Black mold is a problem which is not terribly uncommon and while these fungal growths do not usually rise above the level of a nuisance, there are some types of black mold which are toxic to humans. Cleaning black mold is something which should be done immediately. The mold you see in your home may or may not be a health hazard, but it’s a gamble you shouldn’t be willing to take. There is no such thing as good mold in your home, so remove mold as soon as you see it and take preventative measures to make it harder for mold to grow in your home in the first place.

All molds need a damp and preferably dark area in order to germinate and grow. Mold spores are literally everywhere, but they can only grow under the right conditions. Deny mold a habitat in your home and mold growth is unlikely to be a problem for you. A few preventative measures and some routine maintenance can save you the unappealing task of cleaning black mold off your walls or ceiling later on, not to mention prevent damage to your home, your possessions and potentially even your health!

Mold won’t grow in a dry environment, so reducing the humidity level of your home and eliminating standing water should be your first priority whether you’re trying to stop black mold before it even starts or to eliminate an already established growth. A dehumidifier is a must if you live in a warm and humid climate; muggy summers are perfect for black mold to gain a foothold in your home. Any leaks and drips which offer moisture for mold to grow must be repaired. An air purifier can help to prevent the spread of mold by trapping airborne spores; these systems can be somewhat expensive, but are effective at reducing the growth and spread of mold.

Cleaning black mold once you’ve discovered a growth in your home is pretty straightforward as long as you’ve found it while it is still a superficial growth and has not penetrated beyond the surface. Mold which penetrates into walls, ceilings and floors and is allowed to grow undisturbed can eventually cause structural damage, so finding and eliminating black mold early is everything.

A thorough cleaning of the affected area with bleach and water is usually enough to kill the mold and its spores. You may want to mist the area with bleach and water mixture first to kill spores and reduce the number of spores which become airborne as you work to remove the mold before it can cause any damage to your home or present a health hazard to you or your family. You may want to repaint the surface (if possible) after cleaning, using paint with a mold inhibitor added to prevent a recurrence.

If black mold begins to grow on walls and surface areas, it’s easy enough to resolve the issue yourself. If you discover an extensive growth or one inside your HVAC system or inside your walls, you should seek out the help of a contractor who is experienced in cleaning black mold from homes. Black mold is at best unpleasant and at worst a serious health risk, so take care of it immediately to protect your home and your health.