How to Kill Black Mold

How to get rid of black mold in your home

Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is a type of fungus that can grow in damp and humid areas. It can cause serious health problems, including respiratory issues, allergies, and even neurological symptoms. If you have black mold in your home, it’s important to act quickly to get rid of it. Here are some steps to help you kill black mold and prevent it from returning.

1. Identify the moldy areas

The first step in getting rid of black mold is to identify where it is growing. Look for areas that are damp or humid, such as the bathroom, kitchen, or basement. Black mold can grow on any surface that is moist and has organic matter, such as wood, drywall, and carpet.

2. Wear protective gear

When cleaning black mold, it’s important to wear protective gear to avoid exposure to the spores. This includes gloves, a face mask, and safety goggles. Your health is not worth the cost of skimping out on using protective gear.

3. Use a mold killer

There are many mold killers available on the market that can effectively kill black mold. Look for products designed specifically for killing mold. Household products like bleach or hydrogen peroxide can clean mold at a surface level, but if it is on a porous material like wood or drywall, you might want some heavy duty mold treatment from a trusted brand.

Follow the instructions on the label carefully, and make sure to use the product in a well-ventilated area.

If the area is heavily affected, cut out and safely dispose of the mold using multiple trash bags.

4. Clean the mold areas

Use a scrub brush or sponge to remove the mold from the affected area. Be sure to scrub the area thoroughly to remove all the mold spores. Once you’ve removed the mold, rinse the area with water and dry it completely.

5. Prevent future black mold growth

To prevent black mold from returning, you need to address the underlying problem that caused it to grow in the first place. This may involve fixing leaks, improving ventilation, or reducing humidity in the affected area. You can also use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

In addition, it’s important to regularly clean and disinfect areas that are prone to mold growth. This includes the bathroom, kitchen, and basement. Use a mold inhibitor to prevent mold growth, and be sure to clean up any spills or leaks as soon as possible.

Wrap up

In conclusion, getting rid of black mold requires a combination of identifying the problem areas, wearing protective gear, using a mold killer, removing the mold, and preventing future mold growth. By following these steps, you can effectively kill black mold and keep your home safe and healthy.

Often, it's best to call a professional mold remediation service to make sure you get rid of all the mold without spreading spores to the rest of the home, as well as to protect your health and family from exposure in the cleaning process. The health costs saved later in life are wealth worth going with a professional mold remediation company.

Give us a call at (302) 740-4160 for a free quote for any mold removal that you may need.

Visit our contact us page to schedule a quote.