Mold is a fungus which grows from airborne spores, much like mushrooms and other fungi. These spores are literally all around us; but in most situations, these spores are not viable. Mold needs the right kind of conditions in order to germinate and grow.

When spores end up in surroundings which aren’t the moist, dark places which encourage the growth of mold, it is rarely a problem.
Black mold is one of the most common varieties of mold – not every type of black mold is a serious problem, but some types are toxic enough to be a serious health hazard. Since the potential for serious harm exists, black mold treatment should begin as soon as you see or suspect the presence of this mold in your home.

Treatment to eliminate smaller surface growths is a pretty simple procedure. Start by using a spray bottle filled with a mixture of water and bleach to mist the affected area. This will help kill the mold and more importantly, prevent spores from becoming airborne during the black mold treatment process and spreading to other areas of your home.

Follow this by thorough cleaning of the area using water and bleach and if desired, a little soap or detergent (do not use any cleaning products which contain ammonia – ammonia and bleach do not mix). Allow to dry and keep the humidity level of the room low, using a dehumidifier if necessary. Once it has dried, the treatment process is complete; but if this is a painted surface, you may want to repaint with a paint which has a mold inhibitor.
If the black mold you’re contending with happens to have grown beyond a superficial problem and is actually inside rather than on the wall or in another inaccessible spot such as inside of a ventilation or HVAC system, black mold treatment is not nearly as straightforward of a proposition.

The section of wall, floor or other surface where the mold has grown will have to be removed and the area sanitized to kill the mold and any spores. Sealing off the area and the use of exhaust ventilation and possibly air purifiers will probably be required. In a HVAC or ventilation system, the task becomes even more difficult. In these instances, the services of a certified black mold treatment professional are almost certainly needed. This is not a job for the layman due to the complexity of the job and the risk of spreading the mold to the rest of the home.

Whether a small growth of black mold on a surface which is a mere annoyance or a serious, extensive growth which threatens to damage the home or cause illness, black mold must be removed on sight and preventative measures taken to deprive this unsightly and sometimes highly toxic fungus from wreaking havoc.