Find The Moisture Source
Black mold removal is important. But first, one must identify that it is black mold. First, look at the color, followed by the smell. Black mold is black or even dark grey in color, and often smells wet and musty, as it usually grows in areas with a lot of moisture. Black mold is also usually noticeable in the home if you experience a burning or scratching sensation in your throat or lungs. Black mold is dangerous, and can greatly affect your health if left untreated, so it’s important to remove it as soon as you’re aware of it.
Before you can begin any black mold treatment, youll need to perform a black mold test and find the source. Its often the result of excess moisture in a particular area. Youre most likely to find black mold in areas of your home that you dont visit as often like the basement, but it can pop up anywhere. Here are a few common moisture sources to look for:
- Faucets and fixtures. Sink, shower and bathtub faucets and fixtures that are leaking can lead to the growth of black mold over time.
- Exposed plumbing. Damaged or leaking pipes, especially in warmer temperatures, can often create black mold in areas like basements.
- Water heaters. A small leak can create black mold in your basement or water heater closet.
How To Prevent Moldy Shower Caulk
Moisture reduction and control are the keys to preventing mold from growing on surfaces in the home. In very humid climates, proper ventilation and the use of air conditioning and de-humidifiers in the home will lower the humidity level to the preferred range of 30-50 percent relative humidity. In arid climates, outdoor air can be utilized to reduce the humidity level in the home. After every use of the shower, follow these recommendations to reduce the recurrence of mold.
Vented bathroom fan Building codes have been updated to require one vented fan in every bathroom. Older homes are exempted from this requirement until the bathroom is remodeled. If there is a fan present, ensure that the exhaust pipe is vented to the outside of the home and not just into the attic area. Run the fan for one full hour after using the shower.
Remove wet towels Instead of hanging towels on the racks in the same room, consider hanging the towels outside to dry or run them through the dryer. When mold is an issue, wet towels are one of the main sources of moisture and must be removed to lower the relative humidity level in the room.
Dry the shower stall Water will cling to the shower tile and caulking during and after a shower. Use a towel to dry the shower walls and then remove the towel from the room.
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.
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Black Mold Removal Diy
If you decide to do the mold cleanup yourself, it is critical that you take all precautions. You will be working with mold spores and a mold infestation that could be dangerous to you and your family.
You should wear non-porous gloves, protective eyewear, and a face mask when working with mold exposure or performing mold cleanup or mold removal. If possible, wear coveralls or something that protects your arms and legs. Keep the area well vented with fans and open windows and doors.
- Mold removal and cleaning products
The CDC recommends cleaning with commercial mold cleanup products, soap, and water, or a bleach solution of more than 1 cup bleach to 1 full gallon of water. Do not mix any chemicals together! Any materials that cant be cleaned or are saturated should be sealed in a plastic bag and removed. Be sure to contain the area with duct tape and a plastic sheet closing off vents so the spores do not move into the other parts of the house.
Black mold removal products are available in most hardware stores. Be sure it is EPA registered. There are many natural products that can be used to clean mold. Start by cleaning the area with a stiff brush and mild soap and water. Then apply one of the disinfectants below. Spray around the entire area to contain mold you cant yet see.
Remember, never mix bleach and ammonia. They produce a dangerous gas.
Here is a list of some products that are commonly used to clean up black mold.
Possible Symptoms And Health Effects
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.
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Natural Ways To Clean Mold Off Of Carpet
There are natural ways to remove and clean black mold from carpet and they can be very useful if you prefer avoiding chemicals, As we discuss three natural options, keep in mind that they may or may not be ideal depending on your rug and mold situation.
Grapefruit To Get Rid Of Black Mold Fast And Naturally
Grapefruit is one of the best home remedies for removing black mold. You can also use grapefruit extract and it can also be used to treat black mold infestation.
Steps to Use Grapefruit:
- Add 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract to 1 cup of water.
- Pour this solution into a spray bottle and spray it all over the mold area.
- Let the mold cleaning solution to work for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Clean the remaining black mold residue.
- Dont rinse and reapply it.
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Is Black Mold Dangerous
The short answer isnot really. But that doesnt mean you should keep black mold as a pet.
Everyone has different levels of tolerance to allergens like mold spores, but thats all black mold isan allergen.1 Those with asthma, respiratory allergies, or immune suppression will feel the effects of black molds mycotoxins more than most folks.
As one source put it, Previous reports of toxic mold syndrome or toxic black mold have been shown to be no more than media hype and mass hysteria. 2
But whether you feel black mold symptoms or not, its best to get rid of black mold as soon as you find it.
How To Remove Mold From Plaster
- Use a non-ammonia based soap, mixed with water
- Dip a stiff bristle brush or push broom into the cleaning solution and scrub the plaster, using a âWâ motion .
- Using a garden hose for large exterior walls or a sponge for smaller interior walls, thoroughly rinse the wall.
- Allow exterior walls to air dry and use a large bath towel to dry interior walls.
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Black Mold On Wooden Floors
Black mold manifests itself in the form of black spots. If you have wooden floors, you probably should be on the lookout for these toxic and damaging fungi. When your wooden floor comes into contact with moisture, it creates an excellent breeding ground for fungi growth. It does not only stain the floors but also growths beneath the surface and causes wood discoloration, rot, and warp. Immediate attention is paramount to prevent extensive damage and kill the black mold. Take a look at our in-depth guide to remove mold from floors.
Find The Source Of The Mold
You don’t always see black mold before it’s a problem. Often, you will smell the mold before you see it. Moisture sources can occur in many spaces, but below are a few common ones.
- Fixtures and taps on showersas well as bathtubs, and sinks can grow black mold over time through water leakage.
- Leaking or damaged pipesespecially if located in warmer temperatures, can create black mold in places like basements.
