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How to Get Rid of Black Mold

Black molds can cause severe respiratory problems, hence it is very necessary for everyone of us to know how to get rid of black mold. Read on to get tips on black mold removal.
Niharika Arya
Have you ever noticed black colored patch in the area where there is seepage and moisture? If yes, then it can be black mold. But what is a black mold? Black mold is a fungus which is black or dark green in color. It is also known as Stachybotrys, S.chartarum and S.atra.
It is caused due to the increased level of moisture at a particular place. It can grow anywhere in wood, ceiling, wall, leather item, etc. Researches show that they are toxic in nature, as they produce mycotoxins and can be dangerous to human beings.
This is the reason why every one of us should know the ways to get rid of black mold. There are solutions and precaution which if followed properly can help us in getting rid of this dangerous fungi.
Dangers of Black Mold
Black mold is a type of fungus. They release spores in the air which carry mycotoxins. These spores if inhaled can cause severe health issues. Let's find out the black mold health effects which if not taken care in time can even cause death.
  • Black molds are capable of causing allergies. The spores are so small that they get inhaled with the air which further gets mixed with the blood and can hinder the functioning of the body. They are very dangerous for the people suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems and become very active in the ones who have low immunity.
So, people who are allergic to mold, should take extra care.
  • If one comes in contact with the mold he/she can get skin rashes. These skin rashes can be noticed with redness in the affected area and excessive itching. In severe conditions, the skin will swell and will become tender to touch.
  • It can cause redness in the eye and you may observe itching in and around the eye.
  • Headache, upset stomach, difficulty in swallowing, itching mouth, etc. are some of the other effects of black mold.
How to Get Rid of Black MoldĀ 
Black mold can grow anywhere in the house like in shower, on walls, on wooden furniture, etc. But before starting the treatment you need to concentrate on few precautionary things so as to avoid the ill effects of the mold. Dust mask, gloves, exhaust fan, plastic bags, etc. are some of them.
Following are some of the mold removal methods.
  • You need to first check out the house and find out the places where they have grown. The growth of black mold is due to increased level of moisture.
  • Once you have found out the affected place, seal that room or place.
Once the room is sealed you can put up a dehumidifier in the room which can suck all the moisture. This will make the room dry. Apart from this if the problem is because of the water leakage then it needs to be repaired first.
  • Once these problems are fixed, you can start up with the black mold removal process. For this, you need to make a solution which can kill the mold as well as clean the place. Mix vinegar and detergent and prepare a solution with the help of water. Fill this solution in a spray bottle. Take one more spray bottle and fill it with plain water.
  • Now wear the gloves and mask and start spraying the prepared solution on the mold. Divide the entire affected area into small patches and then spray the solution. Complete one patch and then switch to another one. Keep proper ventilation and put on your exhaust fan.
  • Now scrub the black mold with the help of brush. Scrubbing will loosen the mold which can further be removed.
  • After scrubbing, wipe off the mold with the help of rag. Change the rags when they become saturated. Do not put or throw them anywhere. Place them in a plastic bag and dispose them in a proper place.
  • Now spray clean water on the area and then wipe it off with a rag. Clean it again with the dry rag and then dry it with the help of hair dryer. Repeat the same process in the entire black mold affected area. Once you are done with the cleaning process, dispose the gloves, mask, rags, etc. at a proper disposable place.
You need to be little careful after the clean up. Keep the area dry as little moisture can also result in the return of black mold. You can use air purifier or dehumidifier in order to get rid of the spores and moisture. So, keep your place dry and clean, it will automatically be free from black mold.
If you are worried about the black mold health risk, then don't worry at all as there are few black mold treatments which are very helpful. If you have respiratory problems then it will be better to take professional help instead of cleaning the molds on your own.
This will keep you away from the chances of getting affected by the spores. So, get rid of it before it spreads out to the rest of the house.