Virtually everybody has some form of mold growing within their homes, most types are perfectly safe and are not toxic to the body. Determining whether or not a mold is harmless however can be a very difficult task. Here at Black Mold Removal Info, we aim to provide you with the knowledge to identify harmful black mold and where possible show you the correct way to go about the removal of black mold from your property.

Firstly lets clear up what “Black Mold” actually is, known by the name Strachybotrys Chartarum or Strachybotrys Atra it is a slimy dark green or black mold which posses a serious health risk to hot only humans but animals and pets.  If the mold within your house has these properties you should be extra careful.

The Center of Disease Control (CDC), state that this type of mold is responsible for more than 100 different types of lung disorder. It has been well linked to the death of small children and babies via respiratory bleeding and aggravates conditions such as Asthma and Bronchitis.  Exposure to this mold can cause other symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, coughing fits, and at the worse end of the scale urinary tract infections and in a few documented cases infertility.

As previously mentions mold occurs in the majority of peoples home, no matter how vigilant you are with your cleaning schedule this type of mold can go in our of site locations, under floor boards or under furniture and lie in wait.

The slightest bit of damp can provide this fungus the perfect place to grow, early indicators come in the form of, musty odours, yellowish strains forming on ceilings, walls or floors. Heat is also a great source of attraction and Black Mold has been found to be growing in heating vents, which indirectly pumps the harmful fungus around your home.

Black mold removal companies are always at hand to help you remove black mold from your premises but this can be expensive. If the spread of the mold is extensive you may have no other choice.

There is no need to threat however there are many options open to you when considering toxic black mold removal. Specialised black mold removal products are available such as black mold removal bleach, allowing you to tackle the problem yourself. Remember however that masks, gloves and other safety equipment will be required. This option does however keep the black mold removal cost down.

Take a look around our site, step by step guides to black mold removal are in place for your use and information is available on health risks and identifying the mold present in your home.

Cleaning up Toxic Black Mold is a time consuming task. Making sure you do it right and in the correct order is essential to ensuring that you remove the black mold for good and that it wont slowly regenerate. This step-by-step guide will inform you of the correct procedure, follow them in order and you can say goodbye to the mold problem.

Step 1 – Locate Moisture Source and Prevent Future Leaks

Moisture is the number 1 cause of mold build up. Unless you fully prevent the course of moisture the area will soon grow thick with mold once more. Ensure you successfully identify the source of moisture; normally a leaking pipe or hole in a building is to blame.

Floods and water leaks are major causes of Black Mold build up. Any area where water has accumulated should be fully dried up using fans and dehumidifiers. Wet furniture or items should be lifted from the floor to ensure the mold doesn’t contaminate them also.

Black mold will grow in as little as 24-48 hours so it is important you address and leaks quickly. The faster you remove any contaminated areas the more successful and less intrusive the mold will be.

Step 2 – Seal Off The Area

It is essential that before you begin cleaning up any mold that the area is well sealed. Once you disturb the black mold, black mold spores will be sent into the air and begin to spread. To ensure other areas are not further contaminated clean one room at a time.

The most effective way to seal off a room is by using plastic sheeting and duct tape. Ensure all air holes into the room are well covered. In bad cases it may be necessary to purchase an air purifier to extract the dust created from the room. Some people use exhaust fans to pump the air out of an open window.

Step 3 – Black Mold Removal

It is never a good idea to keep the mold perfectly dry, when scrubbed it will instantly turn to dust vapor and take to the air. Keep the mold moist and this will be mostly prevented.

Rub the infected area down with soapy water. Fairy liquid or stronger products are ideal as they help remove the bulk of the mold. Special soaps can be found designed for black mold removal but these will increase the cost and are not always necessary.

Once the bulk of the mold is removed apply a strong disinfectant to kill any surviving mold spores. Many types of bleach are available to do this. Rub down uninfected areas to ensure any mold spores have not been missed.

Remove all contaminated products or sheets of mold in sealed bags; heavy-duty plastic sacks are ideal for this.

Step 4 – Dry up & Check for Success

The area should be dried to ensure that any spores left behind do not have an environment to spread in. If any do spread again the lack of moisture will keep the contaminated to a minimum.

Ensure the initial moisture problem is still resolved and check for any last signs of mold left behind. Well done, you should have now of Removed your black mold.

You could alternatively employ a black mold removal company. Black mold removal cost can be mostly avoided however by doing the work yourself.

Preventing Leaks / Moisture Intrusion

Leaks are one of the most common reasons that toxic black mold is able to gain a foothold in your home. The major difficulty that faces us when trying to stop leaks is that most of them are hidden within the walls of our home and are well out of site. However there are a few tell tale signals you can look for if you suspect a leak.

Leaking Pipe Work

Can you hear water running when it shouldn’t be? If you turn every application in your house off yet water continues to run you are likely to have a leak. Leaks often cause musty smells and odors then seem to come from nowhere. Often its almost like they come from a wall, if this is the case try to follow it then get someone in to inspect the wall.

