Removing Black Mold from Your Basement
Basements tend to be dark, damp places, and these qualities make basements a common place for moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth to occur. However, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More is a general term, as there are hundreds of thousands of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More species. While all moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth in a home is harmful, it’s important to know how to identify different moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More species from one another for a few reasons. Some moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More species are more harmful than others, and not all moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More species can be properly treated the same way. In fact, improper cleaning methods may simply irritate the moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More and worsen the damage it has caused. This is why you should always call a professional for mold remediation.
One of the common types of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More found growing in basements is referred to as black moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More. If you notice black moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growing in your home, it’s crucial that you take immediate action to have it removed so that you can limit the damage it can do to your home and you and your family.
Continue reading to learn more about what black moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More is, how moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth develops, why moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More is harmful, how to prevent moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth, and how to remove black moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More from your basement.
What Causes Mold Growth?
MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More are naturally present in the atmosphere and travel through the air, but they become a problem in the proper conditions. SporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More are triggered into moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth when they have a moisture source and a food source. Among the materials moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More uses as a food source are drywall, wood, insulationInsulation is a material used in buildings to reduce the tra... More, and cardboard. Furthermore, cellulose is one of the main substances that moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More feeds on, which is found in many building materials. Because of this, mold growth often occurs as a result of water damage. If water damage is a problem, building materials are usually among the objects affected, making it a perfect environment for moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth.
What is Black Mold?
Black moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More is a common name for the stachybotrysStachybotrys is a type of black mold (often called “black ... More species of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More. More specifically it can be the stachybotrys chartarum species or the stachybotrysStachybotrys is a type of black mold (often called “black ... More chlorohalonata species. This moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More is also sometimes referred to as toxic black moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More because it can produce mycotoxinsMycotoxins are toxic substances produced by certain types of... More that can leadLead is a heavy metal that can be toxic to humans, especiall... More to serious health issues. Unsurprisingly, it is black in color but can also have a green tint to it.
An important thing to note, however, is that not all moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More species that are black in appearance are stachybotrysStachybotrys is a type of black mold (often called “black ... More chartarum. Black moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More often appears slimy because of the wet layer on its surface. But if the black moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More no longer has a water source, the fungus can be dry and powdery in appearance.
Why is Black Mold Harmful?
MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More, in general, is harmful because it can cause people to suffer from allergies and irritations. Black moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More specifically is harmful because it can produce mycotoxinsMycotoxins are toxic substances produced by certain types of... More, and these can cause severe health concerns like anxiety, depression, memory problems, respiratory issues, and vision problems to name a few.
How Can You Prevent Mold Growth?
The key to moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More preventionPrevention refers to actions taken to reduce the likelihood ... More, no matter the species, is moisture control. That said, if areas or materials in your basement are wet, then you want to make sure they are dried thoroughly and in a timely manner. Otherwise, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More will have time to take advantage of the moisture.
Controlling the humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More levels in your home is helpful, too. Maintaining humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More levels 50 percent or lower is ideal for moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More preventionPrevention refers to actions taken to reduce the likelihood ... More but is especially important during the summer when it’s naturally more humid. This is why it’s recommended you use an air conditioner or dehumidifierA dehumidifier is a device that removes excess moisture from... More during humid seasons.
How Do You Remove Black Mold from a Basement?
If you notice black moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More — or any moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More for that matter — growing in your basement, the best thing to do is to act right away. If you want to take the do-it-yourself approach, always prioritize your safety, use the appropriate protective gear, and make sure your basement has enough ventilationVentilation is the process of exchanging or circulating air ... More.
Take note that cleaning the moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More is only a realistic option for the surface of floors, walls, and ceilings. If drywall, ceiling tiles, or insulationInsulation is a material used in buildings to reduce the tra... More has been affected by moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More, then you need to replace those materials.
When you have safeguarded yourself, use these steps to remove the moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More from your basement:
- Step 1: Dry the affected space if it isn’t already. The moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More will just return if there is still moisture.
- Step 2: Create a bleach solutionA solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substance... More that contains one part bleach and one part water.
- Step 3: Scrub the solutionA solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substance... More on the affected area, and allow the material to thoroughly soak up the solutionA solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substance... More.
The aforementioned home remedy is a cheap option that is ideal for small cases of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth — no more than 10 square feet of damage. If you are dealing with a larger, more severe case of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth, you need to have a mold removal professional take care of the issue. Ideally, all cases of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth should be handled by a professional.
Mold remediation professionals have the proper equipment, certification, and expertise to work on your home’s moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More problem. If the moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More has developed as a result of water damage, these professionals can also provide water damage restoration services as part of the job.
Professional help can be costly, but it ensures that the job is handled correctly. It also means you don’t need to further expose yourself to the moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More and increase the risk of health concerns.
About Vince Sandri
Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, water damage, fire and smoke damage, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, fire, smoke, and moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.
