Black Mold: The Whats, Whys and Hows

Your home is your sanctuary, and it goes without saying that none of us is ever going to be too happy when that sanctuary is intruded upon. We wouldn’t accept strange people in our homes, we’re never pleased when pests breach the defenses, and so it’s entirely reasonable to be shocked and concerned when a non-sentient intruder such as black mold is the unwelcome visitor. 

Below, we will look into the facts about mold in our homes – what it is, why it happens and how we can get rid of it, among other key questions and answers.

What exactly is black mold?

Black mold is a fungus which can grow in the home, particularly in areas that are prone to dampness and moisture. As the name suggests, it shows up as black spores on walls and potentially other surfaces, although it can also appear dark green at times. Its scientific name is Stachybotrys chartarum, and it isn’t just an unsightly blight on our kitchens and bathrooms. It can cause health issues, particularly for people with existing respiratory conditions – but even if you are generally healthy it can still be bad news, causing skin issues and potentially neurological symptoms which can include headaches and memory problems.

Why does it happen?

The primary cause of black mold is surface water that gathers, primarily on exterior-facing walls where there is often a difference in heat between the warm interior and the cold exterior. It forms primarily in bathrooms and kitchens, where this hot/cold balance can be most pronounced and where water has a chance to gather. Poorly ventilated and uninsulated homes are particularly prone, so keeping windows open and speaking to insulation companies are both steps worth taking to prevent it. Regularly wiping down walls will also prevent the bacteria that cause mold from having a chance to multiply.

How can it be removed?

While prevention is undoubtedly better than cure, it is worth knowing what can be done when mold does form in your home, especially as it can be stubborn and hard to remove. You can buy specialized mold removal spray in most supermarkets, but if you don’t have that in the home it might be worth tackling mold with a 1:10 solution of bleach in hot water. 

Any time you are cleaning mold from a wall, make sure you have made the area well-ventilated and are wearing facial protection such as a mask – breathing in the spores can be detrimental to your health. Some people also choose to use vinegar as a cleaning solution, which can work well, but do not use this at the same time as bleach. This can result in the release of chlorine gas, and any exposure to that can be hazardous to your health.

With the right preventative measures in place, it should be possible to prevent black mold from ever making an appearance in your home. If it does form, however, knowing how to get rid of it and what health measures to take will allow you to keep it from ever becoming a serious issue for you.