What does black mold look like? How dangerous is the mold and how to get rid of them, this article covers mostly all the information you need on black mold!
What Is Black Mold?
Black mold is a type of microfungus with a greenish-black appearance. It flourishes on moist building materials having cellulose-rich content such as fiberboard, paper, wallpaper, and gypsum board. Black mold emits spores and produces a wide range of mycotoxins, responsible for certain health issues. The common names of black mold are:
- Stachybotrys chartarum
- Toxic black mold
What Does Black Mold Look Like?
Black mold has a sticky, dark greenish-black, and soot-like appearance that is generally present in flooded or water-damaged buildings. It also emits a very distinctive and putrid odor. Black mold can not only make your home look ugly but it also makes the place less habitable.
How Dangerous is Black Mold?
Contrary to popular belief that black mold causes memory loss, listlessness, inability to focus, lung bleeding in infants, and headaches, this research proves that black mold is not responsible for these conditions. However, people sensitive to mold exposure can develop the below symptoms:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Nose stuffiness
- Red or itchy eyes
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
When exposed to toxic black mold, people with asthma and a vulnerable immune system can suffer from serious health-related issues.
How to Get Rid of Black Mold?
Despite the type of mold, it’s vital to remove them from your home due to hygiene and health reasons. Try the below natural ways that are only effective against mild to moderate black mold infestation, and don’t forget to wear hand gloves and a face mask. If you’re facing a major mold issue, homemade remedies will not be effective and you’ll have to hire a professional expert.
Home Remedies for Black Mold
1. Tea Tree Oil Solution
Being a natural fungicide, tea tree oil eliminates black mold and prevent it from coming back. Combine two tsp of tea tree oil and two cups of water into a spray bottle. Spritz it all over the moldy area and wait for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush. Wipe the treated space with a damp cloth and let it dry properly.
2. Try Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar takes out the mold in no time, thanks to its mild acidic content named acetic acid. Pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar into a spray bottle. Coat the moldy area with vinegar and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Spritz the solution again on the spot, scrub with a clean rag, and let it dry. Redo the process if needed.
3. 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
The anti-fungal properties of hydrogen peroxide make it the best tool against black mold. Pour two parts of water and one part of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Shake it well and spray on the moldy spot. Wait for 5-10 minutes, scour with a soft-bristled brush, and wipe with a dry cloth. Don’t use this method on wallpapers as it can damage them.
Keeping Mold From Growing Indoors
Here are some preventive measures that help you to keep black mold from growing indoors.
- Tidy up your home on a regular basis, especially those areas, which are prone to mold.
- If you are doing any moisture increasing chores like bathe, cook, and shower, then leave your door and windows open.
- Run a dehumidifier to maintain the indoor humidity between 30-50 percent, as black mold flourishes in extreme moisture.
- Avoid carpeting bathrooms, kitchens, and basements to prevent mold growth.
- Fix pipes or groundwater leaks as soon as you notice the leak.
- Don’t leave old books, newspapers, or woods lying unused for a longer period, as their cellulose content can attract mold growth.
- Repair roofs and wall leakages to reduce moisture levels.
- Install exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen to improve ventilation.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the mold’s color and type, removing it from your house is a significant task. If you’re exposed to toxic black mold, then speak to your doctor or allergist at the earliest. Besides, check out this helpful article to get rid of mold from your clothing.