paint. Since cinder block is often used in basements, so it the most important thing to do is to stop the moisture from seeping through the cinder block by using a waterproofing system on the walls.

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Watery Or Irritated Eyes

When allergens are present, the body releases histamines as part of its immune response. This histamine release is what causes the eyes to water excessively when exposed to toxins from mold.

This reaction from histamine may be the bodys way of flushing out allergens and toxins. It can serve as a warning to you that your environment may contain dangerous black mold.

What To Do About Mold In Your Home

Do you have black colored or black toxic mold in your home ...

If you recently found mold in your home, you are probably searching the internet to figure out what to do. This step-by-step guide will answer all of your questions. Dont panic, it may take some time but you will get past this. The key is to educate yourself and do it right the first time so the mold does not return.

Please note that this page was written to help homeowners. If you live in an apartment or rental house, here is information about the landlord responsibility for mold.

Also Check: How To Clean Mold From Leather

Best Mold Cleaner For Walls

Destroy, remove and stop black spores from growing back with this Complete Mold Killer and Removal DIY Bundle. The RMR-141 will completely clean and disinfect the walls where the black spores are growing. After you have cleaned the area, use the RMR-86 to remove the stain. Once the area looks clean, spray the RMR-141 on the wall you just cleaned and the RMR-141 will prevent the fungus from returning. This cleaner is designed to clean black, green or any other type of mold that is growing on your walls. No scrubbing is required. Simply spray this cleaner on your wall and within minutes, the site will be completely clean. This fungicide kit is all you need to clean your home of these unwanted organisms. This cleaner is cost efficient when the black spores are in a small area that you can clean yourself. When cost is a factor and you are on a budget, the RMR- 141 and RMR-86 will get the job done.

Using A Mold Exposure Test

A mold exposure test is often the best way for you to check for mold on your own. You can pick one up at any home improvement or home supply store.

Simply follow the instructions on the box. Usually, youll just brush the surface where you think mold may be present, and send the test strip or brush in for a laboratory analysis. If mold is present, youll be notified.

Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling

Preventing Black Mold In Houses

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following to help prevent black mold in your home:

  • Keep the moisture level in your home between 40 and 60 percent.
  • Make sure areas of the home that generate moisture, such as laundry rooms, bathrooms and cooking areas, have adequate ventilation.
  • Repair any leaky windows, roofs or pipes as soon as possible.

Those simple steps can go a long way toward preventing black mold in homes, but its no guarantee you wont still develop a problem.

How To Remove Black Mold Yourself

How To Remove Black Mold From Your Bathroom Ceiling

Did you know that its often possible to remove black mold yourself? Its true! Professional mold remediation can cost thousands of dollars and is often excluded from many homeowners insurance policies. But in many instances hiring a mold removal professional isnt necessary and black mold can be removed by a handy homeowner in less than one weekend of work.

If you feel like you may be a homeowner who is up to the challenge, weve written an eBook that gives step-by-step instructions on how to tackle your mold problem. For less than $20, we guarantee that youll save hundreds, if not thousands, of your hard-earned dollars.

You can purchase our eBook here:

And if youre not comfortable tackling the problem yourself, were happy to provide you a quote if youre in our service area. Just contact us for a completely free quote.

Bottom Line: No mold belongs in a healthy home. Be it black mold, or any other color of mold. It should all be treated the same. If you have mold, remove it.

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How Can I Prevent Black Mold

Of course, moving out is not a simple or accessible process for everyone. If you dont have the resources to move or simply dont want to, consider these prevention measures to protect yourself against black mold:

  • Immediately repair leaks
  • Constantly wipe down/dry wet or damp surfaces
  • Invest in a dehumidifier to clear the air of excess water vapor
  • Clean rooms that are susceptible to water collection with anti-fungal products
  • Open windows to facilitate air circulation when possible
  • Clean rooms/spaces that dont get much use to ensure mold isnt growing there

Like any prevention method, these steps do not ensure that black mold will not grow in your home, but they lessen the chances. The biggest takeaway here is that black mold flourishes in objects that retain water or places that harbor standing water, which is why avoiding humidity is so imperative in preventing fungus growth.

Mold Poisoning Symptoms In Humans

Mold poisoning can cause a number of different symptoms, depending on the age of the affected individual, the strength of their immune system, and whether or not they have a pre-existing mold allergy. Here are a few of the most common signs and symptoms of mold poisoning in humans.

