Can I Remove Black Mold Myself?
Black mold can be hazardous to your health and infest your home. When you find it, you want to get rid of it quickly.
You can remove black mold yourself, but if you don’t do it the correct way, you might not be totally satisfied with the results. In some situations, an infestation can reoccur.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about black mold and how to remove it yourself if you don’t want to call in the professionals. The problem won’t disappear by itself, which is why we recommend direct action! Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Is Black Mold Dangerous?
To a varying extent, yes. All mold is dangerous as it can negatively impact our respiratory systems and lead to significant health complications. Black mold is simply another type of fungus, and current research doesn’t indicate that it’s any more or less dangerous than any other kind of mold.
That doesn’t make it harmless, however. If you notice any mold growth in your home, you should remove it as soon as possible. Whether you do this yourself or hire professionals is up to you, but you shouldn’t underestimate the potential dangers.
Read more: How to tell if mold is toxic
Black Mold Removal and Cleaning
Sometimes mold can go deeper than surface level and may even threaten human health and compromise the structure of your home. With that in mind, we advise that you only attempt this if the infestation is minimal, as only a professional can honestly assess the extent of the damage.
If you intend to remove the infestation without professional assistance, you must know what you’re doing. Listed below is our step-by-step guide to removing mold by yourself.
1. Gather Your Equipment
You will need various tools to cleanse your home, including but not limited to:
- A sponge
- A brush
- A bucket
- Cleaning cloths
- A spray bottle
- Rubber gloves
- Face mask
- Eye protection
The gloves, mask, and eye protection is critical for two reasons. First, you should never inhale mold. It can lead to respiratory infections or worse.
Second, you’ll need to use pretty strong chemicals to put a dent in the infestation. Breathing fumes from that won’t do you any good, either. Don’t neglect your protective gear. Suit up!
2. Gather Your Materials
Speaking of solid chemicals, you need to use the right cleaning products to clean mold effectively. It isn’t just another kind of dirt (in fact, spore growth has very little to do with how clean your home is). Mold is a type of fungus that grows in moist environments and is persistent. You need to use strong stuff to get rid of it.
Depending on the surface you’re using it on, you will likely need to use one or more of the following:
- Chlorine bleach
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Borax
Some cleaning products are specifically designed for mold removal and often contain one of the above. Be careful when using them, as any exposure or inhalation can cause irritation and allergic reactions.
3. Ventilate the Area
To reduce the chance of irritation, in addition to wearing protective equipment, you should also try your best to keep the affected area well-ventilated. Wherever possible, open all the doors and windows in the affected area to increase the possible airflow.
Mold relies on moisture to survive. The more airflow provided to the area, the harder it will be for the spores to survive after you’ve cleaned.
Ventilation can also reduce the risks of inhaling the mold and the cleaning chemicals used. Both can be damaging, and you could do more bad than good if you don’t have appropriate ventilation.
If you want to go the extra mile, consider purchasing a dehumidifier before cleaning. It will reduce the moisture in the air ahead of time.
4. Create the Necessary Formula
As we mentioned above, the chemicals you’re going to use are pretty strong, so you must be careful which surfaces you use them on to avoid damaging the home.
- Painted Walls and Wood Floors: You must be a little extra careful with your products on highly porous surfaces. We recommend a detergent alongside your bleach and water solution to minimize damage. One part detergent, ten parts bleach, and twenty parts water should suffice.
- Tile and Grout: One bleach to sixteen parts of water will help clean this area. Tile and grout are highly durable materials, so you shouldn’t need to worry about damaging them when cleaning. Let the solution sit on the surface for at least fifteen minutes for maximum effect.
- Exterior Siding and Concrete: This should be the most durable area to clean, so you won’t need to worry about undue damage too much. You’ll need one part of chlorine bleach and one gallon of water. Start by softening the moldy areas with just water, followed by the solution you’ve made up. The two-step process will ensure maximum cleanliness. Just make sure you only apply the solution to the affected areas, as bleach is known to kill grass and plants.
We recommend hydrogen peroxide if you aren’t comfortable using chlorine bleach in your cleaning solutions. It isn’t quite as harsh or strong as chlorine bleach and works slightly slower, but it can be just as effective. You don’t need to dilute hydrogen peroxide to clean any affected areas. Simply apply, leave it to fizz for around ten to fifteen minutes, and then wash away with water. Simple.
5. Scrub the Remains Away
Following the application of any cleaning solution, whether you use bleach or peroxide, you should use a scrubbing brush to wipe away the product. Not only will this remove the cleaning product effectively, but it will also thoroughly remove any remnants of the infestation.
Don’t be afraid to get into the surface while scrubbing. Mold is persistent and won’t leave unless you apply some elbow grease.
Read more: How to get rid of mold naturally
Black Mold Prevention Tips
Sometimes, prevention is cheaper than cure. Listed below are some of our top tips for preventing the development of mold in the first place.
Keep Moisture Levels Low
Dehumidifiers and insulation can work wonders to keep your moisture levels low. Mold thrives in moist environments, so remove the moisture, and you can stop mold in its tracks.
Repair Leaks Quickly
Don’t wait around if you discover a leak in your home. Even if it seems small and inoffensive, the longer you leave it, the more damage it will cause. Call in the professionals to fix it as soon as possible.
Clean Mold-Prone Areas Regularly
If there’s an area in your home that you know will frequently suffer from mold, clean it regularly. Sometimes, portions of your home will suffer from the mold for various reasons. You can minimize the spread by staying on top of the removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kills Black Mold Permanently?
Mold is persistent, so it’s hard to say for sure what could get rid of it permanently. Cleaning it away with bleach and following up with a white vinegar spray is usually highly effective for preventing mold.
Is Black Mold Difficult to Remove?
It depends! It could feel like an uphill battle if you’re fighting it alone. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Are There Different Kinds of Black Mold?
Yes. There are multiple kinds of black mold. There isn’t just a singular form of black mold. ‘Black mold’ refers to numerous kinds of mold and fungus that are simply dark in color.
Leave Black Mold Removal Up to the Experts!
Call the professionals if you want to make sure your mold growth won’t return. Our mold removal and remediation experts at All Dry USA are highly experienced and can walk you through our entire process. If you want to make the mold in your home a thing of the past, get in touch with us today for a professional experience and results you can trust.
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