How to get rid of black mold – 6 expert tips to remove mold from your home (2023)

FAQs

How to get rid of black mold – 6 expert tips to remove mold from your home? ›

For a natural solution for getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.

'Bleach will kill mold spores growing across a hard surface, but if the mold has extended below the surface, then white vinegar is the best choice,' she says. 'The vinegar will penetrate to kill the mold and mildew at the root, preventing it from regrowing.

A popular chemical for killing mold is Concrobium Mold Control, which can be bought at big-box hardware stores. It's used by both pros and homeowners. We have used it and have found it to be effective.

Homeowners can handle cleaning about 10 square feet (roughly 3 feet by 3 feet) of black mold on their own. If the patch is small enough, a combination of bleach, water, scrubbing, and ventilation should do the trick. Before treating mold on your own, prioritize ventilation and protective gear.

Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.

Use a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup (8 ounces) household laundry bleach per 1 gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces.

It thrives in damp areas with a lot of cellulose, such as cardboard or paper items. Black mold is also present in some foods that are high in cellulose and low acidity (e.g., nuts). However, mold can grow in any warm, wet areas of the house such as basements, showers, crawlspaces, and especially on windows.

All contaminated surfaces will be vacuumed with a HEPA vacuum to trap the mold spores while releasing clean air, unlike traditional vacuum cleaners. Next, a professional will spray and wipe down the once contaminated surface with microfiber cleaning cloths.

While it is possible to use bleach to kill mold as well, experts agree that vinegar is a much better option. Unlike bleach, vinegar can effectively kill the mold at the root, which means it's less likely to return. Vinegar is also less toxic than bleach, making it a better choice for household use.

Hydrogen peroxide kills mold spore on contact by breaking down proteins and DNA. It's normally used to clean mold on porous and non-porous surfaces. Ionized hydrogen peroxide can kill mold spores in the air, but it requires the use of a special fogging machine.

What permanently kills mold? ›

Bleach kills virtually every species of indoor mold that it comes into contact with including mold spores which leaves a sanitized surface making it resistant to future mold growth.

The Bottom Line. Being exposed to black mold is dangerous for your household's health. Those with pre-existing respiratory conditions are the most vulnerable to the dangers of black mold, but it is harmful to everyone.

Black mold is a fungus that may cause your immune system to react. Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, congestion and eye irritation. It rarely causes serious illness or death but may worsen asthma symptoms.

Cleaning vinegar, which contains 6% acetic acid, is the best type for killing mold. White vinegar containing 5% acidity will also work just fine. If you don't already have some at home, white vinegar can be inexpensively purchased at most grocery stores.

Use 1 part bleach to 3 parts water, according to Sherwin-Williams. If you don't want to use bleach but do want something other than water, try vinegar, borax or branded products that you can find at a hardware store or home center, which also kill mold.

Without constant moisture, mold will become inactive but they never die unless you get rid of them completely. They can always come back to life in the presence of moisture and multiply rapidly causing serious health problems.

In such cases, a solution of diluted bleach provides the fastest way to kill mold on walls or flooring. Prepare the solution by adding one cup of bleach into a bucket that contains about a gallon of warm water. Then proceed to scrub the mold vigorously with a stiff-bristled brush you've dipped in the bleach solution.

For a natural solution for getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.

Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup.

Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.

What stops black mold from spreading? ›

To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home. Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. You can buy a meter to check your home's humidity at a home improvement store.

First things first. Bleach and mold do not mix on surfaces that absorb moisture. Spraying bleach on surfaces can actually contribute to the spread and growth of mold, especially on porous surfaces. You should never try to clean mold off walls.

Before mediating the mold, you need to find out the moisture source so you can address that issue, too. You can remove the black mold yourself in many instances. Then the black mold can be killed and removed with cleaners like bleach, distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or Borax.

Because of the dangers that black mold can present, it is recommended to hire a professional to complete the mold remediation process. A professional will have the proper equipment and training to safely and effectively remediate the mold.

The best thing for removing mildew and mold from walls is a bleach/water solution. Mix one part bleach to three parts water and apply it with a sponge or rag. There are also a number of commercial solutions available at your local True Value hardware store.

Let the vinegar sit for at least an hour. Using a brush with soft bristles, scrub the moldy surface until the mold comes off. If you're scrubbing a rougher surface you might need a thicker brush. Dry the area completely with a clean rag and throw away the used rag and brush.

To clean mold, use regular white distilled vinegar, typically sold with five percent acidity. You can also use “cleaning vinegar” with its six percent acidity. Both are effective at killing mold.

Black Mold Removal Using Vinegar

White vinegar is a mildly acidic product that cleans, deodorizes, and disinfects. It can also kill 82% of mold species, including black mold, on porous and non-porous surfaces. You can use it safely on most surfaces, and its offensive odor goes away quickly.

Termites. Mold releases mycotoxins into the air—these draw termites to the area. As the damp conditions cause wood to rot and deteriorate, it becomes easier for termites to penetrate the wood and eat away at it.

Also, you risk causing damage to the area beneath the mold when you leave the vinegar to sit on it for too long. So when it comes to removing mold with vinegar, it's best to avoid leaving it overnight and stick with the 30 minutes to 1 hour sitting time.

How long does it take to get sick from mold exposure? ›

In some cases, people may experience symptoms of mold sickness immediately after exposure, while others may not notice any effects for weeks or even months.

Using vinegar is another effective way to clean mold in your home. However, it's important not to mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together. Hydrogen peroxide is known to react with vinegar to create peracetic acid , which is a toxic substance that can irritate your eyes, skin, or lungs.

