White distilled vinegar is an affordable, natural solution to removing black mold. Its antibacterial acidic characteristics are exactly what you need to get the job done. Pour the undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle to apply to the area, or just go for it and pour that vinegar right onto the mold stains.
Cleaning mould is not a permanent solution. Unless you tackle the cause of the mould it will grow back quickly.
To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home
Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. You can buy a meter to check your home's humidity at a home improvement store.
Treat the Area
For a natural solution for getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.
When searching for black mold, look for circular-shaped spots that are black, dark green or dark brown. Some black mold can also take on shades of orange or have flecks of white within it. Most of the time, black mold has a slightly furry appearance.
Hydrogen peroxide kills mold effectively on materials such as clothing, floors, bathroom fixtures, walls and items such as kitchen appliances. Pour 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
Don't Disturb Mold
The dark or black spots on surfaces are the pores that absorb more moisture and release spores into the air, negatively impacting air quality. Avoid poking mold or distributing it unnecessarily until you have the proper cleaning supplies and PPE.
If you have mold allergies, black mold can make you sick. Black mold produces spores, which can enter the air. Molds also produce microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which create an unpleasant “moldy” or musty smell. If you have allergies, you can have allergy symptoms from the spores or mVOCs.
While it is possible to use bleach to kill mold as well, experts agree that vinegar is a much better option. Unlike bleach, vinegar can effectively kill the mold at the root, which means it's less likely to return. Vinegar is also less toxic than bleach, making it a better choice for household use.
While it's tempting to think interior house painting or exterior house painting will solve the problem, it sadly won't. Painting over mold is a waste of time and money because it'll reoccur if you don't treat the actual cause; excessive moisture.
Mold needs to be entirely eradicated; otherwise, it will grow right back. This means that you have to clean far below the visible areas of growth with the right penetrating biocides. Simply wiping down your walls with some bleach or household cleaners might not be enough to get rid of a black mold problem permanently.
Symptoms of black mold infection (also called “toxic mold”) can be very severe, especially if it is untreated for a long time, or when someone has a mold allergy. An infected person experiences nausea, vomiting and may also have nosebleeds, and in severe cases, bleeding in the lungs.
Homeowners can handle cleaning about 10 square feet (roughly 3 feet by 3 feet) of black mold on their own. If the patch is small enough, a combination of bleach, water, scrubbing, and ventilation should do the trick. Before treating mold on your own, prioritize ventilation and protective gear.
Nasal corticosteroids.
These nasal sprays help prevent and treat the inflammation caused by an upper respiratory mold allergy. For many people, they're the most effective allergy medications, and they're often the first medication prescribed.
Do air purifiers help with mold? Air purifiers help capture mold spores from the air, preventing them from reproducing and spreading throughout your home. While air purifiers won't help treat active mold that's already present on surfaces, they are a great way to control the spread of airborne mold particles.
If you have black mold in your house, it is important to take steps to remove it and prevent it from returning. Black mold can cause health problems, so it is not advisable to live in a house with black mold.
In some cases, people may experience symptoms of mold sickness immediately after exposure, while others may not notice any effects for weeks or even months.
Yes, if you have damp and mould in your home you're more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma. Damp and mould can also affect the immune system.
Final Verdict. Our top pick is the RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover for its versatility and effectiveness on nearly every surface. For those looking for an eco-friendly mold remover with natural ingredients, we recommend CLR Mold and Mildew Clear.
Regularly clean off, and then dry all surfaces where moisture frequently collects in your house. Clean with a baking soda solution one day, and vinegar the next to keep mold at bay. (Baking soda and vinegar each kill different types of mold.)
Concrobium Mold Control is an innovative, market-leading product that effectively eliminates existing mold, prevents mold re-growth and eliminates musty odors with no harmful chemicals. The unique technology is used by homeowners, professional remodelers, contractors and remediators.