The Best Household Remedies for Removing Black Mold

Black mold can be a health hazard and you should remove it as soon as it appears. The main danger is from the bio-toxins that are produced by the spores. These tend to form in dark spaces where there is no sunlight and no circulating air. They need moisture to propagate and once they find a suitable spot they will grow, taking their food from the dust and other particles such as paint or wood. Once black mold has taken root, their spores can spread to other rooms where they will continue to grow.

One of the first signs that your house has been infected by black mold is the increased appearance of allergy related symptoms. Runny noses, coughs, headaches, sneezing and similar complaints tend to become a daily occurrence. People with a healthy immune system can handle these complaints with the aid of common anti-allergenics, but those whose immune systems are compromised can be in serious danger.

Examples include: Sufferers of HIV/AIDS with a low T-cell count can suffer complications when affected by a common cold, people with transplants or those who are undergoing chemotherapy need to use immune-suppressant drugs and they can also be in danger, young children with immature immune systems, and elderly with weak immune systems. You should therefore attack the problem as soon as it takes hold.

Black mold can be removed with some simple compounds that are found in most kitchens. One of the best ways is to use a mixture of one cup of chlorine bleach with one gallon of water. You should first wet the affected area so that the spores will not rise when you scrub the spot. Use non-ammonia soap and a hard brush to remove the mold. You should then wash the area with clean water. The final step is to clean and disinfect the area with the bleach and water solution. A good safety precaution is to use gloves and a face mask so as not to be affected by the fumes.

There are other substances that you can use that are just as effective during black mold removal, such as chlorine bleach. Borax is a good disinfectant that does not smell as strong as bleach as well. The procedure is the same as with bleach. Mix one cup of borax with one gallon of water. If you cannot stand the smell of bleach this is a good alternative.

Hydrogen peroxide is another good fungicide. You will need to pour the hydrogen peroxide powder into a spray bottle and dust it over the mold contaminated area. You should then lock the door so as to prevent any air current from spreading the spores.

Another non-toxic compound you can use to remove mold safely is distilled white vinegar. Once sprayed over the affected area, white vinegar acts as a perfect fungicide. It should be used undiluted in order to attack the spores. Of course, precautions should always be used when removing black mold. Gloves and face masks should be used and your shoes and clothing should be placed in strong sunlight.