Black mold is a toxic substance that can be found in many homes. Regardless of where you find the mold it needs to be killed and cleaned as it can cause serious health issues. When you know how to spot black mold it is easier to kill it, remove it and prevent it.
One place you normally find mold is under the kitchen sink, on shower curtains, in attics, basements and other place where you might find moisture or water damage. Black mold loves dark, moist areas. It thrives in such environments. This is why you should always repair any water leaks or damage in your home.
A musty smell in your home often means that you have some sort of mold. It is pretty common to find it in your basement or attic where there is moisture or water leak. You also might notice it when your heat or air conditioner is running as it might be in your air ducts. If you see a brownish or yellowish color forming on your drywall or ceiling then you may have mold. Cracked or peeling paint might also be a sign that there is mold.
Dd you find mold? It needs to be killed. Your first objective is to find where the moisture or water is coming in. Is there a water leak in your basement or roof? This needs to be fixed otherwise mold will be a continual problem. Close off the room where you found the mold with plastic and tape. This will prevent mold spores from spreading through the home. Cover up the air conditioner vents so the spores don’t travel through them.
Wear plenty of clothes so all skin is covered. Use gloves, eye protection as well as a breathing mask. You do not want to breathe in mold spores. You can get very sick. Also, dispose of the clothing that you are wearing while cleaning up mold. Seal it up in a bag. Follow the specific directions of the mold cleaner that you are using.
Is the job too big for you to handle? If so, hire a professional mold remediation company. They are experts and will generally do a better job than you will. Often times people use a rule of thumb of 10 x 10. If the black mold covers more than this size then you probably need to bring in an expert.
Finally, you need to prevent mold from growing in the future. Fix any water intrusion or moisture problems. Mold requires this to really thrive so if you remove it then you won’t have a problem. Control your humidity levels with your air conditioner and a humidistat. Don’t let humidity go above 55%. Plenty of air flow, sunshine and low humidity will keep mold in check.
Slade Tanner gives tips on how to get rid of mold
Tags: black mold, black mold removal, cleaning mold, home, House, how to get rid of mold, mod remediation, mold, Mold Removal, toxic mold, water damage