How To Get Rid of Black Mold

Once you’ve discovered that you have black mold in your home, it is crucial to eliminate it as quickly and as effectively as possible.  If you’d like to learn about how to get rid of black mold, read on for preventative measures and cleaning tips.

Mold, whether it’s black mold or another type of fungi, lives and grows best when there is a combination of moisture and darkness.  Homeowners who reside in states where the humidity is high on a regular basis must take special care to keep their home dry.  Homes with basements and cellars are good candidates for black mold too if they aren’t kept dry.

A Few Preventative Measures

A dehumidifier unit will effectively reduce the level of humidity (moisture) in your home when used properly.  The dehumidifier essentially draws the moisture hanging in the air of the home and deposits it into a collection bucket.  The bucket should be checked a few times daily and emptied in order to prevent mold from developing in the dehumidifier unit or water collection bucket.

Bathrooms are a hot spot for black mold growth if the right conditions exist.  It’s important to have a fan installed and running in a bathroom, especially when hot water is running and producing steam and moisture on the walls and floor.  If you have a bathroom in the basement, make sure you have good airflow and a dehumidifier running regularly.

How To Get Rid of Black Mold

Black mold has been discovered in your home.  How can you effectively clean it up and keep it from spreading further?  Bleach is an all-around cleaner and sanitizer and can be used on several areas.  Add about ¾ cup of bleach to one gallon of water.  Fill a spray bottle with the bleach solution.  Wearing gloves and a mask, spray the solution directly on the moldy area.  This is especially effective in bathrooms, kitchens, and linoleum floors.  Protect your carpet before using this solution on baseboards!  Discard all sponges, rags, or gloves used to clean black mold.

If you had a water leak or floor inside the house and your carpeting was affected, be sure to check for black mold by pulling up the tack strips and areas of the carpet.  If you find black mold, you’ll most likely need (and want) to replace the carpet, padding, and tack strips.  Mold spores are difficult to remove simply by steam cleaning, so it’s best to begin with brand new materials in order to completely eliminate the black mold.  Prior to laying down new carpet and padding, use bleach and water solution to clean the entire area.

Furniture may be salvaged, depending on the extent of black mold in the piece.  Consult with a professional cleaner to see what he would recommend.  Drywall is best replaced if black mold is found behind the walls.  There just isn’t a completely effective way to clean drywall once black mold has gotten hold, so it’s best to replace it as soon as possible.

Prevention is the best way to keep black mold from ever forming inside your home.  However, if you have discovered black mold, with the cleaning tips provided above, you have a better idea of how to get rid of black mold once and for all.