Mold is a health hazard, and black mold may be the worst type of mold out there. Find out what makes black mold different from other types of mold, how to get rid of black mold, and best ways to prevent black mold in the home.
What is Black Mold?
Black mold is a fungus, like other types of mold. While there are many molds that are blackish in color, the dreaded black mold is greenish-black and produces toxins that compromise your health.
If there’s black mold in your home, you may have trouble breathing or experience frequent headaches. Coughing, wheezing, and increased infection are also symptomatic of black mold. Long-term, black mold exposure leads to weight gain, increased anxiety, memory loss, and hair loss.
Like other molds, black mold develops in the presence of moisture. It’s common in damp areas like basements, poorly ventilated attics, and around doors and windows. Your doctor can test you for black mold exposure and treat health issues.
How to Get Rid of Black Mold
You’ve got to find and remove the source of moisture to combat black mold. Wear long sleeves, pants, non-porous gloves, and a face mask, so you don’t get sick while cleaning mold.
Toss moldy items that can’t be cleaned, such as books and papers, as well as severely damaged furniture or carpets. Dry in the sun, since sunlight kills mold spores.
Open windows in the contaminated area, if possible, to allow in fresh air.
Wash all other fabrics and furniture using hot water and soap. Clean walls, floors, and hard surfaces with hot water and bleach.
How to Prevent Black Mold
Once you’ve gotten rid of black mold, take steps to prevent its recurrence.
Add dehumidifiers to damp areas like basements. Correct defects in home design that encourage mold, such as drafty windows or insufficient attic ventilation. If you’re replacing drywall that was contaminated with mold, use a mold-resistant drywall.
If rain water seeps in the home, check your slope and gutters. By replacing old gutters, cleaning clogged gutters, and diverting water away from the home with drainage solutions, you can stay safe and dry.
Let us help you prevent black mold. Whether it’s gutter repair, replacement, or cleaning, we can keep your home in great shape and reduce the chance of mold development. Find out more or request an estimate today.
