unsightly and sometimes toxic; black mold is the reason you might be experiencing consistent coughing and sneezing. while the best way to get rid of black mold is definitely to call in licensed and experienced technicians to attack it at its roots, there are a few things that homeowners can do to remove it if it’s in small areas. If you’re searching for a way to eliminate 100% of your black mold problem, the following blog goes over things like moisture control, effective disinfectors as well as future tips and tricks that keep mold off your property permanently.
- The Sure Fired Way To Eliminate Black Mold: Steps, Products & Useful Techniques
Imagine going into the basement or looking under the kitchen sink only to discover a nasty-looking black mold. The thing about the growth is, it’s pretty stubborn to get rid of just with a surface clean and you need to attack it at the roots to make any kind of long-term damage. the steps below go into detail about all you can do to get rid of that mold on your own.
Here is how to eliminate black mold permanently.
- Wear Safety Gear
Before tackling that mold make sure you’re well-protected. Get an N95 mask, safety goggles and long gloves on to ensure that the mold doesn’t come into contact with you. black mold can be toxic and the slightest touch or close-up inhale can result in spreading the infestation or developing respiratory problems.
- Ensure Ventilation
Speaking of spreading infections, make sure the infected room doesn’t have the HVAC system turned on as the mold spores can easily travel to other parts of the house through the vents. Also open any windows or turn on exhaust fans to let in fresh air.
- Mold Containment
If the infected area is large, it might be smarter to go the extra mile to seal off the space. Use plastic sheeting to cover all exit routes and use duct tape to secure the sheets in place.
- Locate The Source
Now that the stage is set, it’s time to get to work. Try to locate the root cause of the black mold growth. Look for leaks and even assess the humidity situation. It’s important to identify what caused the mold to prevent a recurrence.
- Fix The Issue
Once you have your answer, take steps to resolve the problem. Fix leaks, use dehumidifiers and improve ventilation so that one source of the mold’s nourishment is gone. Otherwise, it won’t be gone completely.
- Black Mold Removal
As previously mentioned, larger areas demand professional treatments, but if the infected area is less than 10 square feet, you can try some of the methods below:
- Non-Porous Materials: If it’s glass or tiles that require treatment, use white vinegar, hydrogenporoxide or even a diluted bleach solution. Leave it on for an hour and then wipe it off.
- Porous Materials: In case it was a piece of drywall or carpet that got infected, you should probably get the experts involved. If not, you should get rid of the compromised material.
- Clothes: For an infected fabric, soak it in a vinegar and water solution before putting it in the washer and then clean it using hot water and natural detergent later on.
- Dry Thoroughly
When all’s said and done, make sure you dry the newly cleaned area extremely well. turn on fans, open windows and even use dehumidifiers to ensure there isn’t any moisture left in the space, and the mold should be 100% gone.
- Maintenance Tips For The Future: Keeping That Black Mold Permanently Gone
Regardless of which method you chose, if you targeted the root cause, the mold is gone now. But that doesn’t mean that it can’t ever come back. If you want that pesky black mold to stay gone, you should:
- Clean Regularly: Make sure that you clean bathrooms, basements and other high-risk areas.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: run exhaust fans for at least 30 minutes post-shower, open windows and use dehumidifiers.
- Use Mold-Resistant Paint: consider updating your paint product so that mold doesn’t have a chance to grow again.
- Conclusion
To conclude, black mold is stubborn and ugly, and can only be gotten rid of if attacked at the source. Make sure to fix your ventilation or leak issues, attack the black mold with a potent cleaning agent and take precautions to negate chances of future recurrences. Only attempt a DIY if it’s a small area that’s been infected. For larger spaces, contact mold remediation services for thorough and permanent results.
- FAQs
who is the most vulnerable to black mold?
Children, the elderly and individuals already suffering from respiratory issues like asthma are the most vulnerable.
Can black mold cause cancer?
While some forms of black mold produce mycotoxins, they don’t lead to cancer.
How long does black mold removal take?
Depending on the extent of the infestation, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to eliminate black mold.
