Finding black mold in your home can be daunting, and if you don’t fix it right away, it can pose serious health risks in the long-run. Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, grows best where it is very damp and muggy, and it can spread quickly if it is not caught and controlled. That said, this easy three-step guide will walk you through what to do if you find black mold in your home.
1: Identify the Source and Cause
The first thing that needs to be done to get rid of black mold is to properly identify its cause. Black mold usually grows in damp places like bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and around windows and looks like black or dark green spots. Check for mold, a musty smell, and signs of water damage. If you’re unsure if it’s black mold, you might want to use a mold testing kit or hire a professional to assess.
2: Remove it Properly, While Wearing PPE (Not a DIY Project)
As soon as you find black mold, it’s important to get rid of it safely and properly. You can clean up small infestations – less than 10 square feet – by yourself if you really feel up to it. But there are many, many cases where this is not a good idea: Such as if you don’t know what caused the mold, aren’t sure how large or extensive the mold growth is, or if it behind walls, under flooring, in attics, etc. Also, if you or someone in the home is pregnant, nursing, an infant, elderly, or immunocompromised, you should never DIY black mold removal. To keep from breathing in mold spores, wear safety gear: gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask. It 9 out of 10 cases, it is best to hire a professional mold removal company to deal with black mold.
3: Take Preventative Measures
If you find black mold in your home, it’s best to remove it properly and take measures to prevent it from recurring. Find and fix any leaks, improve the air flow, and use dehumidifiers to keep the space dry. Make sure that places with a lot of wetness, like bathrooms and kitchens, have good airflow as well. Check for signs of wetness and mold on a regular basis, and if you see any problems, act right away.
