Black Mold: What You Need To Know

All types of mold species, particularly black mold, cherish moisture and feed on organic material. It creeps anywhere in your home, specifically with water damage. You think you have a healthy home, but if you carefully inspect each area of your house, you will notice some mold patches. Black mold is commonly seen in the basement, kitchen, or bathroom.

 

As soon as you see black mold spots in your home, remove them right away. Black mold exposure causes serious health risks, especially to humans and animals who have a mold allergy or are sensitive to mold. Moreover, it can harm your property if not correctly addressed. That is why medical experts recommend killing all types of mold found indoors. 

 

If the black mold colony is not bigger than 10 square feet, you can get rid of it yourself by following the recommended tips in this article. However, for larger mold problems, it's best to seek help from mold remediation professionals. 

 

What is Black Mold, and How does it Enter Your Home?

 

Black mold (Stachybotrys Chartarum) is greenish-black in color. The mold itself isn't harmful, but the mycotoxins it produces are toxic. When mold spores with mycotoxins are disturbed, they spread out to other areas in your home where you and your family members can breathe them in.

 

Toxic black mold spores typically find their way into your home by sticking to clothes and pet fur and through the windows and doors. Once they are indoors, they settle in wet items, damp areas, or water-damaged sites caused by leaky pipes or floods. 

 

Once you are exposed to this type of mold, you will have adverse health effects. The most common symptoms of black mold poisoning include allergic reactions (chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, rashes), vomiting, chronic fatigue, and persistent headaches. 

 

Those who have a delicate immune system will experience more health problems. Seek medical aid immediately to prevent further health injury. Creating an action plan to eliminate black mold from your home is an excellent choice. 

  

What to Do to Eliminate Toxic Black Mold at Home

 

The first thing you have to do before the black mold removal task is to wear protective equipment such as a dust filter mask, goggles, rubber gloves, and clothing that shields your whole body.

 

1. Completely Dry the Affected Spots in Your Home

 

Remember, mold loves moisture. So if you have not properly remediated the moisture issue, black mold will start growing again. Consider doing the following:

 

• Search for cracks in pipes and leaks in damp spots around tubs or sinks and make repairs. 

• Water may flow into your home through dirty and broken gutters, so make sure to check the condition of your gutters and clean them regularly.  

• To keep your crawl space and basement dry, ensure the ground around your property slopes away.

• Allow the air to circulate freely in your home for more improved ventilation. It keeps the indoor surroundings dry. 

 

2. Close the Room Tightly Where the Black Mold is Expanding

 

Seal off vents and doorways using plastic sheets or tarp and duct tape. This action stops mold spores from spreading in your home when disturbed during the whole process of mold removal. 

 

3. Check the Affected Areas Carefully

 

Search for salvageable items in the affected sites and segregate them from severely mold-infested materials. You should discard terrible moldy items. 

 

4. Remove the Black Mold 

 

Here’s what you need to do:

 

1. Ensure the whole affected area is dried and sealed off. 

 

2. Scrub the affected sites with a detergent solution. For tougher moldy parts, wash and scrub them away multiple times.

 

3. If you tend to choose natural home remedies that are safe for kids and pets, use one of these simple household-solution options:

 

• Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide. It's less corrosive than bleach or ammonia and effectively eliminates black mold in your home. It has the strength to inhibit mold spores from coming back. 

 

Formulate a mixture by combining one teaspoon of tea tree oil and a cup of water into a spray bottle. Then spray the solution on moldy spots and leave it for several minutes. Wipe the mold away using a disposable towel.

 

• Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great removal choice for small mold situations. It's also powerful at absorbing mold and mildew odors. 

 

To form a paste, mix 50% baking soda with 50% water. Apply it to the moldy area and let it dry. Scrub the area thoroughly with a cleaning brush or sponge. Then wipe the excess away using a paper towel.

 

• White-distilled Vinegar

White-distilled vinegar is an inexpensive and uncomplicated solution to eliminating black mold. Also, it is much safer than ammonia or bleach.

 

Pour enough vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the solution generously onto the moldy sites. Then scrub down the mold with a brush. Spray on the affected areas again and wipe them down using a damp towel.

