Why Remediating Black Mold is Critical

If you have dark greenish-black mold growing on your wood, drywall, carpet, or insulation, the time to act is now. Black mold fungus thrives in damp, humid environments, such as bathrooms, basements, and attics. It is toxic because it can produce mycotoxins that pose serious health risks when inhaled or touched. Exposure to black mold causes a variety of symptoms, including:

• Coughing and sneezing

• Difficulty breathing

• Itchy eyes

• Skin rashes

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Mood changes

How to effectively remediate black mold

First, it is crucial that you don’t paint over mold or use non-mold-killing solutions to attempt to clean it. These actions will not eliminate the mold or fix the underlying cause and prolong the problem. To effectively remediate the black mold and eliminate the initial cause, you must:

Identify and Address the Cause of the Moisture

Locate any leaks, drips, or other moisture sources and repair them. Maintain indoor humidity at a level below 60%, ideally between 30% and 50%. These steps will help to prevent future mold growth. 

Remediate the Mold

Given the severe health issues associated with black mold, it is often advisable to seek professional help from a mold remediation specialist. They can best evaluate the problem, recommend, and implement appropriate remediation measures. However, if you choose to address the issue yourself, here are steps to follow:

• Use the appropriate mold-killing solution, such as a commercial mold cleaner. 

• After applying the cleaner, scrub the affected areas with a brush and rinse with water. 

• After cleaning the area, allow it to dry completely, especially dry porous materials like drywall or insulation, to prevent additional mold growth. 

• Discard moldy materials that cannot be cleaned and dried

• To prevent future growth, check for signs of moisture and fix the leaks, improve ventilation, and use dehumidifiers to control the issue.