Do you suspect that your home is suffering from a mold infestation? It’s no wonder that you’re feeling worried. Black mold can be toxic, and getting rid of it can be a hassle, so spotting it quickly and getting rid of it straight away is paramount. The good news is that it’s possible to easily fix most black mold cases as long as you catch them quickly.
What Exactly Is Mold?
Black mold is a very common type of indoor mold. It grows in humid, dark and damp spaces in your home, releasing spores into the air which is then inhaled or absorbed into the skin. It also gets transported in this way around the home. Black mold is often called toxic mold. This is because it causes a host of health problems like sneezing, coughing, itchy and sore throats, itchy and watering eyes and even more serious health problems for those with compromised immune systems.
So, which signs should you look for in your property?
1.A Musty Odor
Mold has a musty, earthy and pungent odor. Even when you aren’t able to see mold, you can certainly smell it when you enter the room. Mold can be hiding under tiles, plastering or wallpaper, so sometimes, a professional inspection is required to detect its presence.
2.Dark Spots And Rings
An early sign of mold inside your home is dark spots or rings appearing on your walls or ceiling. Even when those spots aren’t actually mold, they are often a sign of pooling water or water damage and this could be the start of a mold infestation. When you spot this sign, mop up the water rapidly then clean up the area with a disinfectant. Check around surrounding spaces too as water damage could be more widespread.
3.Respiratory Problems
Some early signs of exposure to black mold include itching skin and eyes, watering of the eyes, sneezing, coughing, headaches and skin irritations.
4.A Visible Growth
The most obvious sign of a mold infestation is actually seeing mold growing in your home. Despite its name, black mold may not actually be black. It could have green, brown, orange or white specks. However, it is equally dangerous whatever color it is.
How To Treat Black Mold
Black mold is most likely to be found in damp spots like basements. Always look under wallpaper, tiles and in cracks to detect it. Once you have found its location it’s time to treat it. Follow these steps:
- Wear protective clothing – goggles, a dust mask, latex gloves and clothing which covers your whole body to guard against spread of the mold spores.
- Cover any cracks and vents in the room with duct tape then close the doors.
- Clean the affected area using soap, water and a scrubbing brush. Avoid scraping it when it is dry as this releases spores into the air.
- Bag up any items on which mold has been growing and put in the outdoor trash.
- Apply strong disinfectants to the area and spread it to the area surrounding the affected spot.
- Ventilate the room well, keeping the treated area dry.
Alternatively, hire a professional to remove the mold. This will ensure there is no spread of the spores around your home.
How Can I Prevent Mold?
If you don’t want mold to develop in your home or want to avoid it reappearing there are some steps which you can take to stop it from ever coming back.
- As mold thrives in damp, humid rooms, make sure you check any damp spots in your home like bathrooms and kitchens. A dehumidifier is the best way to make your home comfortable and humidity free while also protected against mold.
- Check for any leaks from your water-using appliances and from your ventilation system ducts. Moisture accumulating in these areas encourages mold growth.
- Improve your ventilation in rooms like bathrooms and kitchens where the air is naturally hot and steamy. Open the windows when running a bath or shower, cooking or washing clothes.
- Get professional testing if you suspect you may be developing a mold problem.
Follow these tips and your home should stay completely mold-free.
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