 

•  Grapefruit Seed Extract

The grapefruit seed extract is a non-toxic solution that effectively kills mold. It's also a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. 

 

Formulate a mixture by combining 10 drops of grapefruit extract with 1 cup of water into a spray bottle. Then spray the solution onto the affected sites and leave it for 10 minutes. Wipe any excess away with a disposable towel.

 

5. Right after cleaning, dry the affected spots immediately using dehumidifiers and fans. Also, you can use a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner to vacuum the remaining mold spores.  

 

6. An air purifier with a HEPA filter is also effective for the control and prevention of mold growth. Consider having one or two in your home. 

 

Contact Mold Remediation Experts

 

Seek assistance from an expert if the mold infestation is larger than 10 square feet. Superior Restoration specialists are always ready to help you deal with mold issues. We are available 24/7. 

For water damage and mold remediation services, call us today!

 

How to Prevent Mold in the Closet

 

Closets can also be the perfect breeding ground for mold growth because of their dark and damp condition. They usually release spores that can spread in woods, walls, and worse, in your clothes. If this issue remains unsolved, it will bring trouble to your household. This article will help you prevent mold in your closet and understand the causes of closet mold infestation.

Common Causes of Mold in Closets

Mold grows in the closet for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of mold in the closet.

Humidity

Humidity is one of the most common reasons why mold likes to grow in the closet. Mold grows quickly inside because closets are usually poorly ventilated. Trapped or excess moisture can allow mold to spread in your home. It is a common problem in the summer because high humidity allows mildew to develop quickly and give you nightmares.

Previous Water Damage

If you still can't figure out where the mold in your closet came from, it may be the result of past water damage in your home. Furthermore, water leaks behind walls or in the attic can lead to mold formation, which can then spread into your closets. If you find stains or patches growing on your walls and ceiling, it might be an indicator of mold growth. 

Wet Clothes

Damp clothes stored in your wardrobe can also cause mold infestation. When the mold in your closet absorbs the moisture from your damp clothing, it grows and produces a musty odor. Fabrics like clothes are a common breeding ground for mold, and cotton provides nutrients to mildew, causing them to expand. If there is mold and mildew in the closet, it may spread to new areas such as the walls, carpets, and other furniture. 

Common Signs of Mold in the Closet

Mold and mildew are also unknown to homeowners. Here are some frequent indications that mold has infested your closet.

Musty odor

Open your closet door and give it a sniff. If you smell musty, it means the mold has begun to grow inside. Furthermore, since there is trapped moisture inside, mold is to blame for the musty odor.

Respiratory and allergic reactions

Exposure to mold and mildew may cause severe respiratory illnesses and allergic reactions. Having persistent headaches, worsening cough and colds, sore throat, and skin irritation indicates that there is mold present in your household. Although, no scientific proof that mold exposure causes illnesses, test yourself first to know if the mold is in the closet. If you feel okay outside, but the allergic reactions worsen whenever you are near the closet, it means that mildew is inside.

How to Prevent Mold in the Closet

If you don't want to deal with closet mold, here are some ways to keep it from growing.

• Keep the closet dry and well ventilated. Allow closet door open to let the fresh air inside and have proper air circulation.
• Utilize an air purifier to eliminate the odor.
• Make sure that clothes are clean and dry before putting them inside the closets.
• Always separate the dirty clothes from the clean clothes.
• Never put the hamper near the closet, as the mold spores will grow more because of the dirt from the fabric.
• Make sure to not store stuff on the closet floor to ensure proper airflow. 
• Never keep clothing inside a plastic tub. Always allow the clothes to circulate air to prevent moisture.
• Put a silica gel inside the closet to absorb moisture and keep the things dry.
• Install a low-wattage light bulb inside the wardrobe to help you see what's inside more clearly, and the warmth from the bulb will aid out the dryness of the cabinet. 
• Maintain the closets and the environment's cleanliness by cleaning the shelves at least once a month.
• Keep control of the humidity inside by installing an air conditioning system to avoid moisture buildup.
• Keep the closet door closed, especially in rooms with high moisture like the bathroom and kitchen.
• Often inspect your home for potential water leaks, as they can lead to mold formation, or employ a water damage restoration company to examine and fix unresolved water damage.
• Sniff test your closet from time to time, and never ignore a musty smell.
• Use plastic-coated wire shelves instead, for better air circulation.
• Hire a mold remediation professional to help you fight the mold inside your closet.

