How Black Mold Grows
It is obvious that a water-damaged property will suffer from black mold growth. When water seeps into the floors, walls, ceiling, or appliances and furniture, it creates the perfect environment for mold to grow. As we already mentioned, there are a variety of factors that can lead to water damage and mold growth in a home, including the following:
- Flooding due to severe storms
- Flooding due to pipe or appliance leakage
- High humidity inside a building
Water damage caused by these factors may necessitate black mold removal. Knowing how to properly clean black mold after you’ve identified where it’s growing can help you keep your building’s value up. This will improve air quality. Wear the proper protective gear, such as goggles and gloves, before beginning any black mold removal project, and call a professional if the job becomes too large to handle.
Remove Black Mold With The Following Steps
Step 1: Locate the source of the problem
Black mold removal cannot begin until the source of the water that is causing the black mold to grow is identified. Black mold could be growing in places you don’t check on a regular basis, such as the basement or attic. Some water damage is obvious, such as flooding caused by storms, but it can be more difficult to detect when it comes from within the building. Check for any dripping or leaking pipes or faucets. A moisture meter can also be used to test an area for moisture.
Step 2: Seal off the area that is damaged
Before you begin any work, you should ensure that the area affected by black mold is secure. By covering the door and the air ducts in the room with plastic and tape, you can isolate the room you’re working in from the rest of the building. Before beginning black mold removal, if the area isn’t already wet, spray it with water to reduce the amount of spores in the air.
Step 3: Clean and disinfect the affected area
You can then start cleaning off any black mold that has formed on the surface. Begin by spraying the area with an all-natural or commercially purchased disinfectant spray and then waiting 30 minutes to an hour. Then, using a sponge, scrub away the black mold and repeat the process until the surface is mold-free.
Step 4: Get rid of the debris for effective black mold removal
Surfaces affected by black mold that cannot be cleaned completely may need to be removed entirely. Damage can sometimes go deeper than the surface, and certain fixtures, such as carpeting or anything porous, can be nearly impossible to clean completely. Before opening the room, any remaining debris should be properly sealed in garbage bags and disposed of in an authorized location.
Anyone attempting to remove black mold on their own may find the task daunting. White Glove Restoration is a mold removal company that provides professional service and trained staff to the San Diego, CA area. Black mold can be a serious threat to your home or business, which is why you should enlist the help of a professional to ensure that your structure is safe for the people who use it on a daily basis. Call us at (619) 776-3131 for a free estimate.
