Pick a language
English flag Italian flag Korean flag Portuguese flag German flag French flag Spanish flag Japanese flag Russian flag Greek flag Dutch flag                               
How to get rid of stuff » Household » How To Get Rid of Black Mold
 

How To Get Rid of Black Mold

November 21st, 2009 by admin
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (4)
Loading ... Loading ...
Republish     Print This Guide Print This Guide     Email This Post Email This Post        
 

It is perhaps not an exaggeration to say that among the most common and potentially annoying problems someone can have in their house is mold. It's disgusting to look at, unsanitary, and it creeps up in places that are either hard to reach (but in plain sight) or in areas where you don't normally notice. So when a visitor happens to drop by your house for a couple of days and they happen to see the molds growing in your, say, basement, they'll have an expression that is akin to being in a leper colony. As if that's not enough, some mold can pose a risk to your health.


Hazard Classes of Molds

In several countries, there is a hazard class system that places mold into categories based on its health risks to you. They are broken down into three classes: class A, B, and C.

Class A is classified as hazardous to your health either due to a risk of infection or creation of toxins. If found in homes or workplaces, Class A molds should be removed immediately. Examples of this type of class include Aspergillus and Stachybotris molds.

Class B is classified as mold that can cause allergic reaction, especially if the person is exposed to it over a long period of time. Molds that fall in this category include Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Ulocladium.

Class C molds are not known to create any health problems or risks to humans. The molds in this category can still potentially cause structural damage to things that they are growing on too, though, so they should still be removed. Some of the molds in this category are also found in Class B, depending on the species. The molds in this category include Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Ulocladium.

If you're unsure what kind of classification the mold in your house is (or if it is, in fact, a mold), there's a very simple way to go about finding out. Get a perfectly clear cellophane-type scotch tape and stick it into the mold. Then put it inside a Ziploc bag, making sure it's sealed tight, and send it to a laboratory to be analyzed. Don't worry, as there are a lot of laboratories that will be able to provide this service.


Black Mold and Getting Rid of It

Black mold is perhaps one of the most common and most unsightly of all the molds you can find in your house. Media sensationalism has caused much confusion and fear about black molds. The fact is not all black molds are toxic; in fact, there may be more non-toxic black molds than there are toxic. Strachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus niger are two of the black molds that are toxic. Areas where black mold can be found include water-soaked ceilings, wall paneling, cardboard, and even cotton items. It can also be found in insulation and drywall and can infest almost all parts of your house.

If you have a black mold infestation in your house, there are several steps you can take to combat and remove the problem:

  • Resolve extra moisture in the area. The most important step in getting rid of black mold is to make sure that there is no extra moisture in the area. Moisture is required to begin the decaying process that is caused by the mold. If the moisture is caused by a water leak, then identify and fix the leak before you can even start removing the mold, otherwise, it will make a comeback. Remove any standing water in the area, then dry it. You can use mops but a vacuum works fine as well. If the room has relatively high humidity (55% or higher), then you might want to invest in a dehumidifer. To find out the humidity of the area, use the moisture meter of a hygrometer.

    The quicker you address the moisture issue, the easier it will be to remove the mold, and the less damage it will bring. Remember that it only takes about 24 to 48 hours for mold to germinate and grow. Removing extra moisture will greatly help in stemming the problem.

  • Minimize the dust and then seal off the area. Prevent the mold spored from spreading by containing each area being cleaned while minimizing dust, a primary means of transport for mold spores.

    For containment, clean each room or area one at a time, separately. Seal it off as best as you can before you start cleaning. This way, even if the mold stirs up and becomes airborne, it will not be spread to other areas of the building. To seal the area, just use plastic sheeting sealed with duct tape to cover exit points like doorways, vents, and other openings. Also, if possible, place an exhaust fan next to a window or door that is open to the outdoors. Doing so will create negative pressure that will direct air flow outside.

    Minimizing dust will prevent spores from becoming airborne and reduce the risk of exposure while you're cleaning. Use an air purifier to minimize the airborne particulates and dust.

  • Remove the mold. To remove the mold, mist with water first. If it's too dry, then the mold spores may become airborne during the cleaning process. Use soap to remove as much of the mold as possible and then, use a disinfectant to kill any mold spores left behind. Make sure that you thoroughly clean the area, even if no mold is visible; mold spores are microscopic and they can remain dormant for months or years.

    Upon removal of the mold, dry the area thoroughly.

    • Put the molds in plastic bags and throw them away. When you go out and clean other areas of the house that are infested with mold, don't carry the bags with you, even if you're sure they're tightly sealed. They may still spread the spores. Instead, throw the bags via the window or other openings leading outside. They can then be properly disposed of in landfills.

    Ask a question


    Powered by Ask A Question



      Other Articles of Interest


       

       
      1. janett king Says:
        March 14th, 2009 at 7:47 am

        My daughters house has lots of black hairy mold and it smells fishy.
        The wall has been constantly cleaned with a bleach and water mixture and other products for mold or mildew but it still comes back. She has a young baby and i am worried for their health. Also they have only lived there for a couple of months and the house(its an old house) was newly plastered before they moved in ,could the mold be surviving under the plaster?



       






      Copyright © 2008 by howtogetridofstuff.com