Can home remedies work for black mold?
Molds are notorious for coming back fast. It’s one of the reasons why there are so many mold remediation companies around. Mold remediation involves not only wiping up the visible mold, but eliminating the conditions that allowed it to thrive in the first place. Sometimes this can be from something serious like a water leak in your roof or in your walls. In those cases, you’ll need to have a plumber or general contractor come to help along with professional mold removal. But what if it’s something smaller, such as clothes that were left damp for too long and the infiltration is localized? The black mold Stachybotrys chartarum can be particularly dangerous because many people are sensitive to its mycotoxins. But if you only have a little bit, do you really need the experts to come by?
Check nearby sections for mold! Sometimes, the source of mold is obvious. A pile of towels in the corner got moldy because someone forgot to stick them in the dryer after a trip to the beach. But sometimes, it’s hard to tell why the mold got there in the first place. You will often find mold in damp, warm areas. Showers and bathtubs are a common spot, especially the corners. And attics are another area of concern if you have one. Appliances that heat and cool such as heat pumps and refrigerators are another common source. If you find mold in these areas, or on other common areas, it likely hasn’t had a chance to spread very far. But if it’s somewhere unexpected, you should check for a bigger issue first.
How can I take care of small sections of mold?
Calling the professionals is the safest way to make sure that your mold problem will be gone for good, especially if you find a mold removal company that offers some kind of guarantee. But doing this for a tiny patch of mold isn’t the most cost-effective thing. Fortunately, you can take on these smaller accumulations of mold by yourself–as long as you use the right kind of cleaner, and do what you can to contain it.
- Black mold can be extremely harmful to certain individuals. If you’re one of them or don’t know whether or not you are, protect yourself with eye protection and rubber gloves. A medical mask can also help you avoid breathing any in.
- Seal off any vents or other openings where mold could escape. Duct tape and plastic sheets work well as a DIY containment method.
- Clean the area with soap and water.
- Use a disinfectant liberally on the affected and surrounding area to make sure you also get the spores that are too small to see.
- It’s a good idea to rinse the area with warm water and let it dry if possible, just be cautious with this–after all, these conditions could have brought it on in the first place!
What can I use as my mold cleaner?
There are several different disinfectants that can kill mold spots. Some of the more common ones include:
- Bleach. Bleach kills practically everything it comes in contact with. Be careful when using bleach though as it is highly toxic and has its own set of associated health problems.
- Hydrogen Peroxide. Safe to use in small amounts, make sure you mix the right concentration so it can be effective without being dangerous.
- White Vinegar. A good choice for the health conscious, distilled vinegar is cheap and safe to use.
Many other natural cleaners will also do the trick. But if your efforts aren’t successful, put black mold removal in the hands of a professional mold removal company and let them take care of it for you!