Black mold is a very common problem almost every person encounters throughout their life. It can be a serious threat to everyone living in your home. Symptoms of black mold could range from skin problems, to coughing and congestion to even developing asthma related issues.
It is best to deal with any mold infestations as quickly as possible to prevent any health and home damages. Be sure to wear the proper protective gear such as respirator and gloves when cleaning. It is always a good idea to also ventilate your work area while killing black mold as some of these chemicals are toxic indoors.
Here is a list of the 7 best ways to remove black mold from your home:
Ammonia
Bleach
Tea Tree Oil
Baking Soda
Hydrogen Peroxide
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Vinegar
Black Mold Removal with Ammonia
Always wear gloves and a respirator when working with ammonia based cleaning products. Never, ever, ever mix ammonia with chlorinated bleach.
Ammonia is a good disinfectant that does a good job of killing molds on non- porous surfaces such as sinks, counters, or shower doors.
However ammonia, like bleach does a pretty bad job at penetrating and killing porous surfaces such as particle boards, woods, tiles, etc. To kill molds on these types of materials, you need a solution that will penetrate to the root level.
There are many other mold agents that are up for the task and less harsh on you or the environment. A good alternative could be baking soda and vinegar.
If you do decide to use ammonia, here is what you’ll need to know:
Open nearby windows and doors to get good air circulation
Combine ammonia with water in a 1:1 ratio
Pour the mixture into a bottle with a spray nozzle
Spray the contaminated areas evenly and let sit for 5-10 minutes
Scrub the mold area with a small brush and wipe clean
Repeat as needed.
Black Mold Removal with Bleach
As mentioned before bleach will not be effective with porous materials such as grout (unsealed), woods, cements, etc..
It is extremely effective against no-porous surfaces and will kill almost all types of molds on contact.
On porous surfaces the chlorine in the bleach simply is not strong enough to penetrate to the root level of the molds. It actually leaves moisture behind creating the perfect environment for mold to regrow in.
Never mix bleach with ammonia, or vinegar.
Mixing bleach with vinegar will release toxic fumes in the form of chlorine gas that is extremely harmful if breathed in.
Knowing that, there are many other mold solutions that better at attacking porous surfaces and are also less harsh on you or the environment.
One good alternative could be baking soda and vinegar.
If you do decide to use bleach, here is what you’ll need to know:
Open nearby windows and doors to get good air circulation
Combine one cup of bleach to no less than 1 gallon of water- mix completely.
Pour the mixture into a bottle with a spray nozzle
Spray the contaminated areas evenly and let sit for 5-10 minutes
Scrub with sponge or bristled brush and wipe clean.
For larger areas you can use a HEPA filtered vacuum.
Do not wash out the area, let the bleach continue to disinfect the mold.
Repeat as needed.
Black Mold Removal with Tea Tree Oil
Getting rid of molds using treat tree oil has many advantages compared to using corrosive and toxic chemicals.
It’s a natural fungicide that is very effective at killing mold spores and ridding the smell of mildew throughout your home.
It can work both as a cleaner and prevention agent.
The only thing you have to be worried about when using tea tree oil is not to swallow it. It is toxic if ingested.
Here’s how you use it:
Combine 1 cup of water with 1 tsp of tea tree oil
Stir the mixture thoroughly and place into a spray bottle
Spay the contaminated area and wipe clean
If you don’t have a spray bottle feel free to use a towel to dampen the area
To use as a prevention, wipe along faucets and handles in your bathroom
Black Mold Removal with Baking Soda
Eliminating black molds with baking soda is another great green alternative that will satisfy your lungs and pocket.
Not only does it remove the odors from basements, fridges, and bathrooms, but it helps to prevent them too!
For lighter molds, mix baking soda with water 50/50 to form a paste.
Add this paste and let it dry on the contaminated areas
Once dry, scrub off with brush.
Use a HEPA vacuum to scrub off if cleaning larger areas
For smaller areas use 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to 2 cups of water
Use the same procedure as above, letting dry and then scrubbing off.
Reapply if needed
Black Mold Removal with Hydrogen Peroxide
Once of the best solutions for killing bacteria and spores is hydrogen peroxide. On the count of being extremely inexpensive and very efficient, it has my vote!
Unlike bleach or ammonia, hydrogen peroxide can be used on non-porous surfaces such as woods or cements.
Be aware that hydrogen peroxide is mild bleaching agent and can turn clothing different colors.
Here’s how it’s used in black mold application:
Mix a solution of 2 parts water and 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Place solution into a spray bottle
Apply on the contaminated areas and let dry for 5-10 minutes
Wipe clean let dry
Reapply if needed
Black Mold Removal with Grapefruit Seed Extract
Using this natural alternative is very similar to using the tea tree oil application. Its non-toxic, disinfects, deodorizes, and keeps everyone safe!
The acids in the extract continues to penetrate the mold after wiped off and also prevent future mold from coming back.
Grapefruit seed extract can also be used as a prevention tool. It has little to no odor, so daily or weekly use is accepted.
The only downside to using grapefruit seed extract is its costs. It will run a little more than all of the other methods. Health food stores usually carry this in the vitamins and supplements section.
Here’s how to get rid of black mold with grapefruit seed extract:
First mix 10 drops of the extract into a cup of water.
Pour the solution into a spray bottle and evenly mist the areas of contamination.
Allow the cleaning solution to dry on for at least 5-10 minutes.
You can let it soak for up to an hour for deeper stains.
Clean and wipe off remaining mold
Do not rinse off application
Reapply if necessary
Black Mold Removal with Vinegar
Vinegar is inexpensive and safe to use inside your home. Although a little smelly, it has mild acidic anti-bacterial properties that will stop most molds in its tracks.
Don’t worry, the smell goes away after a few hours!
For the low costs and being eco-friendly, vinegar is a great green alternative to bleach and ammonia.
Here’s how it’s done:
Either spray or pour vinegar on the affected areas. (No need for mixing anything here) Use a brush or rag to wipe clean.
If you see it’s not doing the job, try adding baking soda or hydrogen peroxide to the mixture.
In the event the mold contamination is too big to handle, be sure to call a mold remediation company to help.