How to Clean Black Mold

Black mold might look unsightly, but you can get rid of it with common household items:

• If you have borax powder, use it to remove mold from tile, glass, and wood surfaces.
• If you have laundry detergent, scrub it on non-porous surfaces to get rid of mold.
• If you have ammonia, spray it to eliminate mold from glass and tile.
• If you have bleach, use it to clean stubborn mold from non-porous surfaces.
• If you have hydrogen peroxide, use it as a non-toxic cleaner.
• If you have tea tree oil, spray it as a natural mold killer.
• If you have vinegar, use it as an effective, affordable mold solution.
• If you have baking soda, you can clean both porous and non-porous surfaces.

Eliminate Mold with Borax Powder. Borax is an affordable product available in most supermarkets. It works effectively on non-porous surfaces like tile and glass, as well as wood and other non-porous materials (as long as they are not damaged by moisture). Start by using a HEPA filter vacuum to remove mold spores from the air, preventing them from spreading. Then, follow these steps to clean the mold:

• Mix 1 cup of borax with 3.8 liters of water.
• Dip a brush into the solution and scrub the black mold off.
• Wipe the mold away.
• Do not rinse the area with water as borax will prevent mold spores from regrowing.

Remove Mold with Cleaning Products. This method is effective on glass, tile, and other non-porous surfaces. Although it does not kill the mold, scrubbing a mixture of soap and water on non-porous surfaces can help remove it effectively.

• Mix 1 cup of cleaning product (such as laundry detergent) with 3.8 liters of water.
• Use a brush to scrub the mixture on the moldy area.
• Rinse the treated area after scrubbing the mold away.

Eliminate Mold with Clear Ammonia. Clear ammonia is an effective tool for killing mold but is a harmful cleaning product that should be used with caution. Use ammonia to remove the toughest mold on glass and tile surfaces.

• Mix 2 cups of water with 2 cups of clear ammonia and pour it into a spray bottle.
• Spray the mixture all over the moldy area.
• Let it sit for at least 2 hours.
• Wipe clean and rinse the entire area.

Eliminate Mold with Bleach. This is an effective method for removing mold from non-porous surfaces such as tile and glass, as long as you're okay with the surface being damaged. Since bleach releases toxic fumes, make sure the area is well-ventilated. Open windows and wear gloves to protect your hands. Here's how:

• Mix 1 cup of bleach with 3.8 liters of water.
• Use a spray bottle or a bucket with a sponge to apply the bleach mixture to the moldy area.
• Leave the bleach on the mold for about 1 hour. You may wipe it clean if you want, but this step is not necessary.

Eliminate mold with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide works effectively on all types of surfaces and is completely non-toxic. Purchase a large bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide from the pharmacy and follow these steps:

• Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle.
• Spray it on the moldy area.
• Let it sit for at least 20 minutes.
• Wipe the surface clean.

Eliminate mold with tea tree oil. You can spray tea tree oil on any surface. Tea tree oil is completely natural, non-toxic, and effectively kills black mold because it is a natural antifungal.

• Mix 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water.
• Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
• Spray it generously on the moldy area.
• No need to wipe clean, as leaving the tea tree oil will help prevent mold spores from developing.

Eliminate mold with grapefruit seed extract. This is another completely natural and odorless method for killing mold.

• Mix 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract with 2 cups of water.
• Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
• Spray the affected area.
• Leave the mixture on the moldy surface to stop mold spores from growing.

Eliminate mold with white vinegar. Strong white vinegar can be used to treat severe mold spots, while diluted vinegar (1:1 ratio with water) is effective for areas with lighter mold. Vinegar is a suitable solution for killing mold on all types of surfaces, including carpeted and wooden floors.

• Pour vinegar or the vinegar mixture into a spray bottle.
• Spray the affected area.
• Let the vinegar dry on the surface to kill the mold.

Use baking soda to combat mold. This is another natural and effective solution for all types of surfaces, including both porous and non-porous ones.

• Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 cups of water.
• Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
• Spray the affected area and scrub with a brush.
• Rinse the treated area with water.
• Apply the baking soda solution again to prevent mold from returning.

Look for mold in hidden spots. Mold can sometimes be found behind drywall, inside window frames, or under sinks. Some signs that mold might be hidden include strong smells, warped wood surfaces, or discoloration on the ceiling.

Replace mold-infested items. In some cases, cleaning may not be enough to completely eliminate mold, and you may need to replace the affected items. Assess the damage and decide whether to replace part or all of the following mold-infested items:

• Bathroom tiles
• Carpeted floors and other types of flooring
• Wooden floors
• Ceilings

Seal off the mold-infested room. This step helps prevent mold spores from spreading into the air and contaminating other areas of the room. Close the door and use plastic sheets and tape to seal off vents, entryways, and any other areas where air could escape.

• Alternatively, you can place an exhaust fan pointing out the window to push the mold spores out of the room.

Protect yourself from mold. Wear a dust mask, loose-fitting clothing, or disposable protective gear that can be easily washed or discarded. Put on rubber gloves and protective goggles to safeguard your eyes and prevent mold from coming into contact with your skin.

Keep dirt and debris contained in a small area. When removing any mold-infested items, place them in a plastic bag as soon as possible. This prevents mold spores from spreading into the air.

Call a mold remediation expert if black mold spreads. Experts recommend that black mold should be professionally removed if it covers an area greater than one square meter. At this point, it becomes impossible to control black mold with household products.

Eliminate water sources that feed mold to prevent it from returning. Fix leaking pipes, improve ventilation in damp bathrooms, or install dehumidifiers in moist basements. Keep the mold-prone rooms dry to prevent future mold growth.

• Black mold is not more dangerous than other types of indoor mold. All types of mold carry a risk of respiratory issues, particularly for individuals with allergies. It's crucial to remove any mold promptly to reduce this risk.

• Do not allow pets near tea tree oil, as it is toxic to dogs and cats.
• When disposing of mold-infested carpets, tiles, wood, or other materials, ensure they are placed in thick trash bags. Double-bagging is even better. Avoid carrying the trash bags through the house. Instead, take them directly outside to prevent black mold spores from spreading to other areas of the home.
• Some household items with porous surfaces, such as carpets and window decorations, cannot be cleaned effectively. These should be replaced to prevent mold spores from spreading further.