- Leaks in your water heaterthis can create black mold in the basement, or wherever your water heater is located.
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Remedies To Get Rid Of Mold From Your Home
When using natural methods you might have to repeat the process, but it is well worth it. Chemicals give off harsh fumes that can aggravate allergies. Heres how to Get Rid of Black Mold from your home the Easy and Cheap Way. It will also help prevent it coming back and is an important step in how to detox your body also from black mold.
- Find the source of the moisture.
- Create a dry environment by fixing leaks and ventilating rooms.
- Throw out moldy rugs and other items.
- Lower humidity levels natural, eco-friendly dehumidifiers are available on Amazon
- Clean visible mold or treat areas that have been moldy or damp with a trigger spray bottle and some natural ingredients, listed below.
How To Remove Mold From Wood Furniture
Here are a few steps to help you get rid of mold from your wood furniture.
- Step 1: Wear Protective ClothingCover your face and hands to avoid mold spores.
- Step 2: Take the Furniture OutdoorsTo avoid the mold from spreading indoors, take the affected furniture outside for cleaning.
- Step 3: Spraying the Affected AreasSunlight will prove useful in fighting light mold. You can use vodka to spray the affected areas as you scrub. You may also spray the problematic areas with vinegar and allow it to sit in.
- Step 4: ScrubAfter spraying the mold areas with vinegar or vodka. Scrub the area with soap, warm water, and a scrub brush. After scrubbing, wipe the area with a damp towel and let it dry.
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Visible Growths And Odd Colors
You may be able to visibly see a black mold growth in your home. While most black mold is indeed black, it can have a wide range of variations. For instance, you may notice a dark, furry growth or what appears to be a black stain, or there could be white, orange, brown, and even green specks.
A good rule of thumb is no matter what the color, get it treated to avoid damage to your health.
Prepare Yourself And The Area
Before dealing with the mold, you need to prep the area and make sure you are protected while cleaning to avoid inhaling the mold or allowing it to spread.
Start with these steps:
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Black Mold In Shower Health Risks
Thankfully, due to the way bathrooms and showers are constructed today, the black mold you see in your shower is less likely to be the really bad stuff the toxic mold or deadly mold known as Stachybotrys chartarum. This is because your shower areas and surfaces dont have cellulose which is required for the really bad type of mold to grow. Tile, ceramics, and cement-fiber backer board all make Stachybotrys less likely to grow.
But, it doesnt mean the black mold you see in your shower issafe for you either!
You can request some laboratory testing for it, but it isnt really that necessary and it can be very expensive.
Many people experience no physical symptoms from being exposed to black mold in showers, but those who have asthma, weakened immune systems, or sensitivities or allergies to mold can experience some physical symptoms from the exposure. These include things like:
- sneezing
- depression
Even if you dont show symptoms now, repeated and prolonged exposure can lead to a mold sensitivity over time and affect your health.
For many people though, simply the sight of mold in their shower makes them annoyed! It isnt pretty to see and it isnt healthy.
Anytime you encounter a mold growing in your home, it is best practice to just get rid of it as soon as possible.
Just be aware that mold damages what it grows on, so the sooner you attack the mold the better!
So lets get rid of it!
How To Treat Black Mold Poisoning
Black mold, scientifically referred to as Stachybotrys atra or Stachybotrys chartarum, is typically black or dark green and often linked to serious health problems.
In fact, black mold exposure can lead to poisoning, or stachybotryotoxicosis a condition thats dangerous, particularly for young children and the elderly.
Even though black mold poisoning typically affects horses, cows, and pigs, humans can become infected if they inhale or ingest the spores.
Symptoms of stachybotryotoxicosis include skin rashes , throat and sinus irritation, burning eyes, and a decrease in the production of white blood cells.
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How To Remove Black Mold From Your Bathroom
Your first step before removing black mold from your bathroom is to test the mold to make sure its not the toxic version, Stachybotrys chartarum. To test the mold, get help from a professional mold remediator or use a home mold testing kit like a DIY Mold Test. Only professionals should safely remove this type of mold due to increased risk of lung irritation, skin issues, and more. However, most bathroom mold isnt toxic and you can remove it with store-bought cleaners or home remedies. Remove black mold from your bathroom in a few simple steps:
Step 1: Spray an antifungal cleaner, like one by Clorox, onto the mold. This cleaner uses a specific formula to kill types of fungus such as mildew and mold. Then scrub the mold away with a sponge or toothbrush.
Step 2: After cleaning the area, use a mixture of equal parts water and bleach in a spray bottle and apply it to any remaining stains to lift them. Let it soak for a few minutes and then use a toothbrush to scrub the stains until they are clean.
Step 3: To prevent mold from returning, spray distilled vinegar onto the surface of your shower to kill mold spores and slow down any regrowth. Let the vinegar dry before going on to the next step.
Step 4: Fully dry any remaining wet surfaces with a clean cloth towel. Ventilate the bathroom.
Mold Removal Using Bleach
Bleach kills virtually every species of indoor mold that it comes into contact with including mold spores which leaves a sanitized surface making it resistant to future mold growth. However, bleach is only effective if the mold is growing on non-porous materials such as tiles, bathrubs, glass and countertops.
Bleach is unable to penetrate into porous materials such as wood and drywall which means it cannot get rid of mold growing beneath the surface of these materials. If you use bleach to kill mold on these surfaces it will only kill the mold above the surface. It will be unable to reach the mold within the material and the mold will soon return.
Bleach is a harsh, corrosive chemical which means it can damage the materials it is used on. It also gives off harsh fumes and produces toxic gases when mixed with ammonia. There are safer alternatives such as borax or vinegar which dont produce the dangerous fumes or leave behind toxic residue.
How to Kill Mold Using Bleach
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