You don’t have to be a professional to realize you have a problem when it comes to black mold. If your house or business is producing symptoms of mold, then you know how terrible it can smell and how worried you are about the structural integrity of your home or office. You need help removing the mold, but may not be sure where to start.
Mold can be a huge problem for you. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be dangerous to your health. If you have black mold in your home or office, it’s important to take steps to get rid of it as soon as possible. In this guide, we will discuss the best ways to kill black mold and get your home back to its former glory.
What you should know about black mold
Black mold is a fungus that can grow and spread in homes, even reaching places you didn’t think it would be able to get to. It is one of the most dangerous household infestations and can cause asthmatic symptoms in people with allergies, as well as some other harmful health effects.
Black mold grows in temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and is best known for creating musty odors inside the home. The mold can also cause watery eyes, runny nose, congestion, and other respiratory problems.
Mold grows from tiny spores that float around in the air. You can’t see them, and you can’t avoid them; they’re everywhere. Mold might begin growing indoors when spores land on surfaces that are damp.
Mold spreads quickly, so a small problem can become a big one before you know it. The best way to deal with mold is to prevent it by controlling the moisture in your home.
If you have black mold in your home, it’s important to take action to remove it as soon as possible.
What equipment do you need to kill black mold?
To kill black mold, you will need a few supplies that can be found at your local hardware store. These supplies include:
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty
- Dust mask or respirator
- Bleach
- Detergent
- Stiff brush
- You may also need to purchase a ladder if you cannot reach the affected area with a step stool.
Once you have gathered all of your supplies, you are ready to begin the process of removing black mold from your home.
Best ways to kill black mold
Since mold spores are so small, they can easily become airborne and inhaled. This makes black mold exposure and black mold poisoning a serious health risk.
Because of this, it’s important to use proper techniques when cleaning the affected area. Some of the best ways to kill black mold are:
Using Vinegar
One of the most effective ways to kill black mold is to use vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will kill 99% of bacteria and mold spores on contact.
To clean with vinegar, simply fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and spray the affected area. Let it sit for an hour before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
Using Baking Soda
Another great way to kill black mold is to use baking soda. Baking soda is a natural fungicide that will destroy the mold spores on contact.
To clean with baking soda, simply mix one cup of baking soda with two cups of water in a bowl. Then, apply the mixture to the affected area and let it sit for two hours before scrubbing it away with a brush.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another great way to kill black mold. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant and will kill mold spores on contact.
To clean with hydrogen peroxide, simply mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide with two cups of water in a bowl. Then, apply the mixture to the affected area and let it sit for an hour before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
Using Dehumidifier
This is an effective way to kill black mold. By reducing the humidity in the environment, it will make the conditions less favorable for mold growth.
The easiest way to kill black mold is to run a dehumidifier in the damp area of your home. The machine will suck up moisture from the air and keep it from spreading further. It may also contain an antimicrobial agent that will kill off any residue.
Using Borax
Borax is a natural substance that is known to kill mold. It is also effective in preventing its growth. You can make a solution of Borax and water to spray on the affected area.
Make sure to wear gloves and a mask when handling Borax as it can be harmful if inhaled.
Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill black mold. However, it should only be used as a last resort as it can be harmful to your health if inhaled.
When using chlorine bleach, make sure to ventilate the area and wear protective gear such as gloves and a mask.
You can also use a solution of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Spray the affected area and let it sit for about an hour before wiping it down.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide that can be used to kill black mold. It is also effective at preventing mold growth in the future.
To use tea tree oil, mix it with water and spray it on the affected area. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to a diffuser to help purify the air in your home.
Professional tips for killing black mold
The best way to remove black mold is through a combination of physical removal (scrubbing with mold cleaning detergents) and disinfection (with a household disinfectant or all-natural citrus cleaner).
A major problem with killing black mold occurs when only the surface is cleaned. If you spray vinegar on the surface, but don’t clean it off, you create an ideal environment for future growth. The vinegar kills the existing spores, but its reaction creates new acid that will eat away at surfaces like drywall and concrete over time.
To avoid this, wipe down the surface with a microfiber cloth after spraying it down with a vinegar solution. This will remove the vinegar before it has a chance to do any damage.
If you’re dealing with a large infestation, you may need to call in a professional. Mold remediation companies have the training and equipment necessary to safely and effectively remove mold from your home.
Best practices for killing black mold
- Always wear protective gears when handling black mold when trying to kill it. This includes gloves, mask, and eyewear.
- You will also need to ventilate the area as black mold can release spores into the air
- The first step is to remove any wet or damp material that the mold is growing on. This could be clothing, paper, carpeting, or drywall. Once these materials are removed, you should clean the area with a detergent solution.
- Before using a bleach solution to kill the mold, make sure you do a patch test in an inconspicuous area first as some surfaces may be damaged by bleach. Apply the bleach solution with a sponge or brush and let it sit for about fifteen minutes before rinsing it off.
- Once the mold has been killed, you will need to prevent it from returning by repairing any leaks and keeping the area dry. You may also want to apply mold resistant paint to areas that are susceptible to mold growth.
How to make sure molds never come back
The key to keeping mold at bay is moisture control. Mold loves damp, humid environments, so the best way to fight it is to make your home as inhospitable to mold as possible. Here are a few tips:
- Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity below 60%.
- Ventilate showers, kitchens, and laundry areas to the outdoors.
- Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.
- Keep gutters clean and directed away from the house.
- Inspect regularly for signs of mold (e.g., musty odors, visible growth).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just ignore it and hope it goes away?
Unfortunately, no. Black mold is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. If you let it grow unchecked, it could cause some serious health problems for you and your family.
What should I do if I find black mold in my home?
The first thing you should do is try to identify the source of the problem. Once you know where the mold is coming from, you can start to take steps to get rid of it.
Are there any home remedies that will kill black mold?
There are a few home remedies that may be effective in killing black mold. One popular remedy is to mix equal parts vinegar and water and use it to scrub down the affected area. You can also try using bleach or borax.
What should I do if I can’t get rid of the black mold?
If you’ve tried all the DIY methods and you still can’t seem to get rid of the black mold, you may need to call in a professional. A professional will be able to identify the source of the problem and take steps to get rid of the mold for good.
Conclusion
Black mold is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. If you let it grow unchecked, it could cause some serious health problems for you and your family.
The first thing you should do if you find black mold in your home is try to identify the source of the problem. Once you know where the mold is coming from, you can start to take steps to get rid of it.