Almost every place on the entire planet has spores of mold. However, seeing black mold might be disturbing due to its potential for harm, so you should get rid of it as soon as you can.
Stachybotrys chartarum, sometimes known as black mold, appears as dark green or black patches. It grows on cellulose-rich, wet surfaces including fiberboard, drywall, and gypsum board. Since black mold is particularly attracted to moisture, it can be found living in previously flooded property, around leaky pipes, and other places where there has been water damage.
In a few instances, you may get rid of the black mold on your own. Cleaning products like bleach, distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or borax can then be used to kill and get rid of the black mold.
How to Spot Black Mold
Hiring an accredited mold specialist to assess the property and test for mold is an excellent choice if there is a persistent musty odor in the house or if a member of the family is suffering from severe black mold symptoms like respiratory problems or allergic responses.
If you choose to clean the black mold yourself, it is best to wear a mask, rubber gloves, and eye protection when removing black mold because inhaling or handling it might induce allergy or respiratory problems. Open windows and doors and turn on vent fans to increase ventilation in the area where you’re doing your job.
The following are some ways to properly get rid of the black mold:
Soap to Get Rid of Black Mold
It’s unclear which method—soap and water, bleach and chemical treatments, or natural cleaning products like white vinegar—will effectively get rid of black mold. However, the majority of professionals concur that washing and cleaning up is the first step in solving the issue. Surface mold on walls or other surfaces can be removed with a soapy solution and a toilet flush.
Bleach to Get Rid of Black Mold
Sodium hypochlorite, generally known as common home chlorine bleach, can remove mold and whatever stains it may have left on surfaces.
However, be careful and protect yourself from bleach’s toxic fumes by using gloves and a mask while doing so. If a first bleach scrub doesn’t get rid of much of the mold, you might follow an experienced cleaner’s advice and soak the affected area in bleach.
Another option for severely damaged areas is to soak some cotton towels in bleach and apply them to the area overnight. To make sure the bleach won’t damage the surface if it is kept on there for so long, test it in a hidden place beforehand.
White Vinegar to Get Rid of Black Mold
Black mold on permeable surfaces can be removed with white vinegar.
While white vinegar is the best option if the mold has spread below the surface of a hard surface, bleach will kill the mold spores that are already developing on it. White Vinegar will penetrate and eliminate mold and mildew at the point of growth, stopping them from returning.
Natural Cleaners to Get Rid of Black Mold
Some kitchen items can be used to make DIY household cleansers, some of which may be stronger than others in getting rid of the black mold.
If you wish to get rid of black mold from the tile grout, baking soda cleaning has proven effective. Mixing one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda is a quick and simple method for cleaning grout. Apply the mixture to the grout using a used toothbrush. After giving it 20 minutes to do its magic, rinse with cold water.
You might also want to try combining one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water. Mold spores can be eliminated with tea tree oil, a natural fungicide. Spray the remedy on the black mold, let it sit for at least an hour, and then wipe it away with a sponge or cloth.
Hydrogen Peroxide to Get Rid of Black Mold
Compared to chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide is gentler and produces less fumes, but it also works more slowly. If the hydrogen peroxide (3% to 10% solution) in the bottle is not fresh (fizzes when it comes in contact with organic material), it won’t work. When exposed to sunshine, hydrogen peroxide swiftly degrades.
For cleaning up black mold, hydrogen peroxide doesn’t need to be mixed. Fresh hydrogen peroxide should be poured into a spray bottle and used immediately to the black moldy areas. A fizz or bubble should appear. It should take 10 to 15 minutes for the fizzing to stop, remove the black mold, use a sponge, scrub brush, or piece of cloth. Repeat until there is no trace of black mold.
Washing the Black Mold-Affected Items Correctly
The simplest method for removing mold and mildew from shower curtains is to wash them in hot water on laundry day. Even plastic shower curtains can be washed in a machine, but always make sure they can handle a high temperature by looking at the laundry symbols on the care label before you start. One or two bath towels will boost your chances of successfully eradicating the black mold since their textured fabric will brush the dirt from the curtain and act as a buffer to prevent tearing and wrinkling.
Tips to Prevent Black Mold from Coming Back
- Fix any leaks that keep surfaces wet.
- Add a dehumidifier and use the heating and cooling systems.
- Reduce the amount of moisture in your property. A home humidity levels shouldn’t be higher than 60%.
- Basements should have moisture barriers installed.
- Regularly clean areas that are vulnerable to black mold.
Summary
Black mold, which grows in moist environments, can give people who already have health problems breathing problems, and even pneumonia. It damages walls by causing cracks, and it is a significant problem for property owners.
Fix leaks and control ventilation to stop mold from growing. Rain must be kept off of exterior stone, brick, or woodwork. Mold and moisture can be reduced by applying techniques like repairing leaks, decreasing condensation, and using a dehumidifier. If you notice any changes in your environment, pay attention to them because doing so will help you how to spot black mold easily and get rid of it more quickly.
