How to Complete a Black Mold Cleanup

Black mold is a toxic form of mold that should be treated and removed as soon as possible. It is imperative that you efficiently clean and disinfect your home after experiencing black mold by using bleach. Bleach will kill the mold spores on surfaces within your home so that you and your family are safe from the toxic spores that can become airborne within it.

1. Remove all rugs and place them outside in an area that receives direct sunlight.


2. Wash all rugs with clean water and mild detergent, and then use a hose to rinse them down. 


3. Any fabric such as curtains or clothing that has black mold on it should be washed in a washing machine on a cold setting with 1 cup of vinegar. The vinegar will kill the mold and disinfect the clothing as well removing the mold smell from the effected fabric or clothing.


4. Lay all furniture and rugs in the sunlight so that the UV rays of the sun can kill the mold spores. You should flip over rugs and furniture so that all sides can receive proper ventilation and exposure to the sun’s rays.


5. Determine what caused the black mold to form. If you have a leaky pipe or other source of moisture that is allowing water to come into the home, you need to have it repaired before beginning the mold removal process.


6. Mix a cleaning solution that consists of 1 cup of bleach for every 4 cups of water. Use a large cleaning bucket to mix your cleaning solution. 


7. Add some of the bleach cleaning solution that you have made to a spray bottle, and replace the nozzle back on the bottle tightly.


8. Spray down all areas where black mold is present with the bleach solution using a fine mist setting on a standard spray bottle. Be sure to wear protective equipment such as goggles and rubber gloves with dealing with bleach. It is also suggested to wear long sleaves and pants when working with mold.


9. Wipe down all areas where black mold is located with your bleach and water solution to remove the fold and kill the spores on the surface.


10. Rinse your towel out frequently to remove the mold that you have removed. You do not want to spread the mold spores to other areas.