We all like to think our homes are clean, but that might not be the case. The last thing anyone wants growing in their home is black mold. This type of mold is toxic. Its spores can cause a variety of symptoms in humans that can range from unpleasant to dangerous. Some symptoms include coughing, sneezing, irritation of eyes, nose, and throat, constant headaches, fatigue, and rashes. While removing mold is a job that is best left for professionals, looking for signs of mold infestation is something you can do yourself. These are some of the most common signs of black mold and how a mold removal company can help.
What’s That Smell?
Maybe you smell a musty, earthy odor in your home and you can’t quite figure out what it is. This may be a sign of black mold. At this point, you might only be able to smell but not see the mold. Check for areas where moisture is most likely to be, as well as any areas that might have been exposed to water.
Also, if you suspect mold but can’t smell anything, have a friend come over and smell your house. There’s a chance that your nose has adapted to the smells of your home, which will make it harder for you to pinpoint any potential issues with picking up mold smells.
Check for Growth Spots
Black mold, as you can guess by the name, tends to be dark in color. If you see circular-shaped spots that are black, brown, or green in color, they can be mold. It is also known to have flecks of orange and white mixed in with the darker colors as well.
Black mold also has a unique texture. It may look fuzzy. Larger areas can also look like black satin. This kind of black mold tends to stretch across your floor, wall, or ceiling.
Water Damage
If you want to catch black mold early, check for water-damaged spots. If you’ve had a pipe burst recently or have a leak in your roof, these can become ideal areas for black mold to grow quickly. Anytime there is a leak or any sign of water damage, mold has the ability to grow there. Check out any water rings immediately to lessen the chance of black mold growing.
How to Get Rid of Black Mold
When it comes to black mold, it’s generally preferred that you call a professional to get it removed. Not only do they have the equipment and know-how to get rid of it, but they can reduce your chance of exposure in the process. However, in less severe cases, you may be able to handle cleaning it yourself.
To ensure that you don’t get exposed to it, you should wear the following:
- Goggles
- Latex gloves
- Dust mask
- Long sleeves and pants, or a painter’s full bodysuit
Once you’ve properly equipped yourself to remove black mold, take these steps to ensure that you remove it properly.
- The area with mold needs to be closed off. Spores can circulate in the air and end up in other spots in your home. Closing off the area makes sure that the mold stays confined to one area. We recommend putting paper or plastic wrap over your vents and using a fan to blow air out of an open window to keep the spores from spreading.
- Use water, soap, and a scrub brush or sponge to scrub off any mold that has grown on surfaces in your home. You should also get rid of any items where mold has grown, including any old towels or toiletries.
- Use a strong disinfectant to disinfect the area. Hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar work best. Bleach also works, but it should also be diluted before use.
- After you’ve removed the mold, open up the area and get plenty of ventilation around it. Try to avoid the area until the fumes from your cleaner have dissipated.
Do You Have Black Mold? Call PNW Restoration ASAP!
While it’s possible to handle this yourself, if you’re still unsure what to look for or you’re afraid of exposing yourself to black mold, hiring a professional is your best option. If your home is in need of black mold removal, call the professionals at PNW Restoration, located in Portland, Oregon, at 971-247-3381. We take appointments and offer emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We offer services in Portland, Aloha, Canby, Gresham, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Tigard, Tualatin, and West Linn, as well as Vancouver, Washington.
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