In case you need to remove the closet mold, here are some tips on how to remove them;

1. Prepare the area and make sure to open all the doors and windows to let the fresh air flow inside before dealing with the mold.
2. Remove clothes, furniture, and any other belongings near the affected area.
3. Cover carpets, walls, and flooring with plastic sheets.
4. Make sure to wear protective gear such as protective eyewear, gloves, and face mask.
5. If you want to use a chemical cleaning agent, make a bleaching solution with one part bleach and three parts water and mix in a spray bottle.
6. For a natural cleaning agent, mix vinegar and water or use baking soda.
7. Spray the cleaning solution onto the moldy area and let it soak in for a few minutes.
8. Scrub the mold away using a stiff brush.
9. Rinse the affected area and allow it to dry with a towel.
10. Call for a reputable mold remediation expert like Superior Restore to help with the cleaning. 

Seek Professional

Dealing with mold inside your closet is a nightmare, especially if you don’t have any knowledge about it. Worry no more as we in Superior Restore offer 24/7 emergency mold removal and remediation services, together with well-trained technicians and high-quality equipment to absolutely clear the mold from your home. For professional mold remediation, fire and water damage cleanup, and restoration, call our local office today.

How To Protect Your Roof From Mold Growth

Your roof protects you from anything. It shelters you from any natural disasters, rainstorms, or scorching heat of summer. But what can you do if the thing that protects your home has been ruined by mold growth? Here are some tips on how to protect your roof from mold growth.

What is Mold?

Mold, outdoors, is a vital microorganism that helps in breaking down dead organic materials like dried leaves or dead trees. However, indoors, is it is very harmful. It is one of the enemies that are difficult to conquer. You cannot beat them unless it shows in front of you. Mold grows in places with a lot of moisture. They can enter through open doors, windows, and vents. Mold starts to grow on a surface within 24 to 48 hours. Thus, it is crucial to act fast when dealing with mold growth inside your home.

Signs That There is Mold Growth on Your Roof

1. Roof damage. Roofs are supposedly made to protect you and your property against elements. But strong wind, rainstorms, and other severe weather can weaken your covering, pulling shingles out of their nails or causing other types of damage. Any of this damage allows mold to enter through your roof and eventually colonize the rest of your home. 

2. Roof leaks. A leaking roof is often a sign of poor insulation or damage to your roof. This condition allows moisture to seep through your roof and gives the perfect conditions for mold to grow inside your home. So, when you are dealing with a leaking roof, it is certain that your home has been infested by mold. 

3. Nasty smell. If you notice a musty odor in your home, it is an indication that there is mold present in your home, even if it is not visible. 

4. Visible mold. Some mold is hard to identify as it has manifested as dirt or stain. But, they may appear in many different colors, including gray, green, white, brown, and black. If you see visible mold in your home, you may be in a very difficult situation. Check your attic because it might be your roof that you have to blame.

1. Allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are common when you get exposed to mold. When you feel an itchy throat or possible health risks, there is a possibility that the mold has spread throughout your home.

How  to Protect Your Roof From Mold Growth

• Check Your Drainage System 

A clogged drainage system may cause mold growth because of the water that stays in the pipe coming from the rainstorm. Clear any debris or dirt in the system to make sure that the flow of the drainage is in good condition and will not go through your foundation.

• Regularly Maintain Your Roof

One of the most important ways to prevent your roof from possible mold growth is to have it maintained. Make sure to check and repair it regularly to prevent mold from growing and damaging your roof.

• Get Rid of Standing Water

Look for standing water, as sometimes it often causes mold growth on top of the roof. If you find any pooling water on your roof, it means that your drainage system is not working. It usually happens if you have a flat style roof.

