How To Get Rid Of Black Mold At Home, From A Remediation Expert

Black mold (and mold, in general) is not something we want in our homes. The longer a mold colony exists inside, the more microscopic particles it will release into the surrounding environment.

These will then lower indoor air quality and contaminate surfaces within a home, allowing for a long list of potential health effects due to exposure. That's why any mold growth discovery should be handled the exact same way: quickly and correctly.

Colonies of mold can come in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures. When it comes to black mold, specifically, it's often dark in color (black, green, or brown) and will appear either fuzzy or slimy, depending on the specific species. This growth could pop up in areas such as the toilet tank, grout, windowsills, or underneath sinks.

The first step is to determine if you can handle the problem or if professionals need to be called in. A good rule of thumb is never to try to remediate areas that are larger than ten sq ft. by yourself.

The tricky aspect is that some mold issues can often be hidden behind or underneath surfaces. A good tip is to pay attention to any odors as well.

Mold growth often creates a damp, musty, earthy smell due to the release of gases called microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). If this is present, or you find visible water damage, there could be concealed mold present.

Repeat the process three times to ensure hard-to-remove particles (like mycotoxins) are actually gone. It's also a good idea to deep clean the surrounding area to remove any spores and mycotoxins that were released. Throw away the microfiber towel when finished, just in case.

If you find black mold on semi-porous surfaces, such as hardwood, the area needs an abrasive technique to remove the roots, the mold colony, and any byproducts released.

From there, a thorough remediation process can be used to eliminate the particles present, and then the surface should be sealed. This comprehensive process is necessary because if the roots are left behind, the mold can grow right back. On the other hand, if contaminants are still present, exposure will continue. As the EPA states1, even dead mold can trigger adverse health reactions.

For porous items like clothing, it's best to throw them away and start fresh with a new item to ensure all of the contamination is removed.

A large colony of mold will look relatively similar to a smaller colony. These issues are often caused by water damage that went undetected for some time. Flooded basements, sink leaks, windows installed improperly, holes in the attic, and gutter issues are a few examples. Common areas for growth include the basement, attic, crawlspace, behind grout, and underneath sinks.

When it comes to a bigger contamination problem, a qualified mold inspector and remediation team should be brought in to deal with the issue. They should be able to handle the issue properly and thoroughly so that the indoor environment is no longer toxic to those who are inside.

While it's possible to (carefully) remove some smaller sources of mold yourself, larger issues are best left to the professionals. That being said, a pound of prevention is worth an ounce of cure.