To understand how to get rid of black mold, you must realize that black mold spores can exist in many places on Earth. However, finding black mold can be alarming due to its potential hazards, so taking prompt action is crucial. When exposed to moderate temperatures and moisture, the spores can increase and spread, causing health problems and making it challenging to reside in the affected premises. 

Common Varieties of Mold Found in Homes

• Using disinfecting products can safely remove allergenic molds.
• Disinfectants can control pathogenic molds, but professional treatment is necessary for large colonies.
• Professional remedy and removal of all affected materials are required for toxic molds.

How to Get Rid of Black Mold

You can use some effective black mold removal products to deal with this organism in affected areas. Always wear protective gear when killing mold to ensure your safety. 

Hiring a skilled mold remediation company is the best option when you spot mold; however, if the mold growth in your home is less than 10 square feet or the equivalent of roughly a three-by-three foot patch and is not toxic, you can attempt to perform the mold remediation on your own.

1. Killing black mold using bleach. 

In its contact with indoor mold, bleach can kill almost every species, including mold spores, and leaves a sanitized surface resistant to future mold growth. However, it can only be effective when mold grows on non-porous materials such as tiles, bathtubs, glass, and countertops.

When used on porous surfaces like wood and drywall, bleach cannot penetrate beneath the surface to get rid of black mold growth. Consequently, using bleach to kill mold on these surfaces only eliminates the mold above the surface, leaving the mold below intact, and mold growth may recur.

Bleach is also a harsh, corrosive chemical that may damage the materials used. Additionally, it produces toxic gases when mixed with ammonia and emits harsh fumes. Using safer alternatives such as borax or vinegar is recommended, as these alternatives do not produce toxic residue or dangerous fumes.

Combine one cup of bleach per gallon of water (approximately 1 part bleach to 10 parts water) and apply the solution to a non-porous moldy area using a spray bottle or a bucket and a sponge to kill the mold.

2. Use borax to get rid of black mold. 

Borax, a natural cleaning product, offers several advantages as a mold killer. Although ingestion can be toxic, it does not emit dangerous fumes or chemicals like other mold killers. To eliminate mold, combine borax with water. Additionally, borax serves as a natural mold inhibitor.

To use borax as a mold killer, follow these steps:

• Blend 1 cup of borax with a gallon of water to create a borax-water solution.
• Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner to remove loose mold, reducing the number of airborne spores.
• Scrub the affected surface with a scrub brush and the borax-water solution to remove the mold.
• Wipe away any remaining moisture and excess mold particles to prevent their spread into the air.
• Do not rinse the borax solution when finished.
• Allow the surface to dry.

3. Removing mold with vinegar.

Vinegar, a natural and safe mild acid, can kill 82% of mold species without emitting harmful fumes like bleach. Spray vinegar straight onto the surface to prevent mold development on surfaces and let it sit. Repeat the process every few days to keep the surface mold-free:

• Pour undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle.
• Spray the vinegar onto the moldy surface, allowing it to sit for an hour.
• Wipe the area clean and let the surface dry.

4. Getting rid of black mold with ammonia.

Ammonia kills mold on hard non-porous surfaces like countertops, glass, or tiles, similar to bleach. However, it is ineffective in killing mold on porous surfaces like drywall or wood. Moreover, ammonia is a harsh and toxic chemical. To eradicate mold, it is crucial to eliminate dead mold and spores, which can still cause allergies.

To use ammonia as a mold-killing solution:

• Make a spray mixture of 50% clear ammonia and 50% water into a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution on the moldy areas, ensuring the ammonia is labeled “clear ammonia.”
• After spraying, allow the site to sit for a few hours before wiping or rinsing.

5. Eliminate mold using hydrogen peroxide. 

Using hydrogen peroxide instead of bleach to kill mold offers several benefits, such as safety, environmental friendliness, and no toxic residue or fumes. Hydrogen peroxide effectively kills mold on various surfaces, including clothing, floors, bathroom fixtures, walls, and kitchen appliances.

To use hydrogen peroxide as a mold killer, follow these steps:

• Pour a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle.
• Thoroughly saturate the moldy surface with the hydrogen peroxide spray.
• Allow the surface to sit for 10 minutes.
• Scrub the area to ensure the complete removal of all mold and stains.

6. How to get rid of black mold using detergent and powder.

A detergent and warm water mixture can scrub surface mold off non-porous surfaces effectively. You can clean away the mold using this method as long as it is on non-porous surfaces.

7. Get rid of black mold with baking soda.

Baking soda, a natural and safe household cleaner, is mild and harmless to your family and pets. It can kill mold, which makes it an effective solution for mold problems. When dealing with a mold issue, it is typical to use baking soda and vinegar together since they kill different species of mold.

To use baking soda to remove mold:

• Add one-fourth tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle with water and shake it to dissolve the baking soda into the water.
• After spraying the moldy area, you should use a scrubbing brush or sponge to clear all the mold from the surface.
• After scrubbing the mold from the surface, rinse the area with water to remove any remaining mold.
• Respray the area and allow it to air dry.

8. Get rid of black mold using tea tree oil.

To kill mold naturally, tea tree oil is the most effective solution. Although it is a pricier option, a small amount of tea tree oil can go a long way in eliminating mold. Tea tree oil is an antifungal that can eliminate all types of mold. When buying tea tree oil for removing mold, ensure it is derived from the Melaleuca Alternifolia.

Create a solution by combining tea tree oil and water in a spray bottle, using a ratio of 1 teaspoon of oil per cup of water. Spray the mixture onto the affected site and allow it to remain on the surface. Do not rinse off the solution.

9. Remove mold using grapefruit extract. 

Grapefruit seed extract effectively kills mold naturally without emitting any significant odor, and it is available for purchase at most health food stores. The extract’s citric acid attacks mold, disinfects the area, and removes the odor.

To create a mold-killing solution:

• Mix grapefruit seed extract with water in a spray bottle using ten drops of grapefruit seed extract per cup of water. 
• Shake the spray bottle thoroughly to ensure that the solution is well-mixed. Then, spray the solution onto the surface where the mold is growing. 
• Afterward, rinse off the solution. The longer the grapefruit seed extract remains in contact with the mold, the more effective it will be in cutting through the mold and preventing its return.
• If necessary, repeat the process.

When to Call Superior Restoration to Get Rid of Black Mold

If you have non-toxic mold in small areas on non-porous materials, you can likely remove it yourself using one of the products listed above. However, it is best that you hire professional mold remediators, like Superior Restoration of Murrieta, in the following situations: 

• When mold is present in your HVAC systems or inside materials and areas that are hard to repair or replace
• When the mold-infected area is large
• When you lack the appropriate tools or adequate knowledge to clear the mold on your own
• When you are already experiencing mold exposure symptoms
• When you prefer not to waste time or nerves on mold removal. 

Mold remediation specialists of Superior Restoration of Murrieta have extensive experience and professional equipment that allows them to remove mold altogether. They know what mistakes to avoid, what not to overlook, and how to solve your mold problems permanently.

Ready to serve in emergencies, 24/7. Contacts us today!