• Install a Humidifier

Since the mold can travel, there is a possibility that it can risk your health. Installing humidifiers is one of the best options if you want to prevent mold growth on your roof Mold thrives in warm and moist environments, like in your attic. Dehumidifiers can remove the excess moisture from the air and prevent the mold from staying in the area.

• Regularly Inspect Your Roof 

Schedule a regular roof inspection to identify if there is a possible problem such as mold growth, weakening of materials, and even leaks. It is a good idea to check the temperature of your roof regularly to know how to assess the damage properly.

• Secure your Roof

Securing every corner of your roof is one of the best ways to prevent mold from entering your roof. If the water passes through the edges, it may develop moisture and possible mold growth. In some cases, unsecured roof edges may result in severe damage, like the parts of the roof may come off due to natural disaster. 

• Check the Ceiling

Make sure to inspect the ceiling area to identify if there is any water damage that can cause mold growth. Through this, you can prevent leaks and standing water on your roof.

• Ensure Working HVAC System

Prevent mold growth in your room by making sure that your HVAC system is in good condition. If mold happens to infest under your room, there is a possibility that your HVAC system is contaminated with mold spores and that it is spreading throughout your home. Have your HVAC system cleaned and inspected regularly. It may prevent mold from growing inside your air ducts.

• Trim Trees

One of the best options to prevent it from infesting your roof is to clean the area around your home. Sometimes, tree branches, leaves, and dirt may result in mold growth. Make sure to trim tree branches, clean debris, and upgrade shingles.

Contact A Professional Mold Removal Company

With proper roof maintenance, you can prevent mold from growing on your roof and penetrating inside your property. But, in case, mold has started invading your home, contact a mold removal company like Superior Restoration. 

Superior Restoration offers mold remediation and removal services to businesses and residential properties. We have trained and skilled technicians who can completely remove mold from your property. Call us today.

Want To Know More About Mold Damage Restoration?

Water damage restoration is an essential activity after any flood or excessive rains. Mold is one of most primary causes of damage due to water. Discussed here, are several ways you can avoid a mold attack and perform all water damage restoration activities.

Molds belong to fungi group of microorganisms. Most people believe that spraying bleach during water damage restoration is enough. Fact is water damage restoration can't be done with bleach alone. If you look at mold removal, the first step is to identify the source of leaks. You should start water damage restoration within 48 hours of water flooding on your home or office as mold takes that much time to grow.

The first step to water damage restoration is drying the area and the properties affected fast. Use the know-how of the methods in mind, or If you determine the extensive damage, call for help from professionals. You can utilize services of professional water damage controllers. These are a specialist who will come with the right equipment and know-how. However, if you have an insurance cover, you must call them to make assessments first before even doing any mold removal.

Your claim adjuster can also help you get a right contractor. You can ask him to call the contractor. With a professional, you can ask for thorough cleaning, drying and salvaging whatever can be recovered and refinished. Ideally, you should begin the drying within 48 hours of the flood. Also, in between flooding and drying, you should keep a minimum time of 48 hours.

If the mold has already covered a large area or is extensive, just seal that part from the rest of your unit to help you keep infants, older people and even yourself, safe and healthy. You should wear protective clothing if you are a part of a team doing water damage restoration. All workers must wear protective gears so that they do not get any infection.

Make sure you and the contractor's team had looked in every nook or cranny for any traces of mold. Do not leave places like behinds of wallpaper, wall to wall carpet, wall cavities, etc. You should inspect your property yourself before you give a signal to your adjuster to pay the contractor. Look for any strange smell or any traces of mold. If you observe any health issue, confirm that it is not due to decay. Water damage restoration should not be considered complete until every minute trace of mold has been checked, cleaned and the entire house dried.

If you see any mold-inflicted stuff that can't be retrieved, just keep it in plastic bags and dispose of it. There are several items which will not be in condition even after full water damage restoration. Stuff like tiles, insulation, fiberglass insulation may need replacement. Restore hard surfaces as long as you have used disinfectant along with vacuum pump.

If the area affected by mold is more extensive than 100 square feet, you will surely need professional help with the necessary equipment, so try and get help as soon as possible.