Exactly as it sounds, black molds are menacing. It is scientifically referred to as Stachybotrys Chartarum. They are some of the most regular types of mold that can be found in a home.
These molds are toxic, and there are simple ways to attempt to prevent them from wreaking total havoc on a person’s immune system.
They Like To Grow On These Places
On a general note, black mold is regarded as a type of fungus that could either be black or dark green in color. They have a musty yet mildew like smell. It has the tendency to grow actively on surfaces that consist of lots of cellulose like:
- Wood
- Gypsum board
- Paper
- Fiberboard
Black mold usually prefers warm and damp environments, and whenever the conditions are perfect, it grows perfectly. The molds frequently thrive in humid areas of the house like:
- Shower cubicles
- Bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
Also, black mold may follow a flooding or burst pipe, it can grow quickly in places like between the layers of walls and under carpets or floorboards and really dark areas in a home such as a basement.
Can Black Mold Make One Sick?
Black mold is not entirely dangerous in themselves. However, they can release toxins that are harmful to the environment. When a person inhales these released toxins, they may likely result in some health effects and symptoms.
Thus, people that have lung diseases or a weak immune system are more likely to experiencing some problems caused by black mold. Some of these health effects take place as a result of exposure to black mold. The health problems begin with respiratory effects.
Symptoms Of Black Mold
Before individuals start flying off the handles, they should make sure the molds they can see is the regular black mold. The simplest way to identify molds is to view the color. Molds are of different colors, and they include:
- Orange
- Green
- White
- Black
- Red
If the color is not black, then it is not black mold. The other molds can be treated easily with a bleach solution. However, if you are not sure, you can call an expert instead of handling a prospective dangerous substance all by yourself.
Some of the known symptoms are:
- Irritation to the eyes
- Skin irritation
- Chronic sneezing and coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Rashes
- Constant headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Nose bleeding and bleeding in the lungs
- Chronic fatigue
- Mucus building up in the throat and nose
What To Do When You Find Black Mold
The moment you find black mold in your home, it is advised not to disturb them. Should they be disturbed or harmed, they release thousands if not millions of mycotoxins into the air and thus, contaminating the whole house.
However, you should discuss with a black mold removal service quickly because it is critically risky to try killing or removing the molds all by yourself.
Safest Way To Remove Black Mold
Toxic black mold should be removed by expert mold removal services experienced in the removal procedure. The right methods of toxic black mold removal are essential to contain the spread of mycotoxins and spores.
Once you sight molds in your home, act quickly, and not ignore the problem as it will only get worse if not removed immediately.
Each day you spend in a surrounding with black mold could prospectively cause you long term health problems that are toxic and cause permanent damages.
Some people underestimate the damages that toxic molds make to their health until it is too late. Toxic molds are not to be joked with as sometimes they eventually lead to death.
Professional Mold Removal Service
Professional mold removal services have advised that it is best to move the belongings in a home to a temporary location until every mold is removed, especially when you suffer from some toxic symptoms.
You are to only get back in your home when the expert toxic black mold removal service has fully contained and fixed the issue.
Also, there is the possibility that the belongings you move out may as well contain mycotoxins.
Generally, it is much harder to remove mycotoxins than mold spores. Basically, mycotoxins are actually highly resilient and can as well take lots of years for them to break down naturally.
Note that there are times that mycotoxins have been found in humans after nine years the person exposed to mycotoxins. This is one reason why black molds must be contained with its mycotoxins properly.
Seven Ways To Kill Black Mold By Yourself
Black mold is the black stain that corrodes the surfaces of your home and affects your health. It not only smells bad, but it also looks horrible and can potentially make your entire family sick.
The molds do not come out easily, and we need to use bleach immediately to start removing them. Several mold remedies will keep the problem under control and get rid of it.
Here are a few ways to kill mold without damaging the environment or putting your family at risk:
Black mold removal with tea tree oil
You can easily eliminate black mold with tea tree oil, which has several advantages over corrosive agents like bleach and ammonia cleaners. Although tea oil is more expensive than bleach and ammonia, it is safer for your family.
