How to Remove Black Mold Easily and Effectively

Damp walls are one of the problems faced by houses with poor air circulation. Damp walls also trigger the growth of mold, one of which is black mold.

Black mold is a type of mold that generally grows indoors. However, this mold is dangerous for you and your family if it is not immediately addressed. This article discusses effective ways to remove black mold. So, stick around until the end!

How to Remove Black Mold

Black mold is a type of fungus that can be airborne and inhaled by the occupants of a house. Characteristics of black mold include being black or dark green and appearing in damp areas. In addition, walls infested with this mold usually emit an unpleasant odor or peel. Moreover, this type of mold can also grow behind walls that are hard to see.

So, how to remove black mold? Here are some effective methods you can try:

1. Using Baking Soda

The first method you should try is using baking soda. You can mix one tablespoon of baking soda with enough water in a spray bottle.

Then, spray the baking soda mixture with water onto the black mold and gently scrub it. This mixture is not only effective in combating black mold but also neutralizes the unpleasant odor from the mold.

2. Using Bleach

Not only baking soda, you can also mix bleach and water in a ratio of 1:10, 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. After that, you can apply it to the moldy area and leave it for 10–15 minutes. Then, scrub it clean.

Because bleach is corrosive, be sure to wear gloves and open ventilation when applying it to the moldy area.

3. Using White Vinegar

White vinegar is also considered effective in removing this mold. You can spray white vinegar onto the moldy area and leave it for an hour. After that, scrub it clean and wipe it dry.

Things to Consider When Cleaning Black Mold

Since you will be using some products that contain chemicals, make sure to pay attention to the following tips for extra safety:

Wear a mask, gloves, and closed clothing when applying the ingredients above.
Ensure the area to be cleaned is out of reach of children.
Open windows or ventilation while cleaning the moldy area.
Wash all equipment used to clean the moldy area.
Avoid drying mold with a fan before cleaning to prevent the spread of mold spores.
Avoid scrubbing mold without a cleaner, as the spores can spread.
If black mold has damaged materials, it is best to discard that part and replace it with a new one.
These cleaning efforts should be accompanied by improvements in air quality and humidity levels in the home.

Why Black Mold Is Dangerous?

Black mold is an indoor fungus that can produce toxins called mycotoxins. When inhaled or in direct contact with the skin, mycotoxins can be harmful to the body. Here are some health risks that may arise from exposure to black mold in damp rooms:

1. Skin Irritation

Black mold on walls can irritate the skin upon direct contact, especially in individuals with mold allergies, allergic rhinitis, or those with sensitive skin. Some symptoms of skin irritation due to black mold exposure include flaky skin, itching, dryness, redness, and small fluid-filled bumps.

2. Respiratory Issues

Respiratory issues are one of the dangers of black mold that often occur. Residents of homes filled with black mold may experience coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, and a scratchy throat.

3. Eye Irritation

In addition to skin and respiratory irritation, black mold can also cause eye irritation. In this condition, several symptoms, such as watery, itchy, or red eyes, may appear.

Aside from these three main hazards, exposure to black mold at certain levels can also lead to fatigue, headaches, or sleep disorders. However, these symptoms also depend on the sensitivity of each individual exposed.

Causes of Black Mold

After knowing the dangers and ways to eliminate black mold, you may be wondering what causes black mold to appear in the house. Here are some causes of black mold that you should know:

1. Humid Rooms

One of the main causes of black mold is humid rooms with poor air circulation. Additionally, this fungus also appears in areas with insufficient air ventilation, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Rooms with high humidity are ideal growing places for black mold.

2. Flooding

Flooding is a natural disaster that is often unavoidable. If flooding enters the house and soaks walls, wood, carpets, or other items that can absorb water, those items will become damp and become a breeding ground for black mold.

3. Water Leakage

In addition to flooding, black mold can also appear on items affected by leaks or seepage, such as walls with cracks, pipes, or windows.

4. Lack of Natural Light

Homes with insufficient natural light tend to have high humidity, making it easy for black mold to grow on walls or items that can absorb moisture, such as wood.

You may easily find black mold nesting in areas like sinks, ceramic grout, ceilings, under stoves, damp walls, dirty air vents, air conditioners, or in the corners of showers. These spots are usually more humid or frequently exposed to water, making them conducive to mold growth.

How to Prevent the Growth of Black Mold

Not only how to remove black mold, you also need to prevent the growth of this fungus in your beloved home. Below are some tips to prevent black mold growing in your house:

Replace wet carpets or furniture to prevent them from becoming a breeding ground for mold.
Immediately repair leaks or damp areas.
Maintain the humidity in your home.
Ensure that the home has good air circulation and receives sunlight.
Regularly clean kitchen and bathroom areas to prevent mold growth.
Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen.
Use a dehumidifier if the humidity level in your home is quite high.
Use mold-resistant and water-resistant materials on the walls of your home.

That is all the information on how to remove black mold easily. Houses with optimal humidity and good natural lighting will have a lower risk of mold growth. Therefore, make sure to install sufficient air ventilation and provide access to sunlight.

Besides maintaining the humidity in the house, you also need to use materials that can protect the walls from water seepage, whether from underground, outside the building, or moisture inside the room. For this, make sure to use Semen Merah Putih Watershield!

By using Semen Merah Putih Watershield, your walls and concrete structures will be stronger, more durable, and require minimal maintenance. This product is very suitable for various needs, such as casting, brick laying, plastering, skim coating, and concrete slab construction.

If you are planning to build a house or another building, make sure to use quality materials like Semen Merah Putih Watershield! Contact us now for more information!