  • A stuffy or runny nose
  • Sinus issues or infections
  • Worsening or development of asthma
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • Skin itchiness, redness, or discomfort
  • Fever and shortness of breath
  • Rashes

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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Having Mold In Your House

Whether youre selling a home, preparing to buy one for the first time, or just performing regular maintenance, the issue of mold may worry you particularly if your home is in a damp environment.

In most cases, a typical home inspection wont include mold inspections and testing. You will need to hire a professional mold inspector to check your home for issues like black mold.

So, to help you understand whether or not you may need a home inspection for mold, weve put together this comprehensive guide that will help you understand the signs and symptoms of mold, know what next steps to take if you think you have mold issues, and provide you with other helpful information and tips that will help you deal with a potential mold problem.

How To Get Rid Of Black Mold

Does Your House Have Mold (Important Symptoms ...

Trying to kill or remove toxic black mold yourself is not advisable. If not handled properly, you could end up disturbing the black mold and releasing millions of spores and mycotoxins into the air. This could worsen you indoor air quality and cause damage to your home.

Since black mold is toxic, youre better off contacting a professional mold remediation company with experience in cleaning mold in buildings and homes.

Mold removal specialists will be able to accurately determine the extent of the mold infestation and can suggest the right course of action for your home. If you suspect that your home has black moldthat is, if you can see and/or smell it .

A healthy, mold-free home ensures a healthy, happy family.

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Is Black Mold Dangerous Heres The Truth

The truth is, many people arent negatively affected by mold. However, mold can cause allergies in some people who are sensitive to mold. In these cases, it can make their lives miserable. Mold can also cause severe medical issues with a small percentage of people who have other health complications.

If youve seen a concerning growth in your home or been told that you have a black mold issue, you probably have a lot of questions.

Where Is Mold Found In A Home

A research study found that Stachybotrys preferred a very high relative humidity within wallsapproximately 97%which indicates that relative humidity could be an important risk factor . For black mold, you may consider smaller microclimates that may harbor such humidity levels: sweating pipes, under sink cabinets, front loading washing machines, standing water, roof leaks, damp cars, windows with condensation, etc. Generally, common places to check for mold growth include the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.

However, humidity alone is not the only requirement for mold growthmold requires nutrients to grow. Any environment that has nutrients like cellulose or other organic matter can harbor mold if the humidity level is right. To further enable mold growth, an environment that has poor air flow and minimal disruption is ideal. For example, you can find mold on wallpaper, furniture, drywall, overly-packed bookshelves or overstuffed closets.

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How To Remove Mold From Wood Walls

  • Mix 1-gallon of warm water and ½ cup of liquid detergent.
  • Use a stiff scrub brush to remove the mold.
  • Rinse well with clean water and allow to air dry. Using a fan will help to speed up the drying time and prevent water from absorbing into the wood.
  • After it all has been removed from the wood, use a HEPA vacuum in the surrounding area to make sure there arenât any spores lingering in the area.
  • Use a fungicidal sealant, paint or sealer to seal the surface and prevent future growth.

Tips For Mold Prevention

9 Signs You Have Toxic Mold In Your Home

Wondering how you can prevent mold from affecting your home? Here are a few tips that may help you prevent mold from forming altogether.

  • Keep things clean Dirty surfaces can provide mold with the organic food materials they need to take hold, and start growing throughout your home. Be particularly careful in areas which may be damp, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and attics.
  • Address dampness Dampness may be an issue if you live in an area which receives a lot of rain, or your basement floods. Make sure to ventilate your home as much as possible in humid climates, and soak up any visible moisture as soon as possible.
  • Keep the air dry Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can help reduce the moisture content of the air. Keep your air at 40-50% relative humidity for the best comfort, and to prevent the growth of mold.
  • Heat damp areas to dry them out You may consider using space heaters or even a hair dryer to heat damp areas of your home where mold may form. This is a short-term fix, though. Its best to address the source of the dampness, not the dampness itself.
  • Keep the air circulating Proper ventilation from attics, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements and any other place where moisture is common is essential. Make sure that your home is properly insulated and ventilated, so that air can circulate properly
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    Remove Mold From Concrete And Cement Walls

    Removing black mold from concrete or cement walls is fairly simple. However, in some situations, it may be difficult to completely remove all traces of it, especially if it has gotten deep into the concrete. In this situation, it may be necessary to apply an encapsulation to help seal in any remaining traces of spores, which will prevent it from growing and spreading.

