Cleaning Black Mold

When I first moved away from home and encountered black mold in the shower, I didn't know what to do. I used regular bathroom cleaner and scrubbed for an hour, but to no avail.

If you find black mold, you want to get rid of it as soon as possible. It spreads easily, and can take over your house. A big mold problem is something that no one wants to deal with. Black mold usually grows in damp areas that doesn't get a lot of air circulation. The most common black mold problem is found in the bathroom, especially in showers. Black mold is often a sign of a leak or flooding. Make sure that this isn't the case when you are cleaning the mold, otherwise it will just come back and you will have water damage as well.

The easiest way to get rid of black mold is to use chlorine bleach. First, test a hidden area of the surface to make sure the bleach won't discolor it. Mix a solution of water and bleach and apply it to the mold. The easiest way for me is to use a spray bottle. After it sits, scrub the mold off. You may need to do this more than once. Also, use disposable cleaning supplies because you will need to throw them away after they become contaminated. Since bleach is strong and noxious, make sure the room is well ventilated. However, you do need to contain the room. When the mold is disturbed, the spores become airborne and can spread in other areas.

The best way to handle black mold is to try to prevent it in the first place. Keep up on your cleaning. This will help you to keep areas sanitary and to help you spot potential mold growth. It's much easier to get rid of black mold when it is first starting to grow then when it has spread. An important way to help prevent black mold is to ventilate and dry out the air in the room. Try using a dehumidifier or air conditioner. If you are having problems with black mold in the shower, try leaving the shower curtain or shower door open after showering; this will help the shower to dry out.

With these tips, you should be able to get rid of your black mold. There are some exceptions, such as fabrics and caulking. In these cases, you will need to throw out the fabric and replace the caulking.