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Black mold is one of the most annoying problems to have in your house. Not only is it unpleasant to look at, but it is a health hazard as well. Luckily, there are more than a few ways to get rid of the substance.
Many people do not know how to get rid of black mold efficiently, but it is a simple process once you understand the various steps and have access to the correct tools.
Six Ways You Can Effectively Get Rid Of Black Mold
Black mold is not something you have to live with. No matter how bad the affected areas are or how much they’ve grown, you can always get rid of the fungus if you work at it. In fact, knowing the best way to take it down is most of the battle.
The following sections will analyze a range of tips and efficient removal methods to break down how to get rid of black mold.
1. Commercial Cleaner
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The first mode you can choose when learning how to get rid of black mold is commercial cleaner. This is a great option because it is readily available in most stores, and it is available online.
However, this is not quite as simple as getting buying cleaner and spraying/rubbing it on black mold. There are a few careful steps you need to follow.
First, scrub the moldy area with warm, soapy water. This may seem a bit redundant, but a stiff-bristled brush on mold allows the store-bought cleaner to work more effectively once it’s applied.
Once you’re done scrubbing, apply the cleaning solution. There are many commercial brands to choose from, but any biocide or antimicrobial cleaner specifically designed to kill mold will give you the best results.
Spray or rub the substance on the affected area (following the directions) and let it soak. You don’t have to go overboard here, but you do want to make sure you put on a sufficient amount.
Let the commercial cleaner sit for roughly 15 minutes. That time frame is important because it enables the chemicals to get all the way through the mold and prevent it from coming back. Wiping too early can allow the mold to come back.
After you wait, scrub the area with a tough brush, rinse the area with clean water and wipe the area down with a towel or squeegee. That last step is key because it keeps the region dry and stops the mold from coming back.
2. White Vinegar
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Though store-bought cleaner works fast and is easily accessible, some people do not want to use chemicals. If you want something non-toxic (and incredibly affordable), there is always white vinegar.
White vinegar is perhaps the safest and cheapest way to get rid of black mold. It is a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent that keeps your home healthy. As an added bonus, it is also safe on skin and works on every surface.
Though some people may worry about the vinegar smell, it will go away in roughly 1 or 2 hours. That waiting time is a small price to pay for incredible results.
To apply white vinegar, first, pour it into a small spray bottle and then spray quite a bit over the moldy area.
Let it sit for 1 hour, and then use a damp cloth (soaked with water) to wipe off all the now-dead mold. As when using a commercial cleaner, you need to dry the area with a cloth after you’re done. That should completely clean the region and ensure the mold won’t come back.
This is one of the best “how to get rid of black mold” methods, but it doesn’t always work on the first try. If the mold persists through one cleaning, simply go over it with vinegar a second time.
3. Bleach
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One of the best answers to the question of how to get rid of black mold is bleach. While much harsher in the chemical department than white vinegar, the common substance is worth a nod because it just works.
Bleach should be employed for much bigger jobs or tougher mold growths. That is because, not only does it kill all the black mold on the surface, but it kills any spores in the air. In that way, it disinfects the entire area more effectively than any other product.
To create a bleach solution, mix 1/2 a tablespoon of bleach with a 1/2 cup of water in a spray bottle. Those measurements are key because too much bleach can damage the surface it’s sprayed on.
Shake the bottle to mix the liquids and spray the solution all over the mold. Let it sit for two or three minutes and wipe it off with a sponge or cloth. Do a second rinse with water and wipe it dry.
Not everyone knows how to get rid of black mold, but bleach should make up for any inexperience.
Just be aware that, as strong as bleach is, it is not able to pass through porous surfaces like wood and drywall. That means it is not the best choice for extremely deep infestations. Also, remember to apply it only in a well-ventilated area.
4. Baking Soda Solution
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Another effective tip to utilize in the battle against black mold is baking soda.
That may sound surprising, but baking soda works quickly, is extremely cheap (you likely already have some in your house), comes with many health benefits, and does not have any deadly chemicals. That combination makes it a great choice for those who want to know how to get rid of black mold.
In addition, baking soda naturally absorbs moisture. That helps it keep the area dry and prevents the mold from coming back to the region.
Making a baking soda mixture is simple. Take 1/4 tablespoon of the product and mix it with 1 cup of water inside a spray bottle. Shake them together like you do with the bleach solution and give a generous spray over the mold.
This is the product you will likely want to use the most of when applying. A large dose not only allows it to work more effectively, but there are no dangerous side-effects that come with using a lot of baking soda.
After about 10 minutes you want to use a cleaning cloth to scrub off the mold. Though this step might take a bit more work than something like bleach, the loosened fungus should come off the wall or floor easily.
If the first pass does not get all of the moldy growth off, you just need to go over it a second time by repeating the above steps. It should not take more effort than that.
5. Citrus Seed Extract
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Citrus Seed Extract is another great natural way to combat black mold. Though this is not as readily available as some of the above options, it is available online and comes with various bonuses.
There are no chemicals here. You also get that with baking soda and vinegar, but citrus seed extract (which can come from any fruit) comes with no odor. That is a small bonus, but it goes a long way for people who want to know how to get rid of black mold as naturally as possible.
This mixture is 20 drops of extract in two cups of water. Spray a generous amount on the area and let it sit for roughly 10 minutes before wiping. This can be repeated a few times as needed, and you want to make sure to dry the area once the mold is gone.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide
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The final cleaner in this list of ideas on how to get rid of black mold is hydrogen peroxide.
This method is a bit more out of the ordinary, but it is extremely effective. Rather than mixing it with anything, simply spray three percent hydrogen peroxide onto the moldy area and let it sit for roughly 10 minutes.
Once the substance does its work, scrub the entire area clean and wipe it down with a damp cloth to get rid of any left-behind spores.
If you want to make a solution that you can store for some time (just in case the mold ever comes back), mix the peroxide with vinegar. However, if you do this, it is important to store the bottle in a dark area to prevent light from breaking down the peroxide.
Stopping Mold Growth and Keeping it Away
Black mold can seem overwhelming (especially the first time you encounter it), but the truth is that it is incredibly easy to combat.
The above tips outline various methods and tricks you can utilize to take down the fungus before it grows out of control. Though they are all unique in their own way, the options lead to the same end. The one you decide to go with simply depends on what you want in a cleaner.
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