Mold is one of those unavoidable facts of life; the air around us is teeming with mold spores. Most of the time, mold is nothing to worry about, since it’s only when these spores manage to take hold in a dark, damp area that they can grow. However, mold does crop up in nearly every home from time to time and while mold is always unsightly, some varieties can present a health hazard. Black mold is one of the most common types of mold you may run across in the home. However, black mold is also one of the potentially most toxic. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of how to get rid of black mold if you find it growing in your home.

Not all varieties of black mold are a health hazard. However, since it’s nearly impossible for the layman to know the difference between them by sight and all of these molds are unattractive and can damage the surfaces they grow on, you’ll want to remove these molds as soon as possible.

It’s a good idea to check your home regularly for signs of mold growth. Black mold can grow in any part of your home, so give every room a thorough inspection, from basement to attic. Mold requires moisture in order to grow, so anywhere in your home which tends to have standing water (such as some older basements) or a high humidity level are the most likely places to find black mold. If you live in an area with an especially humid climate, investing in dehumidifiers is a good idea.
But what about how to get rid of black mold once you spot it in your home? The first step is to get rid of any standing water, fix leaky pipes or anything else needed to deprive the mold of moisture. The quicker you do this, the less the mold can spread and the easier it is to get rid of. If you catch mold when it’s just starting to grow, you can often prevent it from doing any real damage.

Since mold spreads through airborne spores, you’ll need to keep the spores from contaminating the rest of your home while you remove it. Before you begin the process of mold removal, seal off the area using plastic sheeting and duct tape. If there’s a window nearby, use a fan to direct air outdoors and if you have an air purifier, this can help to trap any spores which escape while you work.

Start by dampening the area with a mister. Plain water or a solution of water with a small amount of bleach (if this won’t damage the surface further) or white vinegar will do nicely. This will reduce the chances of spores becoming airborne. Follow by thoroughly cleaning the affected area with soap and water, then use a disinfectant (again, bleach works well) to kill any remaining spores. Disinfect the entire area to take care of any stray spores and discard your cleaning materials and plastic sheeting in a well sealed bag. If there’s a window, it’s best to throw this bag outside to reduce the risk of spreading mold spores to the rest of your home.

Knowing how to remove black mold is something every homeowner should know. These tips will take care of surface black mold growth; if it has penetrated deeper, you may need the services of a professional to eliminate this ugly, structurally damaging and sometimes very toxic form of mold.