How to Get Rid of Black Mold
Mold grows in dark, wet areas.
Before you can even begin to remove black mold, you must find the reasons that it is growing in your home.
This won’t be quick and easy, but you will be successful if you start by eliminating the problem.
This cleaning tip is for the black mold that grows on plastic, vinyl, concrete products, or ceramic tiles, and in showers. Note that we are not talking about toxic black mold called Stachybotrys Chartarum. That mold needs professional assistance.
Dry Up The Air and Environment:
A dehumidifier is essential to drying out the house. Honestly, a damp house is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Dehumidifiers can be purchased rather affordably at almost any home supply store.
They are very effective at reducing the moisture in the home. You really need to be sure to empty the receptacle as needed or the moisture it sucks in will be on your floor. That won’t help your mold problem at all.
Filter The Air and Get Rid Of The Spores:
An air filtration unit will assist in trapping the nasty spores that are in the air. This will keep them from growing into full blown mold. Filtration units can be really costly so be sure to comparison shop for the best deal.
Many equipment rental shops carry portable filtration set ups. Renting a unit might be more cost effective for you.
Although filtration systems work wonders, it is still important to wear a mask. The mask will help keep any stray spores out of your lungs. Mold spores are very dangerous so it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Find The Cause of The Mold:
Your home needs to be checked for any kind of water seepage. You can call somebody or get out your trusty flashlight and do it yourself. Check behind the toilets, under the sinks and by the hot water heater. If your refrigerator has a water or ice dispenser, check behind it.
Carefully inspect the shower because if there is mold on the tiles, there is probably mold behind them too. Check out your laundry area as well. If the washer input valve leaks, you will have moisture there. Window air conditioning units are a big problem as the water often drains between the inside and outside walls of the house.
Without the right pitch for proper drainage, mold can grow between the walls of your house. It could take a long time for you to even know that it’s there.
Cleaning Up The Mold:
Cleaning and getting rid of the mold is a bit tougher.
- You need to break out your rubber gloves, a regular sponge and a good scrubbing pad.
- Mix up about a cup of bleach with a gallon of water.
- Using the sponge, apply the solution to the affected area.
- Leave it sit for about 15 minutes so have a coffee, grab a snack, etc. The hard work will begin soon.
- Don your rubber gloves again and grab the scrubby pad.
- Now is the time to get down, dirty and use all of the elbow grease that you can muster.
- Scrub the area! Keep working on the mold until there is no longer any evidence that it was there.
It is a smart thing to do a monthly check of your home for potential mold problems. Be sure nothing is leaking. That will save you time and in the long run, save you money as well.
All mold is a problem. To remove black mold is a difficult issue. It can be done but you must be fastidious that once it is gone, it does not return. If the mold comes back, it is wise to contact a professional.