    Health Problems Caused By Black Mold

    Black mold in houses can lead to numerous health problems, though some people seem to experience more problems than others. Infants and young children, elderly people, people with chronic respiratory problems like asthma and those with compromised immune systems such as people with HIV often experience more health problems as a result of black mold than others. However, many people that typically enjoy good health begin to suffer health problems after being exposed to black mold on a regular basis.

    Some health problems that may be caused by black mold include:

    • Headaches
    • General feeling of malaise
    • Chronic sinus infections

    Unfortunately, these symptoms do not usually respond well to medications as long as you continue to be exposed to black mold in your home. The black mold in homes must be removed in order for recovery to begin, and even then it can take some time to feel well again.

    This video explains how mold can affect your body.

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    How To Detect Mold In Walls

    You can detect mold by using a viable mold test kit. Sometimes itâs easy to detect mold without a test. If there is a musty smell in an area like the attic or bathroom, that may be enough to suspect a possible mold infestation. For mold that cannot be seen, a mold test kit can help detect mold from collected samples around the area. The first step to detecting mold is to inspect the area with both nose and eyes. If there is a strange smell or an area that appears to be have mold, you should then buy a test kit.

    Preventing Mold In Your Home

    Remove Mold and Mildew From Your Home

    The best way to keep your family safe from black mold is to prevent it from growing. Since mold grows in damp, dark places, you should aim to improve ventilation and reduce humidity in areas that are prone to mold.

    In your bathrooms, for example, you can use a shower squeegee to remove excess water from shower walls and bathroom mirrors. You can also install a vent fan or open a window when showering to allow humidity to leave the room. These steps help reduce the moisture in your bathroom and make it more difficult for black mold to grow.

    Make searching for black mold or potential growth areas a part of your spring cleaning routine. The sooner you catch a mold growth, the better chance you have to get rid of it before it causes health problems.

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    How To Remove Mold From Tile And Grout Walls

    • Use a stiff scrub brush and a household cleaner to thoroughly scrub the mold off of the tiles and grout.
    • If there are still stains on the grout after cleaning, you can use bleach or hydrogen peroxide to fade the stains. Apply the bleach or peroxide to the grout and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
    • Another way to clean both the tile and the grout is with baking soda. Mix the baking soda with water to make a paste, use a cloth to spread the paste and the tile and a toothbrush to scrub on the grout.
    • Regardless of which cleaning solution you choose, make sure to thoroughly rinse the tile and grout with water and dry completely.
    • Apply a grout sealer to reduce the risk of future growth.

    What Are The Signs Of Mold

    Mold starts out as a little spot but expands quickly. Youll usually notice it early on, unless its in an out-of-the-way location.

    Mold can be black, white, spotted, or just about any color, and may appear powdery, cottony, or velvety.

    If you notice a spot and arent sure if its just an old stain or a splotch of dirt, heres how to tell if it could be a sign of mold:

    • It has a musty, earthy smell.
    • Theres a nearby source of moisture, but not much light.
    • You see warping, cracking, or peeling of whatever material its growing on.
    • A drop of bleach lightens its color in a minute or two.
    • Unchecked, mold will continue to grow. Dirt and old stains wont.

    Having mold in your home wont necessarily make you sick. But it does have the potential to cause certain health issues.

    Touching or inhaling mold spores can cause allergy-type symptoms such as:

    • runny nose and congestion
    • lung irritation
    • wheezing

    In many cases, you can get rid of household mold yourself. Mold can be removed with:

    • commercial products
    • a bleach solution of 8 ounces of bleach per 1 gallon of water

    Before you begin:

    • Wear protective eyewear, nonporous gloves, and a face mask or N-95 respirator.
    • Never mix other cleaners or ammonia with bleach, as it can create toxic fumes.

    Use a brush to scrub mold off surfaces, making sure you get it all. Porous materials, such as carpeting, furniture, and ceiling tiles, may have to be discarded. Dont paint or caulk until youre sure all the mold is gone.

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