How To Clean Mold Out Of Basement

How to Remove Black Mold from Any Surface

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Black mold that forms in your home isn't just unsightly — it can pose a real health hazard to you and your family. This type of mold typically grows in areas that are continuously damp, and if it grows uncontrolled, getting rid of it can be quite expensive. It could also grow on items you use everyday. Fortunately, in many cases, it's possible to get rid of black mold on your own before it becomes a major problem. Take a look at how you can remove mold from some of the most common places it grows in your home.

Carpet

Only attempt to remove mold from your carpet if it's a small spot and it's safe to use bleach on the carpet. If you're not sure, try testing the bleach on a tiny spot in an area where it won't be noticeable if the color fades. If the test is successful, steam clean the area with mold or scrub it with a solution of one teaspoon dish detergent mixed into one quart of water. Next, mix a cup of bleach into a gallon of water and use a sponge to wipe the solution onto the mold. Allow it to soak for about 15 minutes before soaking up the excess moisture with a wet vac. You can also use paper towels to soak up moisture until the area is dry.

Tile (Including Grout)

The bathroom is one of the most common places for mold to grow, primarily because of the room's frequent exposure to moisture. To remove black mold from tile and grout, create a solution of one part bleach mixed with three parts water. Dip a sponge into the solution, squeeze out the excess and simply wipe the mold away. Dry the spot afterwards with a towel.

Clothing and Accessories

Removing mold from white clothing is simple. Mix a solution of one part bleach and three parts water and soak the moldy part of the article for about 10 minutes before washing it normally. For non-white clothing that could fade with bleach, soak the moldy spot with a pad or paper towel saturated with lemon juice or vinegar for at least 10 minutes. Afterwards, remove the pad and sprinkle some salt on the area. Let the article dry in a sunny spot, and then wash it as you would normally. For leather items, like shoes, wipe the moldy spot with white vinegar, and then clean it with leather soap. Allow the leather to air dry before treating it with leather conditioner.

Home Exteriors

For plastic, wood, rock or concrete surfaces, mix a cup of bleach into a gallon of water and use the solution to wipe or spray down moldy areas. Be sure to cover any plants in the area as the bleach could kill them. If an item is metal, treat it with tea tree oil after cleaning it and letting it dry to ensure it won't rust.

Wood and Drywall

If you have mold indoors, particularly on wood or drywall that is part of the structure of your home, you may want to consult with a professional. Mold growing in these circumstances could be due to a leak or ongoing problem that requires repair. Left uncorrected, it could impact the safety of your home. However, if you know what caused the mold and made repairs, you can treat the area yourself. Mix 10 parts bleach and one part dishwashing detergent into 20 parts water. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe the surface until the mold is gone and allow it to air dry.

Kitchen Items

Your garbage can, countertops, cutting boards, butcher blocks and even refrigerators are items in the kitchen that could grow some black mold from time to time. It's important to stay on top of these items; otherwise, you could end up with mold in your food. Try mixing a tablespoon of bleach into two quarts of water and wiping these items down with a brush or cloth.

Toys and Other Plastic Items

If you have kids or pets with plastic toys, moisture can lead to mold growth. Clean these items regularly, especially if you notice mold or smell something odd, by filling a sink or plastic bin with about a gallon of hot water. Add a quarter cup of bleach or half a cup of vinegar to the water and soak the toys in the solution for about an hour. Make sure the toys are dried thoroughly afterwards.