Black Mold

When it comes to battling black mold, the best way to keep it out of your house is to prevent it from occurring at all. Unlike most molds, which occur naturally and are relatively harmless, black mold contains elements that are actually harmful and sometimes even fatal toward pets and humans alike. Here are a few ways you can treat and prevent mold from occurring.

Black mold typically flourishes in areas we forget to check. These include basements, attics, storage rooms, laundry rooms, and more. It tends to flourish in wet, warm, dark areas and can grow on anything from carpet to furniture to even drywall. It also lurks in ventilation systems as well as in perfectly obvious places, such as bathroom tiles or fridges.

With so many areas to consider, you may think that getting rid of black mold is absolutely impossible. However, by taking a few preventive measures, you can significantly lessen your chances of black mold flourishing in your home. Do you live in a climate that’s naturally humid? Try adding some dehumidifiers to various rooms in your home to lower the level a bit. Not only will this make things more comfortable, but it will prevent mold from forming.

Be sure to clean up any stagnant water as soon as you find it. These include obvious areas, such as puddles on kitchen counters and on bathroom floors as well as not so obvious areas, including basements, attics, and other neglected spots. Since not all sources of stagnant water are messes we create ourselves, it’s a good idea to check things periodically and have your home tested if you have any reason to doubt.

Are you worried about black mold forming in your basement? Try lessening the amount of moisture that forms by being absolutely sure to turn off your hose completely after using it and keeping any sprinklers or other water systems pointed away from your home so that the water doesn’t run back in and seep into your basement.  Be sure that any drains are exposed completely as well.

If you find black mold forming in your drywall or furniture, sadly, there is nothing to be done for it. No amount of scrubbing, scouring, or soaking will loosen the mold. Your best bet is to get rid of the drywall or furniture and replace it. This, however, isn’t always enough either—you should do your best to sanitize the surrounding area as well to make sure no spores remain. Learn more today!