Black Mold Removal

by Mold Guy  |  Published in Removing Black Mold

Black mold can be a very dangerous substance if left alone too long in your home.  it has many causes, but a build up a moisture and a lack of proper air flow is the main cause of black mold.  In window sills with blinds that don’t get opened much and in bathrooms that aren’t ventilated properly are the most prominent spots for black mold.  If you’re struggling with knowing what to do when it comes to removing black mold, then you have definitely come to the right place.  I am going to walk you through the major steps of what you need to do.  Remember, black mold is toxic and so while removing it is important for your health, it is also important for you to take precautions when you are removing it.

Here are the steps for proper black mold removal:

Identify the entire problem. Mold can spread and it is not always visible.  While you may be able to take care of any visible issues, I would highly recommend getting a professional to come out and identify the extent of the problem.  If it is mostly surface mold, then you may be able to get rid of black mold yourself, but if the problem is a lot larger than you initially thought, you may not be able to do it on your own.

Get prepared. Proper preparation is important when cleaning black mold because it is a deadly substance and you do not want to expose yourself more than you have to if you are choosing to do it yourself.  Make sure that you get extra protection for your eyes by using proper eye wear, as well as wearing a surgical mask so that you don’t continue to breathe in the black mold at close distances.  You’ll also want to wear proper protective gloves and if they rip in the process, remove them and replace them immediately.

Don’t use bleach. The first step that most people want to take when it comes to getting rid of black mold is to use bleach.  This is probably the worst thing that you can do.  Bleach will only make the black mold no longer appear black, so that will make you think that it has gone away.  Bleach does not remove black mold, it only masks it.  The mold will continue to grow undetected, and become a lot bigger project to cleanup, requiring a black mold removal service.  Bleach does not eliminate black mold at the root.

Try a few different mold cleaners. Not every mold cleaner product on the market will do the job.  If one does not seem to be working despite your scrubbing, then try another one.  If the problem continues, then you may want to look into hiring professionals.

Now that you know how to remove black mold, you can go ahead of get that affected area cleaned up.  But, it is usually safest to just hire a professional from the start.  They know what they are doing, their work is guaranteed, and they can handle problems that you can’t.

The next step is to prevent black mold from coming back.  Using a dehumidifier is a great way, but you can also use fans, open some windows, and allow fresh air to get in the rooms with problem areas.  Make sure that your fan in the bathroom is cleaned and working properly.  You also need to make sure that you allow it to run while you are in the shower, as well as 15-20 minutes after the show to ensure that no moisture collects.

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Black Mold: What Is It?

by Mold Guy  |  Published in Black Mold Information

If you are experiencing black mold in your home, it would be best for you to call a professional to check out your house and see if it is indeed black mold, and the best route to go about removing the black mold.  Known scientifically as Stachybotrys Atra, it is a possibly-deadly type of mold that is found in areas of increased moisture and a lack of ventilation.  You may hear it referred to by others as either mildew or as toxic mold.  It can look furry or powdery in appearance.

Black mold needs two different conditions in order to survive and multiple.  The first is moisture and the second thing is food.  Not the type of food you’re thinking of, instead, it is the surface that it is on.  As the mold eats into the surface, it releases Volatile Organic Compounds (often shortened as VOCs).  Exposure to these VOCs can lead to a large majority of health problems.  If you are suffering from any of these symptoms or problems, that you see a medical professional immediately. Some of those problems include:

  • Coughing and other respiratory problems,
  • Nausea
  • Memory loss,
  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Lung damage,
  • and more…

Moisture is another major factor that causes black mold to grow and continue to grow.  Areas that have higher humidity, as well as areas that do not get proper ventilation are possible sites for the growth of black mold.  The bathroom is a major area where black mold is common, because of the shower.  That is why it is important to make sure that a fan is on the whole time you are in the shower, as well as for up to 20 minutes after the shower.  Another area that moisture collects is in the window sill.  If you keep your blinds closed for too long of a time, moisture can collect and is a perfect breeding ground for mold.

Depending on how much the mold has multiplied and grown, you may be able to take care of the problem yourself.  One household solution to remove black mold is to buy a mildew or mold cleaning spray from your local store.  Different products from different companies work best in various situations.  Try a few of them before calling a professional if there isn’t a lot of mold.  If you suspect that there is a lot of mold, it would be best to call a black mold removal company before they are trained to be able to handle jobs that are larger.  By going with a professional, you ensure that the problem is taken care of, as well as keeping yourself and your family safe during the black mold removal process.

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