Tips for Easily Removing Black Mold
Gordon


Defined Tag: House mold.


If you find yourself faced with a large mold problem, cleanup can seem almost impossible. However, if you take advantage of a few tricks the pros use, you'll find that removing black mold isn't as difficult as you might think. The key is to be properly equipped and to work slowly and carefully. Rushed, haphazard work results in mold spores spreading to other parts of the home or building, which in turn only worsens the problem. Also, don't try to clean the mold yourself if you're allergic to mold OR if you're asthmatic. Doing so can be very unsafe.

The first and best tip for getting rid of mold is never to brush or blow the mold. This releases spores which take up residence on a new surface and grow into a new "crop" of mold. That's the one thing you want to avoid more than anything else except perhaps breathing in the mold spores. To go about removing black mold without spreading mold spores, first mist the mold with EITHER bleach diluted in water OR an ammonia based spray. Never combine bleach with ammonia, as they cause a dangerous and potentially deadly chemical reaction. Don't even use the two in the same room.
Spraying down the mold keeps the spores from rising as you clean. But soaking the mold is also a good way to get it loose from non-porous surfaces. If you have mold on fabric that can be removed and washed, such as curtains, spray it thoroughly before removing.

If the mold is on semi-porous material, such as tile grout, first spray it with bleach or ammonia based cleanser--again, never both--then scrub it free with an old toothbrush. Thoroughly wetting the area with bleach or ammonia is a good way of killing the mold and ensuring that any you overlook doesn't have a chance to grow and spread.

Removing black mold need not be difficult, if it's done carefully. The most important thing to remember is not to mix your cleansing agents.

Over time, you will begin to understand how these concepts really come together if you choose to venture into this subject further.