Mould is something that no one wants in their home, but unfortunately it can be a very common occurrence.
Black mould is especially concerning, as it can be dangerous to your health.
So if you’re dealing with black mould in your home, how do you get rid of it?
There are a number of ways, and this blog post will explore some of them. So if you’re looking to find out how to remove black mould from your walls, the shower, or anywhere else in your home, read on!
What exactly is black mould?
We’ve all heard that black mould is bad for us, but what exactly is it?
Black mould, scientifically known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is a greenish-black mould that can grow on wood, paper, fibreboard, and other materials with a high cellulose content. It is typically found in homes and buildings that have been exposed to water or high humidity, as the mould requires moisture to grow.
What are the dangers of black mould exposure?
While most moulds are not harmful, black mould produces toxins called mycotoxins that can cause serious health problems in humans, including respiratory problems, and neurological problems.
Black mould is known to cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, headaches, skin rashes, and memory loss. It can release spores that can cause respiratory problems in some people, particularly those with allergies or asthma.
In extreme cases, black mould exposure can even lead to death.
So now that we know what black mould is and why it’s dangerous, let’s talk about how to get rid of it.
9 Tips for getting rid of black mould
If you are concerned about black mould in your home, there are a number of ways to get rid of it.
First things first: before starting the mould removal process, put on a pair of gloves and a mask to protect yourself from exposure. Inhaling mould spores can cause respiratory problems, so it’s important to take precautions.
- Use a mould remover. Many products on the market can remove black moulds, such as bleach or vinegar. Use a mould remover that is specifically designed for black mould removal.
- Scrub the area with a stiff brush to remove any remaining mould spores. Scrubbing the affected area will help to remove any remaining mould spores and prevent them from spreading.
- Dry the area completely. Once you have removed the mould, make sure to dry the area completely to prevent mould from returning.
- Disinfect the area with a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to kill any remaining mould spores. This will ensure that the mould does not return.
- Fix any water leaks. One of the main reasons black mould grows is because of moisture. If you have any water leaks in your home, fix them as soon as possible. Repair any water damage to prevent mould from returning in the future.
- Increase ventilation. Another way to prevent black mould is to increase ventilation in your home. This will help to reduce the moisture in the air and make it less hospitable for mould growth.
- Use a dehumidifier. If you live in an area with high humidity, using a dehumidifier can help to reduce the moisture in the air and prevent mould growth.
- Remove mouldy materials. If you find mould growing on any materials in your home, such as carpeting or drywall, you should remove these materials to prevent the mould from spreading.
- Clean regularly. Cleaning regularly with soap and water can help to remove mould spores that may be present in your home. Be sure to clean areas that are prone to mould growth, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
With these tips, you can get rid of black mould in your home and keep your family safe from its harmful effects.
Black mould removal: Step-by-step guide
If you think you may have black mould in your home, it’s important to act quickly to remove it. Mould can spread quickly, so it’s important to take action as soon as you notice it.
Follow these steps to remove black mould:
- Ventilate the affected area. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. If the mould is growing in a closed space, such as a closet or bathroom, use an exhaust fan to ventilate the area.
- Scrub the mouldy surface with a stiff brush. This will help to remove any loose mould spores.
- Clean the area with a mould remover. There are many products on the market that can remove mould, such as bleach or vinegar. Use a mould remover that is specifically designed for black mould removal.
- Dry the area completely. Once you have removed the mould, make sure to dry the area completely to prevent mould from returning.
- Disinfect the area with a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to kill any remaining mould spores and ensure that the mould does not return.
How to get rid of black mould in shower
The bathroom and shower are two of the most common areas where mould build-up can occur. Mould thrives in wet, humid environments, so it’s important to keep your shower clean and dry to prevent mould growth.
Here are some tips for getting rid of black mould in the shower and how to get rid of black mould in the bathroom:
- Use a mould remover. Many products on the market can remove mould, such as bleach or vinegar. Use a mould remover that is specifically designed for black mould removal.
- Scrub the mouldy surface with a stiff brush to remove any loose mould spores.
- Clean the area with a mould remover. We recommend using a store-bought cleaning product specifically made for mould removal. However, you can also use natural cleaning products, such as bleach or vinegar, for mould removal as well.
- Dry the area completely. Once you have removed the mould, make sure to dry the area completely to prevent mould from returning.
- Increase ventilation in the shower by opening a window or using an exhaust fan. This will help to keep the air moving and reduce moisture, which will make it less hospitable for mould growth.