Differences Between Mold and Mildew

Mold tends to have a higher profile and can even become fuzzy, while mildew is usually flat. Mold exhibits darker colors such as deep green and black; mildew may begin as white, then turn brown or gray.

On almost all wood surfaces, distilled white vinegar is a very efficient method to kill mold effectively. It will go through the wood and kill the fungus at its source. Painted or stained wood can be cleaned with a cleaning solution of warm water and dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent.

It is also very important that there is adequate ventilation in the room. Open a window or door so the mold spores can escape, instead of staying locked in your home.

If the mold damage is located in your living room, kitchen or the bathroom, the experts will recommend you to find alternative lodging for the time being. Also, if you have infants and elderly people at home or have family members with a weak immune system, you should probably leave your home for a while.

These symptoms usually first appear 2 to 9 hours after exposure and last for 1 to 3 days. Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss.

Do air purifiers help with mold? Air purifiers help capture mold spores from the air, preventing them from reproducing and spreading throughout your home. While air purifiers won't help treat active mold that's already present on surfaces, they are a great way to control the spread of airborne mold particles.

Black mold, as the name implies, is often dark in color. When searching for black mold, look for circular-shaped spots that are black, dark green or dark brown. Some black mold can also take on shades of orange or have flecks of white within it. Most of the time, black mold has a slightly furry appearance.

What do professionals use for mold? ›

A popular chemical for killing mold is Concrobium Mold Control, which can be bought at big-box hardware stores. It's used by both pros and homeowners. We have used it and have found it to be effective.

Hydrogen peroxide can remove mold.

However, it's also a powerful mold killer, especially with solutions that have more than 3 percent of hydrogen peroxide concentration. Hydrogen peroxide is best used on porous and non-porous surfaces, including clothing, bathroom items, and even kitchen appliances.

Using White Distilled Vinegar to Kill Mold

White vinegar is most commonly found with 5% acidity and works best undiluted, so don't worry about mixing it with water first.

Mold can be very difficult to completely scrub away. But as long as the mold has been properly disinfected, there is no need to remove all visible mold inside of the walls. The walls will eventually be closed up with drywall. Also, the encapsulating coating will cover up much of the visible mold.

Vinegar. White distilled vinegar is an affordable, natural solution to removing black mold. Its antibacterial acidic characteristics are exactly what you need to get the job done. Pour the undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle to apply to the area, or just go for it and pour that vinegar right onto the mold stains.

Covering mold with paint is a waste of resources because the mold will continue to thrive and grow underneath. Eventually, the paint will bubble and peel off, and the mold will be exposed once again. Mold and mildew are an indication of potential moisture issues that need to be remediated before painting the surface.

Getting rid of black mold with white vinegar

'Bleach will kill mold spores growing across a hard surface, but if the mold has extended below the surface, then white vinegar is the best choice,' she says. 'The vinegar will penetrate to kill the mold and mildew at the root, preventing it from regrowing.

Extreme temperatures do not kill mold, but they can deactivate them. Even when temperatures drop below freezing, mold spores don't die; they simply become dormant and will begin to multiply and grow again as soon as the temperature rises.

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include: Nasal and sinus congestion. Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes. Wheezing and difficulty breathing.

The only effective way to permanently get rid of mould problems is by reducing the build-up of moisture in your home. This can only be achieved through better ventilation.

How do professionals remove mold? ›

All contaminated surfaces will be vacuumed with a HEPA vacuum to trap the mold spores while releasing clean air, unlike traditional vacuum cleaners. Next, a professional will spray and wipe down the once contaminated surface with microfiber cleaning cloths.

Black mold can cause health problems, so it is not advisable to live in a house with black mold. If you must stay in your house while black mold is being removed, make sure to seal off any areas where black mold is present and avoid coming into contact with it.

Mold spores stay airborne indefinitely. While in the air, they remain in a dormant state until they come into contact with wet or moist surfaces, at which point they may start growing into visible mold.

White vinegar is a mildly acidic product that cleans, deodorizes, and disinfects. It can also kill 82% of mold species, including black mold, on porous and non-porous surfaces. You can use it safely on most surfaces, and its offensive odor goes away quickly. Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle.

The main reason mold can return after removal and abatement services is that the cause of the mold growth is not dealt with. Mold grows and thrives in damp environments. If you have underlying moisture issues that are not addressed, mold can return after removal and abatement services.

While it is possible to use bleach to kill mold as well, experts agree that vinegar is a much better option. Unlike bleach, vinegar can effectively kill the mold at the root, which means it's less likely to return. Vinegar is also less toxic than bleach, making it a better choice for household use.

Use undiluted white vinegar on hard surfaces in kitchens and baths. A bleach solution also works to kill mold. Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water, apply to the surface and don't rinse. Mix a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water.

Because of the dangers that black mold can present, it is recommended to hire a professional to complete the mold remediation process. A professional will have the proper equipment and training to safely and effectively remediate the mold.

Respiratory Irritation — Extended exposure to black mold spores can cause respiratory irritation, including coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath. Difficulty Breathing — High mold levels can make breathing difficult, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory issues.

Mold Is Bad for Your Health

Mold can cause detrimental effects on human health, especially for children or people with pre-existing health conditions. Asthma is the most common health issue associated with long-term indoor mold exposure. Adults who live in moldy homes are up to 50 percent more likely to develop asthma.

Is it bad to sleep with black mold? ›

Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.