Your eyes have been watery and itching lately, and you’ve been coughing and sneezing more than normal. There has also been a musty, unpleasant smell that, regardless of how many candles you burn, just won’t go away. You then notice a fuzzy little greenish-black patch of slime in the bathroom. You, my friend, have a toxic invader: black mold. A serious threat to homeowners, black mold can wreak havoc on your home and health.

Black mold is found in the dark and damp areas of your home and, left unchecked, can quickly spread and become a serious threat to you and your loved ones. Fortunately for you, the professionals at RestoPros – the leading mold and water remediation company for the greater DFW Metroplex – are going to show you 4 DIY tips on removing black mold.

1. Gear Up for Battle

Before you confront the enemy, make sure you’re properly outfitted and ready for battle. For under $10.00, hooded disposable coveralls will protect you and your clothing from mold spores. You will also need a high-quality N-95 respirator, air tight safety googles, and a pair of good rubber gloves. Because the health concerns are so serious, we must insist that no short cuts are taken. Even short exposure to black mold spores can cause respiratory infections, joint pain, rashes, and even blindness.

2. Remove and Toss Porous Materials.

Any porous materials with mold growth will need to be removed and discarded. This can include materials like drywall, paper, carpeting, and ceiling tiles. Because mold can spread rapidly, it’s important to check behind walls with mold grown on them to see how far the infection has spread. This might mean having to remove large sections of drywall and carpeting to ensure all black mold is found and treated. While wooden studs can be treated and cleaned, drywall will need to be discarded and replaced after the mold is eradicated from the area. This holds true for all carpeting as well. Hardwood floors may be cleaned, but the carpeting will need to be removed from the home.

3. Disinfect and Clean the Area.

There are a number of inexpensive products on the market that can be used to clean mold. For years, products like bleach or ammonia have been the preferred choice, but today there are several products that are made especially for the removal and cleanup of mold and can be purchased at any major grocery store. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bleach may still be the most effective way to remove mold from the home. If you decide to use bleach, mix 1 cup with 1 gallon of water. Pour into a spray bottle or use with a bucket and sponge. Never mix bleach and ammonia, as it produces a toxic gas.

4. Prevent Mold Growth from Reoccurring.

Make sure that the root cause for the moisture has been fixed. Places like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements need to be cleaned regularly and kept dry. For large areas like basements, a dehumidifier will allow you to regulate the amount of moisture in the air. Air conditioners are another good way to reduce humidity in the home. In areas where it is difficult or impossible to eliminate moisture, you can mix 1 cup of bleach with 5 gallons of water for use in controlling the growth of mold.

While we hope these DIY tips help in your battle with black mold, they’re no substitute for an experienced professional. The fact is, the job may just be too difficult and dangerous. The CDC recommends calling a professional mold remediation company in most cases. The mold remediation experts at RestoPros have a long-standing reputation for expertise, professionalism, and hard work. If you’re looking for a skilled and highly trained technician for mold testing, mold remediation, water damage restoration, or HVAC duct cleaning anywhere in the Dallas Metroplex, call us at (855) 58-RESTO (855-587-3786) to schedule an appointment today!