It’s possible that black mold is spreading undetected in your home. Mold is ubiquitous, and therefore, can be found all around us – indoors and outdoors. Mold can grow in any setting, and when provided the proper conditions and a food source, it will start to form and proliferate. Black mold can cause health problems like allergic reactions, runny noses, and other physical symptoms. The airborne mold spores can even cause respiratory issues in people who have allergies or are susceptible. Black mold can also cause damage to property. It can grow on walls, ceilings, floors, and other hard surfaces, causing discoloration and staining.
If you have a mold problem in your home, it is important to take steps to remove the mold to prevent future mold growth. The best step you can take is calling a professional mold remediation company, like PuroClean. If the mold problem area is small and you choose to address it yourself, this blog will provide some tips to do it safely and effectively.
What Causes Mold in Your Home?
There are a number of factors that can cause mold to grow in your home, from high humidity to water damage. Mold develops most easily when humidity is between 40 and 80 percent, which is why basements, crawl spaces, and attics tend to have more issues. In addition, homes with leaky windows and doors can also cause humidity to increase.
Mold thrives in a damp location, so water may be an excellent source for growth. Water may aid the growth and spread if there has been a flood in your home, as well as malfunctioning appliances with leaking pipes or other water damage.
How Can You Identify a Mold Issue in Your Home?
The first step in dealing with any mold problem is to identify the mold and where it is growing. Oftentimes, you can have hidden mold that doesn’t show any visible signs of its presence. If you suspect mold growing in your home, you can always call in a professional to test the indoor air quality to determine its presence.
If you believe that there might be black mold on your walls or ceilings, it’s important to check for signs of discoloration and other changes in the structure of surfaces before taking any action. When mold is present, it can cause a variety of health concerns. It’s critical to confide in an expert if there are any affected areas that you believe are contaminated.
Can You Perform Black Mold Removal in Your Home?
After you’ve identified a moldy area, the next step is remediation. Mold can be dangerous, and we always recommend you employ a professional to handle the situation. If the mold is affecting an area of your home smaller than 10 square feet, you may choose to take on the process yourself, ensuring the use of extreme care and always wearing the proper protective equipment.
In cases where structural damage is present, it may also be necessary to take more drastic measures like hiring contractors and replacing drywall and insulation. Mold can disseminate quickly and easily and possibly cause large-scale restoration work when not treated in a timely manner.
When attempting to get rid of black mold, always wear protective gear and take precautions to protect yourself from the spores. Always wear proper PPE (personal protection equipment), including rubber gloves, N-95 mask, and goggles/eye protection when performing any mold remediation, and make sure to thoroughly clean all of your clothes and equipment after you’re finished with the job.
Keep in mind that these are ‘at-home remedies’ and not what our specialists would do for your mold problem.
Hydrogen Peroxide
There are a few ways to perform mold remediation with hydrogen peroxide. You can use it as a spray, mix it with water and use it as a scrub, or pour it directly over the area. Make sure to test the hydrogen peroxide on an inconspicuous spot before using it on the mold, as it may discolor some surfaces. Let the hydrogen peroxide sit for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse it off with water. Repeat if necessary. Always take precautions when working with hydrogen peroxide, as it can be harmful if swallowed.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another great way to remove mold from certain surfaces. The best part is it helps absorb some of the excess moisture that creates the mold. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle filled with water, and shake the bottle until the baking soda has fully dissolved. Spray the solution directly on the black mold, and then scrub the area clean. Then, spray the same location one last time but don’t scrub the solution away; instead, allow it to dry. This will help prevent future growth.
Vinegar
You can use vinegar as a natural fungicide for your home. Add white vinegar to a spray bottle. Don’t add water to the spray bottle because it will dilute it and make the solution less effective. Spray the vinegar on the surface mold, and let it sit for a half-hour. Wipe the area clean with water. The vinegar smell will clear after a couple of hours, but you can open a window to help it move out faster. This solution will work on both nonporous or porous materials, like drywall.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
This natural disinfectant is a great tool for mold cleaning. You can mix 10 drops of the extract in a spray bottle with water, and spritz the surface where black mold is located. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping off with a damp cloth. If necessary, repeat the process to remove all the mold.
Tea Tree Oil
Another natural disinfectant you can use is tea tree oil. Add about 10 drops of the oil to a spray bottle filled with water and shake to combine. Spray the mixture onto the affected area, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse with water. Repeat if necessary. It’s important to note that tea tree oil can be toxic if swallowed, while grapefruit seed extract is not.
Mold Remediation Can Be a Mighty Task – Let the Experts at PuroClean Assist!
Mold growth can be unsightly, smelly, and potentially cause health issues. It’s crucial to act quickly to prevent the spread and to always take precautions when near suspected mold. If the mold remediation affects an area larger than 10 square feet or you are overwhelmed with the task, reach out to your local PuroClean. Our professionals are trained to safely and effectively remediate the mold, helping to protect your family’s health and your home. Our crews are available 24/7 to assist with mold cleanup.
