Discoloration in bathroom tiles, walls, or ceilings is not uncommon. But sometimes, they are pretty dangerous. When you find out that mold is developing, you can wipe it with an effective solution.
Moisture and mold issues can occur on the ceiling or walls due to several reasons. Ceiling issues are divided into two categories -moisture and humidity.
Humidity issues arise when water particles and warm air interact with the ceiling causing interior mold growth. At the same time, moisture issues happen because of water exposure, such as roof leaks, plumbing failures, and many more.
But what exactly is black mold?
What Is Black Mold?
Molds are the organisms that get built in the interior as well as the exterior. Outside, they are an essential part of the ecosystem, and inside they can cause a few problems.
You can find the growth of black mold in damp and dark spaces of your property. Apart from cosmetic issues, it may also harm your house and negatively impact your health.
Black mold can be dangerous for your health, especially respiratory problems. But in some cases, it affects pre-existing health issues and can also cause pneumonia.
Whenever you suspect the black mold invasion, you must invest in a mold testing kit to check out the type of mold spores.
Call the experts immediately to help with the removal of black mold. Let us explore the signs, causes, prevention, and ways to get rid of black mold.
Different Signs Of Black Mold
Black mold begins as a small spot but spreads faster from where you might have noticed it earlier, and you can solve it quickly. Mold can be spotted in white, black, or any color.
You may also see the cottony, powdery, or velvety texture. If you are seeing a spot and are not sure about old stains and dirt spots, below are the signs of black mold –
- It smells earthy and musty.
- There is a moisture source.
- A drop of bleach lightens the color in one or two minutes.
- You can observe peeling, warping, or cracking of the material as it is growing.
- On dirt and old stains, black mold will continue to grow.
Common Causes Of Black Mold Growth
Few common causes of black mold involve flooding, roof leakages, poor humidity, water at the foundation, and poor ventilation.
Water Stays In The Foundation
Check out whether there is a collection of water around the basement of your house. It may lead to some problems like mold in your home if you find lots of stagnant water. You have to prevent rainwater collection by using a slope that throws it out from your foundation.
Roof Leakage
Like pipe leakages in the attic, leakages present in the roof may remain undiscovered until the mold has already grown. Ensure to check your roof regularly to keep your roof in good condition. Keep an eye, particularly on the ceiling of the bathroom before the attic.
Lower the Humidity Level
Poor ventilation at your home may cause mold. Also, Lack of ventilation produces moist and stagnant air, which enables mold growth. Evaporation of water and steam generates humidity. You need to maintain the level of moisture to balance the air circulation.
Flooding
Flooding is another cause of black mold. Issues like mold removal are challenging to ignore if your house has experienced a flood. Your home may be wet, and it may take some time before your house becomes dry. It puts your house at risk of growing black mold.
Pipe Leakages
Water leakages from a pipe are the most common cause of mold growth. The worst leakage is that you cannot see, e.g., inside the wall or above the ceiling.
Hidden leakage gives a push to grow black mold. Keep in mind that certain conditions are essential for mold growth. It comprises a reasonable amount of time to develop water leakages, sources of moisture, humidity, darkness, and so on.
How To Clean And Get Rid Of The Black Mold?
There are three essential solutions to clean, remove, and get rid of the black mold as follows –
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is helpful to keep spiders far off, but it is also a safe alternative to get rid of black mold. It is a natural fungicide that works as a cleaning product, and it has the potential to prevent mold spores from growing.
All you need to do is combine one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water. Shake it and pour it into the spray bottle to increase coverage.
Please leave it to dry for one hour and wipe it away with a dry towel or microfiber. Ensure to wear protective gloves, even if it is a natural solution. Tea tree oil may cause skin irritation, so be safe while using it.
Utilize Vinegar To Remove Black Mold
White ordinary vinegar is an acidic product that deodorizes, cleans, disinfects, and can kill around 82% of species of mold. You must use it safely on most of the surfaces to remove offensive odors.
Coming to the point of black mold, take undiluted white vinegar in the spray bottle.
Spray it on the moldy surface and let it rest for an hour. Then wipe it away with water and let the surface dry. Any odor from the vinegar will clear out in a few hours.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great solution to prevent mold growth. It also absorbs mildew odors. Combine the baking soda and water in equal proportion to make a paste.
It helps remove lighter mold stains, preventing future growth. After applying paste to the affected area, utilize the small brush for scraping away mold stains.
Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with two cups of water and pour it into the spray bottle. Shake it properly and spray it over the area being cleaned. Dry it in a protective layer to stop future mold growth.
Final Words
You learn about the causes and prevention of black mold growth. So, ensure to stay safe from black mold because it may cause damage to your home as well as can lead to some severe health issues.