With a little amount of tea tree oil, you can effectively get rid of mold, and your lungs will undoubtedly appreciate it.
As a natural fungicide, tea tree oil is effective in killing black mold spores, and getting rid of mold in your home. It will work both as a cleaner and as a fungus prevention agent.
What is good is that it works as a non-cleansing agent because it has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Use only the quantities mentioned on the label and not more.
Make sure not to ingest tea tree oil as it is toxic if ingested. When working, wear gloves as this can cause mild skin irritation if it comes in contact with the skin.
Black Mold Removal With white Vinegar
Try using distilled white vinegar to remove black mold it is inexpensive and a great eco-friendly alternative when you are working on cleaning small mold designs in your home.
Although it may emit a distinct smell, it is very useful. Vinegar has mild acid properties that can be safely used for the daily cleaning of molds.
It also has an antibacterial agent that is good at removing black mold from bathrooms and kitchen sinks. You would have to endure the unpleasant smell that vinegar emits when cleaning the mold for a short time.
But it dissipates in a few hours. Vinegar is also a fantastic eco-friendly alternative at a low price.
Black mold removal with baking soda
Another innovative method is to use baking soda as an excellent green cleaning agent.
Baking soda does a great job at eliminating black mold and odors.
In addition to vinegar, baking soda is a great way to clean your home in a natural and extremely safe way, especially if you have pets and children in your home.
In addition to eliminating odors from refrigerators, sodium bicarbonate can be effectively used in basements, cabinets, and toilets to prevent mold odor.
Black Mold Removal With Hydrogen Peroxide
Eliminate black mold with hydrogen peroxide. It is a greener alternative to the chlorine bleaching agent.
It is not harmful to the environment. In addition, since it is non-toxic, it leaves no residue after use. The solution is cheap and does not produce toxic gases.
Unlike bleach and ammonia, it can be used to remove mold from porous materials such as walls and clothing.
However, hydrogen peroxide can be used as a mild bleach and also identify test areas that need to be cleaned first with excessive bleaching.
Black Mold Removal With Borax Chemical
Use Borax, a chemical widely used in household products, such as a household cleaner.
This has properties similar to fungicides and herbicides that combat mold. You can deodorize, disinfect and clean the mold area and completely counteract the mold.
Borax should not be consumed because it is toxic; it does not release fumes or toxic gases that require you to wear a mask.
It is a non-carcinogenic agent that can be classified as a mild skin irritant. You should wear protective gloves during handling.
Black mold removal with Bleach chemical
Bleach can kill virtually all mold species coming into contact, as well as its spores, leaving a sanitized surface that is resistant to future mold growth.
The bleach releases black vapors, so make sure the area is well ventilated before beginning. During the process, you should also wear gloves to protect your hands.
To remove mold with bleach, use a ratio of 1 cup bleach per liter of water.
Apply the solution on non-porous surfaces with mold growth, either with a spray bottle, a bucket and a sponge or cloth.
After that, you do not need to rinse the surface later (unless it is used for food preparation or a surface that can be touched by children or pets); because the bleach will prevent the formation of mold in the future.
Black Mold Removal with Ammonia chemical
Like bleach, ammonia will kill mold on non-porous hard surfaces such as glass or tiles, but it is not effective in killing mold growth on porous materials such as wood or plaster walls.
When using ammonia, it is a powerful and toxic chemical.
Never mix ammonia with bleach because the gas they create when combined is toxic.
Although ammonia can kill surface mold, dead mold and fungal spores are still allergenic. So you have to be sure to eliminate them later.
Prevention Of Mold
The ideal plan to keep molds out of the house is to take immediate action before you find yourself paying for mold remediation or endangering your health. Some of the ways to prevent it include:
- Keep your home dry as it prevents the mold from ever-growing. You can place dehumidifiers in the basement, place ceiling fans in bathrooms as a good airflow can enhance the chances of keeping the molds away.
- It is essential to take off the already affected materials when you use mold remediation.
- Do not bring in the old woods or objects that are porous from outside. This is because most spores actively grow on everything, and then it can go really wild when brought inside the home.