Any stains or discoloration in walls, floors or ceilings can be a sign of mold or water gathering in that area. Investigate immediately! Often you will be being charged for the leaking water, if your bills are abnormally high, turn all your water off and see if your water meter changes. If it does get somebody in urgently, its costing you money!

Water Back up Around the Home

If you notice when it rains that water is resting against your home in puddles them you should see about getting your pathways redone. These gathering will allow water to work its way into your homes foundations and begin a huge black mold colony that can consume your hole home and damage it beyond repair.

Windows

Most people have seen condensation forming around windows, this should be a big concern as it indicates a build up of excessive moisture. Ensure the window is fully airtight by using a high quality sealant around the window.

Basements and Cellars

Basements and cellars provide the ideal conditions for the growth of black mold. Many people use basements for food storage or washing machines all of which provide nutrients and moisture to the mold. If you plan to utilize your basement ensure it is properly sealed and well ventilation to stop moisture building up around the room.

A quick note on black mold removal companies; they should be certified by your state and come well recommended. It is easy for a stranger to not care about spreading the contaminated and not realizing until its to late.

Here are our top 10 tips for safety during black mold removal.

1. Dust Masks

Dust masks are an essential part of the kit; they prevent any inhalation of the mold spores. A respirator is ideal but also expensive, so a dust mask will suffice as long as it is of good quality.

2. Protective Clothing

Clothing that covered all exposed skin should be worn at all times. Ideal made of a fabric that is easy to wipe down and clean or be binned afterword. Tyvek suits are perfect but not necessary.

3. Goggles & Ear Plugs

Wear goggles and ear plugs to prevent mold spores entering places that are almost impossible to clean.

4. Remove Pets & Family Members

Evacuate the house of any family pets or loved ones. Anyone who is not involved in the cleaning process is at risk during the clean-up operation. Anyone with health conditions such not be helping with the clean-up as an added precaution.

5. Have Plenty of Breaks

Black Mold clean-up can take hours or even days. Be sure to have plenty of breaks and time for fresh air to ensure your renewed health through out. Any feels of dizziness or shortness of breath should be treated with respect and immediate removal from the environment is recommended.

6. Removal of Materials

All cleaning products and contaminated materials should be taken out in sealed heavy-duty plastic packaging to ensure it doesn’t contaminated further areas.

7. Prevent the Spread

All items used in the clean up should be properly cleaned also before exiting the area. Clothing should be removed, and placed in a sealed area until it can be cleaned separately form other clothing.

8. Air Purifiers

Use air purifier during and for a short time after the clean up to maximize the removal of any mold spores in the atmosphere.

9. Seal Off The Contaminated Area

Use plastic sheeting and duct tape the seal the area off to prevent the mold seeping out of doorways or ventilations systems and contaminating other rooms of the building.

10. Dry Out the Area

After cleaning ensure the area is dry to prevent another build up of mold.

It is no good knowing how to remove black mold unless you know where to look for it and can fully discover the extent of the problem to prevent it growing back. Any place where moisture can occur, that is dark or shaded and contains even the smallest amount of heat is prime ground for Black Mold. Here are the places you should be looking.

Black Mold in Basements & Cellars

Your don’t have to bend the mind far to see why mold would grow here. This is the most common area mold is found within the home. Initially check the area for damp spots and gathering moisture. This is the most likely place to the growth to begin. Examine wooden beams carefully. These lead to and support the rest of the house so these rotting are bad for everyone.

Black Mold Under Floor Boards and Baseboards

These trap a lot of moisture that is spilt or brought in my humans every day. They also gather many small crumbs and dirt; all these provide conditions for the mold to thrive on.

Black Mold Under Drywall & Plasterboards

Mold often grows in small cavities within your walls. This is unavoidable and happens a lot. However it normally affect the nearby plasterboards and drywall. If you have suffered from a nearby mold problem it is worthwhile to remove a small section the test for the presence of black mold.

Black Mold In the Ceiling

When plumbing fails and a leak begins the roof is often the first place for it to show up. These small leaks can provide fast and ideal conditions for mold especially with hot water pipes heating the spaces. Look out for stains forming on the roof. If you see growth here is urgent you investigate and it can spread rapidly to every room in the house.

Black Mold Behind Wallpaper

Mold in these locations is normally very visible as peeling begins as it eats away at the dust gathered by the glue in the paste. Discolouration should occur altering you to its presence.

Black Mold Inside Furniture, Draws and Cabinets

These types of places provide the perfect hide away for mold. Moisture can occur from clothing or products kept within. Mold is often found behind the draws, they grow underneath where heat and darkness are vast.

Black Mold in Moist Areas

Black mold can easily get a foothold in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens where surfaces and crevices are routinely exposed to moist conditions. These places can be hard to spot, and in an area where we expose the body to surfaces can be an extremely dangerous place for it to grow. Ensure you check these areas regularly when cleaning.

Once you have located the extent of your black mold, its time to begin the clean-up. Click here for Black Mold Removal Techniques