Black mold poses health risks and decreases your home’s value, so I’ll share how to get rid of black mold, step-by-step. From how to prepare to when to call a pro, I’ve got you covered.
For expert insights on black mold removal, we spoke with Richard Reid of Universal Restoration of North Florida in Jacksonville. Reid has helped homeowners tackle even the most challenging mold situations.
What is Black Mold (and How Do I Identify It)?
Before tackling mold removal, it’s essential to know what you’re dealing with. Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is a toxic fungus that thrives in damp environments and poses health risks if not handled quickly and correctly.
- Where to look: Check areas prone to moisture, including bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces, washing machines, attics, and areas with water damage or leaks.
- What to look for: Dark green or black patches with a slimy or fuzzy texture.
- Telltale smell: A musty, damp odor, often compared to wet cardboard.
According to Reid, “The main signs of mold in a home include a musty smell, visible discoloration or dark stains, water damage, recent moisture issues, and allergy-like symptoms.”
For an accurate diagnosis, contact a professional mold remediation company in your area.
See Related: Signs of Mold in Your Home
Before You Start
Black mold may pose serious health risks, including respiratory issues, skin rashes, and other allergic reactions. Before cleaning any mold, follow these safety precautions to protect yourself from mold spores.
- Wear protective gear: Wear a respirator, long-sleeved clothing (or a hazmat suit), safety goggles (without ventilation holes), and rubber gloves. Proper gear helps protect against black mold poisoning, which is caused by exposure to fungal toxins. Discard gloves in a sealed plastic bag when done to prevent spreading spores.
- Contain the space: To prevent mold spores from spreading throughout your home, turn off your air conditioning or heater.
- Check for moisture: Use a moisture meter to check the area for dampness
- Cleaning supplies: Along with a mold-killing cleaner, you’ll need cleaning cloths or paper towels, trash bags, and a scrub brush or an old toothbrush.
See Related: Health Risks of Mold in Your Home
Step-by-Step: DIY Black Mold Removal
Follow these steps to clean up black mold on hard, non-absorbent surfaces. Anything in an area less than 10 square feet, you can likely do yourself. Anything over that should be handled by a professional mold removal specialist.
1. Prepare the Area
Ensure you take proper safety precautions and prepare the space before diving in:
- Clear the space of rugs, furniture, decorative items, and any other movable objects that could become contaminated during the cleaning process.
- Cover uncontaminated floors and nearby surfaces with plastic sheeting, securing it firmly to prevent any spores from settling on clean areas.
- Seal off doorways and ventilation ducts to the rest of the home with heavy-duty plastic and strong tape to create an effective barrier against spreading spores.
2. Pick Your Cleaning Solution
When choosing a cleaning solution, you’ll need the right option for your situation. While these solutions work well on non-porous surfaces, they won’t help if mold has penetrated soft materials like wood, ceiling tiles, drywall, or furniture. In those cases, you’ll need to completely replace the affected materials.
Here are safe and effective solutions for mold removal:
- Commercial cleaners: Use EPA-registered products specifically designed for mold removal.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Use undiluted in a spray bottle.
- Vinegar: Use undiluted in a spray bottle.
- Baking soda solution: Carefully mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 cup water for a gentle option.
Important safety note: Never mix different cleaning solutions, as this can create dangerous fumes.
3. Spray the Fungus with the Cleaner
Because aggressive cleaning can release spores into the air, use a methodical approach. Work slowly and carefully, cleaning moldy areas in small sections from top to bottom to prevent drips and streaks.
- Spray solution: Thoroughly coat the black mold and let the mixture sit. The time it needs to stay varies by product. Most DIY products need 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Scrub area: Use a sponge or brush and cleaning solution to scrub the affected surface.
- Wipe surface: Using clean, damp cloths, wipe down the surface to remove residue. Change the cloths often to avoid spreading any lingering mold spores.
- Let dry: Once you’ve scrubbed away all the mold, allow the area to dry completely.
See Related: How to Get Rid of Mold on Walls
4. Inspect Your Work
Monitor the area for several days to ensure mold doesn’t return. After cleaning, inspect the surface for any remaining mold, discoloration, dampness, or unusual textures. Repeat the cleaning process on specific areas if needed. Properly dispose of cleaning materials and wash your clothes immediately after finishing.
When to Call the Pros
Some situations are best left to professionals. Here are a few scenarios where it’s recommended to contact a mold removal specialist.
- Large affected areas: More than 10 square feet of mold growth needs to be handled by an experienced pro.
- Porous surfaces: Certain materials, like ceiling tiles, drywall, or wood framing will likely need to be replaced if affected by mold.
- Health issues: If you have asthma or other respiratory issues, a weakened immune system, or mold allergies, you should avoid the area and not clean it yourself.
- HVAC system affected: If the mold is growing in your heating and air conditioning ducts, you’ll need specialized equipment to remove it all.
- Hidden mold: If you find signs of mold but can’t tell where it’s coming from, like inside the wall or in the air ducts, a professional mold inspection can help find the source.
“All mold remediation jobs should be performed by a trained professional,” warns Reid. “Disturbing black mold without proper containment can cause spores to become airborne and spread elsewhere.”
Prevention Tips
The best way to prevent any mold from growing in your home is by controlling the moisture. By fixing leaks, ensuring good ventilation, and managing humidity levels, you can prevent mold from being able to grow.
- Fix leaks: Address leaks, seepage, and persistent condensation quickly to avoid moisture buildup and mold.
- Ensure good ventilation: Use exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, and regularly open windows to encourage air circulation and remove excess moisture.
- Manage humidity levels: Check moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, basements, and windows for dampness, musty smells, or water stains that may lead to mold. Keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50% by using a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels in damp areas.
See Related: How to Prevent Mold in Your Bathroom
Find a Mold Remediation Pro Near You
You can get rid of black mold yourself in some cases. Fix any underlying water leaks or moisture issues before starting your project to keep mold from returning. Then, take the right safety precautions, gather your supplies, and get started. Taking these steps will help you get rid of black mold and keep it away.
If you’re ever in doubt about the extent of your black mold problem or your ability to handle it safely, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Your health and your home’s integrity are worth the investment.
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