Tips on How to Prevent Black Mold from Growing in Your House

Mold has played a vital role in saving human lives by making way for penicillin. However, not all molds have medicinal properties. Some toxic molds like black mold can invade your living spaces and wreak havoc on the health of your family members. It can damage your home and furniture and even cause significant health issues among your loved ones. Although certain measures can be taken to prevent any potential mold growth, once black mold starts to grow in your household, the best way to remove it safely is by hiring mold remediation in Gainesville, Fl.

What is Black Mold?

Before we discuss how to prevent black mold, you need a deeper understanding of what black mold is. Black mold or Stachybotrys chartarum is a type of mold that thrives on moist surfaces rich in cellulose. They are often found growing on drywall, gypsum board, and fiberboard. It appears black and slimy and usually occurs in a colony.
This mold can produce mycotoxins which are toxic chemicals that can be dangerous to your loved ones or pets if it comes in contact with the skin, is inhaled, or ingested. However, not every mold with a musty smell or a black appearance is black mold. Professional testing is the only way to ensure the presence of black mold.

Managing Black Mold Exposure

If your house is infested with black mold, there are certain steps you can take proactively to limit mold exposure.

Stopping the source of moisture

Since black mold requires moisture to grow and thrive, it usually grows near leaking sinks, toilets, leaking roofs, or leaking windows. You can stop the water supply to leaky faucets or cover leaking roofs or windows with a plastic tarp until the leaks can be repaired or replaced.

Seal off the area infested with mold

If the black mold infestation is significant, you should seal off the infested portions of the house using plastic sheeting. If you have successfully cut off the supply of moisture to the infestation, continue lightly spraying the mold spores with water to prevent the spores from being airborne.

Always wear protective gear

If you are entering the sealed-off portions of your home, ensure that you always wear a mask and protective gear to prevent accidentally inhaling the mold spores or getting them on your clothes.

Practice safe cleaning methods

When cleaning any areas infested with black mold, you must use proper cleaning methods and the chemicals efficiently to prevent any additional infestations.

How to stop black mold from growing?

Keep the humidity under control

Mold requires moisture to thrive. Keeping the humidity level under 60 percent ensures mold cannot grow in your home.

Repair any leaks immediately

Even a tiny leak can cause surfaces like wood, drywall, or grout to be a thriving environment for black mold. Fixing them immediately can help you stop any black mold growth.

Keep every surface dry

Mold takes only two days to start growing. If you leave any surfaces wet, it makes your home prone to getting a black mold infestation.

Improve your home’s ventilation

By ensuring that your bathroom and kitchen fans circulate air correctly and help keep the humidity in control, you can create a hostile environment for mold growth.

Use a dehumidifier

In rooms where the humidity levels are usually high, like the basement and laundry room, using a dehumidifier can remove any lingering moisture from the air.

Maintain your HVAC ducts regularly

Performing an inspection on your HVAC system and its ducts at least once a year helps prevent clogs or leaks that can increase the humidity levels in your home.

Install moisture barriers

Crawl spaces and basements can easily trap moisture from the ground. You can prevent this moisture buildup by installing moisture barriers in these spaces.

Call in the professionals

When all else fails, it is time to call professionals who specialize in dealing with black mold. Removing mold can be dangerous as the spores can easily get airborne and spread throughout your home if not handled properly.

Final Words

Mold can grow in any part of your home that has ample moisture and cellulose base. However, not every mold that appears black is black mold. You can follow our guide on how to prevent black mold to achieve a genuinely mold-free home.