As professionals in restoration, we understand that keeping your house clean is of utmost importance. Every nook and cranny of your home must be wiped, swept, and scrubbed of dust and grime. If you’ve experienced some water damage, you may find black marks in your home. As satisfying as it may be to remove those inky black marks, you may want to stop first. Those might be molds.
Evaluate what type of mold you’re facing. Black mold can pose more health risks than most other species. This article will talk about black mold, its different signs, and how to eliminate it.
What Is Black Mold?
Black mold or Stachybotrys chartarum is a type of mold commonly found in dark, humid areas. It is considered one of the most toxic molds found in homes because it produces toxins called mycotoxins, which can cause respiratory problems in humans. When these molds release spores in the air, these spores can be inhaled or attach to the skin.
Additionally, these spores can spread throughout your home. If you are experiencing an itchy throat or find yourself coughing more often, prolonged exposure could be the cause. You would need to go to the doctor. Furthermore, continued exposure to these molds for high-risk individuals can lead to long-term health consequences.
Two Common Signs of Black Mold
Learning about the early signs of black mold can help you get rid of it. You need to eradicate the cause of the problem before it spreads in your home. If you notice any of these signs, then you may have black mold in your home:
Spots where water damage occurred
The best way to catch black molds is to check for areas in your house with water damage. May it be burst pipes or leaks in the roof, humidity can cause black molds. If there are water rings on your walls or ceiling, inspect these areas to stop mold growth in its tracks.
Smell and color of the mold
You can identify a mold based on its distinct earthy and musty smell. Since molds need moisture to grow, you can smell them in areas where water damage occurs. Have someone else smell your home because you may be used to the smell.
As for the color of the mold, it is often dark in color. It may appear as circular spots that may be black, green, or dark brown in color. They may also have a furry or fuzzy appearance.
How to Remove Black Mold
You can remove black mold by yourself, or you can have it professionally removed. It all depends on the severity of the black mold. Choosing to hire a professional cleaner is a good option, especially if you have widespread growth in multiple rooms.
If you do choose to clean it on your own, you need to wear safety equipment to prevent the toxins from touching your skin and inhaling them. Wear long sleeves and pants or a full-body jumpsuit. Use goggles on your eyes and wear latex gloves. Don’t forget the dust mask.
Once you are ready, you need to close off the area with the black mold. Use soap, water, and a scrub to remove the areas with molds in them. Don’t forget to disinfect the area for complete elimination. Then, properly ventilate the area by opening the windows.
Conclusion
Molds are big problems in your home. They contain harmful bacteria that can cause a lot of health problems for your family. That’s why you need to prevent them and have someone professionally remove them.
Mold remediation is one of the services offered by Restoration Masters. Restoration Masters is an independent, locally-owned, and operated company serving Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and Ventura counties with full-service restoration for both residential and commercial buildings. From water damage clean-up to reconstruction, you can count on us. Reach out to our friendly customer service to book an appointment.