- Clean your bathroom regularly. Cleaning your bathroom regularly will decrease the chances of mold build-up and will help you maintain a fresh, clean space.
How to get rid of black mould on walls
The walls are a common but dangerous place for black mould to grow. If left untreated, black mould can cause serious health problems for you and your family.
Here are some tips for getting rid of black mould on walls:
- Ventilate the affected area. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. If the mould is growing in a closed space, such as a closet or bathroom, use an exhaust fan to ventilate the area.
- Scrub the mouldy surface with a stiff brush to remove any loose mould spores and clean the area with a mould removal product, like RMR-141 Disinfectant and Cleaner or Wet and Forget Mould Remover.
- Dry the area completely. Once you have removed the mould, make sure to dry the area completely to prevent mould from returning.
- Disinfect the area with a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to kill any remaining mould spores and ensure that the mould does not return.
Note: If black mould is noticeable on the outside of your walls, there is a very high chance that it has infiltrated your insulation. We recommend that you contact a professional to have the insulation removed and replaced.
How to get rid of black mould around windows
Black mould can often be found around windows, as they are another common area where mould builds up. Though this is not as concerning as black mould on walls, it can still be dangerous if left untreated.
Here are some tips for getting rid of black mould around windows:
- Open the windows and doors. This will allow fresh air to circulate and help to ventilate the area.
- Like noted above, you’ll need to scrub the mouldy surface with a stiff brush to remove any loose mould spores and clean the area with a mould removal product. We recommend a strong cleaning spray like RMR-141 Disinfectant and Cleaner or Wet and Forget Mould Remover.
- Dry the area completely. Once you have removed the mould, make sure to dry the area completely to prevent mould from returning.
- Inspect the window seals and caulking. If the black mould is growing around the window, it’s likely that there is a problem with the window seal or caulking. Check for any cracks or gaps and seal them up to prevent moisture from coming in.
- Increase ventilation by opening the windows on a regular basis or using an exhaust fan when showering. This will help to keep the air moving and reduce moisture, which will make it less hospitable for mould growth.
- Clean your windows regularly. Regular cleaning is the best way to prevent black mould around windows. Make sure to clean your windows thoroughly at least once a week, using a mild soap and water solution. Wipe down the frame and seals, as well as the glass, to remove any dirt, dust or debris that could be providing food for mould spores.
Black mould removal, simplified
Cleaning black mould isn’t a fun task, but it certainly is a necessary one. If you suspect that black mould is present in your home, take action immediately to clean it up and prevent it from returning. By following the tips above, you can get rid of black mould quickly and safely – If there are other issues in your home causing allergic reactions, check out more of our cleaning tips for allergies.
Note: If you notice black mould in your home, Wecasa recommends calling in a professional to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Sometimes, black mould can be present in hidden areas, and attempting to clean it yourself could result in the spores spreading and causing further damage. A professional will be able to assess the situation and safely remove the mould without putting your family at risk.
FAQ about cleaning black mould
Can I remove black mold myself?
Yes, you can remove black mold yourself, but it is important to take the proper precautions to avoid spreading the spores and causing further damage. We recommend that you wear a mask and gloves when handling mould, and ventilate the area well to prevent the spores from spreading. If you are not comfortable removing the mould yourself, you can call in a professional to do it for you.
What is the best way to clean black mould?
The best way to clean black mould is to use a mould removal product, like RMR-141 Disinfectant and Cleaner or Wet and Forget Mould Remover. These products are designed specifically for removing mould and will kill the spores on contact.
Can black mould be killed with bleach?
Yes, you can kill black mould with bleach, but it is not the most effective method. Bleach will only kill the mold on the surface, but it will not remove the roots or prevent the spores from spreading. For this reason, we do not recommend using bleach to clean black mould.
Is black mould harmful?
Yes, black mould can be harmful to your health, particularly if you are allergic to mould spores. If you are exposed to black mould, you may experience symptoms like coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing. If you have a mould allergy, you should avoid contact with black mould and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms.
What kills mould permanently?
There is no one product that will kill mould permanently, but there are products that are designed specifically for mould removal. These products will kill the mould on contact and help to prevent it from returning.
I think I have black mould in my home, what should I do?
If you think you have black mould in your home, the first thing you should do is call in a professional to assess the situation. They will be able to determine the extent of the problem and recommend the best course of action. Sometimes, black mould can be present in hidden areas, and attempting to clean it yourself could result in the spores spreading and causing further damage. A professional will be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action and next steps to take.