How to Get Rid of Black Mold

Has the musty smell of decay ever hit you when you walk into a bathroom? Chances are, the bathroom has mold growing behind the walls. In nature, mold breaks down dead leaves and other organic matter. However, in your home, mold can damage your walls and sheetrock and even pose a danger to your health.

In this guide, we’ll walk through identifying mold and show you how to get rid of black mold to prevent it from returning. Our best tip for how to remove black mold? Have a plumber look at your pipes if you suspect water damage. The specialists at Roto-Rooter can track down any leaks in your home to prevent mold problems.

Understanding the Dangers of Black Mold

Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, produces allergens and irritants that can trigger respiratory issues, particularly in:

• People with asthma
• People with allergies
• People with weakened immune systems
• Infants
• The elderly

Mold spreads through airborne spores and thrives in moisture-rich areas, especially after water damage. How harmful is black mold? While not everyone reacts the same, prolonged exposure can lead to:

• Chronic coughing
• Fatigue
• Sinus congestion
• Skin irritation
• Neurological symptoms

Beyond health concerns, black mold can compromise your home’s structure. It feeds on organic materials like wood, paper, and drywall, weakening surfaces over time. Left untreated, it can spread quickly and increase restoration costs.

No matter how you look at it, black mold removal is important for your health and wallet.

How to Identify Black Mold in Your Home

Knowing how to get rid of black mold in the bathroom, in the shower, and on walls can save you from expensive repairs and health complications. It often appears as dark green or black splotches with a slimy or fuzzy texture.

Look in areas where moisture lingers:

• Bathrooms: Around sinks, tubs, and especially in tile grout
• Showers: On caulking, between tiles, and along shower doors
• Walls and ceilings: Particularly those adjacent to leaky plumbing or poor ventilation
• Basements and crawl spaces: Where humidity and darkness are ideal for mold growth

You might also notice a strong, musty odor even before seeing visible mold. Mold can grow behind walls and beneath flooring, so investigate any persistent smell.

Can You Kill Black Mold Yourself?

Yes. If the affected area is under 10 square feet and the mold hasn’t penetrated porous materials like drywall or insulation, you can learn how to kill black mold on your own. However, it’s important to take proper precautions, including:

• Wearing gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask.
• Ensuring the space is well-ventilated.
• Sealing off unaffected areas to prevent spores from spreading.

That said, if you have allergies or respiratory issues, or if mold covers a large area, it’s safer to call in professionals instead of considering how to remove black mold yourself.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Rid of Black Mold

Safety First: Gear and Setup

Before you start cleaning, protect yourself and the surrounding area:

1. Wear long sleeves, rubber gloves, protective goggles, and a mask (preferably an N95 respirator).
2. Ventilate the area with open windows or fans.
3. Close off the affected room with plastic sheeting to contain spores.
4. Run a dehumidifier or fan to reduce moisture in the space before cleaning (make sure to turn it off when cleaning starts).

Cleaning Solutions That Work

You can choose between commercial mold removers or household alternatives:

• White vinegar: Spray undiluted onto the area and let it sit for an hour.
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%): Apply, let bubble for 10 minutes, then scrub.
• Baking soda and water: For lighter stains, mix into a paste and scrub gently.
• Commercial products: Choose EPA-registered mold killers for larger infestations.

Avoid mixing cleaners like bleach and ammonia, as this produces toxic fumes.

Surface-Specific Cleaning Methods

• How to get rid of black mold on wood: Scrub gently with a soft brush and vinegar solution. Let dry completely, then sand if needed. Apply a mold-resistant sealer to prevent recurrence.
• How to get rid of black mold on shower tiles: Use hydrogen peroxide or vinegar and a stiff brush. Focus on grout lines. Rinse well and dry.
• How to get rid of black mold on walls: If mold has penetrated the drywall, removal and replacement may be necessary. For surface mold, gently scrub with a damp cloth and vinegar, then dry thoroughly.

Proper Disposal and Post-Cleanup Tips

1. Bag any contaminated rags, sponges, or removed materials and discard them immediately.
2. Clean tools with a disinfectant.
3. Run a dehumidifier or fan for at least 24 hours and monitor for returning mold.

How to Get Rid of Black Mold Permanently

Killing mold is just the first step. Long-term prevention is essential to stop it from coming back. Here’s how to get rid of black mold for good:

• Fix leaks promptly (plumbing, roof, or foundation)
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens
• Run dehumidifiers in damp areas
• Improve airflow by opening windows or adding vents
• Insulate pipes to prevent condensation

Can a House Be Saved from Black Mold?

With timely action and professional remediation, you can save your home, even if you have a significant mold problem. Restoration may involve removing drywall, flooring, and insulation. But when done correctly, the house can be safe and healthy again.

If you’re dealing with a large or persistent mold issue, remediation experts can locate hidden colonies, safely remove contaminated materials, and restore your home’s indoor air quality.

When to Call the Professionals

DIY mold removal can work for small areas, but larger infestations or hidden moisture problems require professional help.

At Roto-Rooter, our mold remediation team uses advanced tools to detect and eliminate mold and prevent regrowth. We’re also experienced in water damage cleanup to ensure your space stays mold-free.

If you’ve discovered black mold in your home, don’t wait. Call the professionals at Roto-Rooter to schedule your black mold removal and water damage restoration services.