How to Clean Black Mold from Surfaces at Home

Black mold is not only unsightly but can also potentially cause health problems. If the infestation covers a manageable area, you can have it cleaned on your own. Here is how to clean black mold the natural way.

Locate the source

Removing the black mold would be useless if you don't fix what is causing the growth in the first place. So, the first step is to locate the source of mold. Black mold is characterized by its slimy texture and dark-greenish or black color. It appears on materials with a high concentration of cellulose, including paper, gypsum board, and fiberboard.

Flooding and moisture from water damage, leaks, condensation are the most common causes of black mold growth. So make sure to check every corner, nooks, and crannies, and follow any musty scent. Once you have found the cause, then go ahead and fix it first.

Assess the extent of the infestation so you would know how much work would be needed. If the mold covers an area of more than 10 square feet, or if the growth is located in hard to reach areas, then consider hiring professional mold removal services.

After that, remove infested items such as books, carpet, mattresses, and pieces of furniture. As for the musty carpet, it is recommended to cut into sections—six by eight feet squares—for easy removal. Use a pump sprayer and mist the carpet's surface before double wrapping the sections. Wrap the plastic with duct tape before disposing of it.

Wear proper gear

Before you start with the removal process, you need to protect yourself. Bob Vila recommends wearing coveralls, safety goggles, face mask, and rubber gloves. Doing so will help reduce the risk of exposure to harmful substances.

Also, keep the room ventilated while you are working by opening windows. Turn the furnace and air conditioner as well. It is also suggested to seal off the room by covering the doorway with plastic sheeting taped to the wall and floor. Then cover air ducts with plastic and tape.

Removing black mold

Remember not to scrape off dry mold so as not to cause the toxic spores to go airborne.

You can use hydrogen peroxide at a three percent solution to kill the mold. You can also use baking soda, borax, tea tree oil, or white vinegar to make a mold-killing solution. Using a spray bottle, apply the solution onto the moldy area, and leave it for a few minutes.

Note: Do not mix ammonia with bleach to prevent exposing yourself to toxic fumes.

Use a nylon bristle brush to scrub the affected area and loosen the damp mold. Make sure that you work gently until there are no signs of mold. Once cleared, you can clean the area using old rags. Do not rinse the area with water to allow the treatment to continue protecting the area. Instead, re-apply the solution and let it air-dry.

Routinely check the area for any signs of reinfestation. Simply apply the solution to the affected area if you notice signs of mold resurgence.