Proper Black Mold Removal Techniques

There are a few proper black mold removal techniques a homeowner should know before tackling a black mold job himself. It is a dangerous job in terms of your health and it could end up costing you more than what you are saving if you do not do everything with precision and perfection.

Removing black mold can be expensive so many homeowners try to do it themselves. This can be a danger to their health and end up costing them more in the end then they are saving by doing it themselves. If a homeowner needs to remove the black mold on his own, there are a few things he should know before he begins.

Always be Safe

You will need several safety items before you can tackle the black mold. You will need eye protection such as goggles. You will need to protect your arms and legs so wear something you can throw away when you are finished. A respirator facemask is needed to protect your face and lungs when breathing in the space with the black mold. A thick pair of rubber or latex glove is needed for your hands.

Control and Contain 

It is extremely important that you control and contain the black mold to the area is started. If the mold is allowed to filter through the air, it will begin to grow where it lands and you will have another problem. Use duct tape and heavy plastic to contain a room or area, which has the black mold. If you have a HVAC system, turn it on and use a fan in a window to draw the mold spores outside.

Dry the Room

In order to properly disinfect a room with black mold, you will need to completely dry the room. Removing the moisture from the room will neutralize the black mold for proper disinfecting. To help with the drying process, use a dehumidifier or a heater. When using a heater, opt for the electric style because the gas kind omit gas that could be dangerous when mixed with the gases of the black mold.

Dust

The mold will spread when the dust particles are allowed to blow around. Use an air purifier to keep the dust particles to a minimum. It will filter the contaminants when it draws the air into the filter. If you do not have an air purifier, use a small amount of warm water, in a spray bottle set to fine mist, to keep the mold lightly moist while working.

Disinfecting the Area

Your choices for disinfecting the area are acids or chemicals. For acids, use either vinegar or lemon juice for a citric acid. Bleach is the best-known black mold killer. If using bleach, use one part bleach to four parts water for the proper dilution. Hydrogen peroxide is another chemical that works well on black mold. Once you have chosen your chemical or acid, fix the dilution in a spray bottle and spray the black mold, wait 15 minutes and then rinse. You will need to dry the room again.

Removal

This is the most important part of the process. A vacuum is required and if you have a HEPA vacuum use that kind. It will help to purify the air as well as suction the mold off the surface better than any other type of vacuum. If you do not have this type of vacuum, you can use a broom and plastic bag and a dustpan but you will have to vacuum at the end, and then clean out the vacuum with bleach and water to kill any mold spores that linger in the regular vacuum. Also, throw out the broom and dustpan. Be sure to tie up the plastic bag tightly and keep everything outdoors until the trash pickup day.