What is Black Mold?

Mold cleanup is a task that millions will have to undertake on a yearly basis. The truth about black mold is that it can be potentially harmful to one’s health. Though it doesn’t stick to the old sayings or the danger level most perceive. In smaller amounts, black mold is actually quite harmless. Most homeowners and business owners are unaware of the truth behind black mold. Many see it as a major warning sign for impending issues.

While living with mold is certainly never recommended, it may not pose as much physical harm as one may assume. The real damage dealt by black mold is the damage to your home or business. Black mold colonies can spread quickly and can survive with little to nothing in terms of materials. It only takes dampness, oxygen, and an organic object for black mold to gain foot ground.

Black mold poses a serious problem to your home or business. As it spreads and the problem grows worse, the more likely you are to require heavier work. Such as replacing carpets or drywall entirely. United Water Restoration Group would like to help you better understand black mold, mold cleanup, and what you can do to help protect your home or business!

What is Black Mold? 

Though some may not be aware of this fact, black mold is actually not a single strain of fungi. There are actually several types of mold that share the same appearance as black, patched spots. The most common form of mold is called stachybotrys chartarum. This kind of mold thrives rather easily and creates a colony that can expand at a rather rapid pace. This is why mold cleanup is such an important matter. Black mold isn’t an entirely unique strain of fungi and it is unlikely to cause physical harm. While black mold is thought to have caused health problems, a study from 2017 titled “ Mold and Human Health: a Reality Check” found no link. 

Why is Black Mold Dangerous?

While mold may only be potentially harmful to your health, it is certainly harmful to your home or business’ health. Even smaller colonies can reap significant issues on a home or business. From unpleasant smells to literally ruining sections of a building, black mold is not a joke. The longer you wait to act the more likely the issue is to spread. If it seeps into insulation or drywall, it is likely that you will need to replace those sections.

Black mold is also dangerous as it can hide outside of plain sight. Areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces are hotbeds for mold colonies to grow and thrive. They have plenty of spots to grab and plenty of time to spread in areas of the home or business that are less frequented. 

How Can You Get Rid of Black Mold?

Though black mold spreads quickly, if you are early enough you can fairly easily complete the mold cleanup task alone. If the mold colonies have spread, it is recommended to have a service company, like United Water Restoration Group come out and look. Again, mold can hide, so it is better safe than sorry. 

If you’re looking at a smaller colony, there are several ways to handle the problem yourself. There are actually several items lying around the average household that can assist you. Here are a few natural solutions to your black mold problem:

1. Vinegar – Though you may not think vinegar is a great mold killer, its antibacterial acidic characteristics get the job done. Simply place undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle, spray the affected areas, and wipe down with a towel. To ensure the problem stays away, spray the area again, allow it to dry, and then come back and clean it up. 
2. Baking Soda – Baking soda is another item one may commonly find at home. This item can be used for many things, such as neutralizing bad odors in one’s fridge and mold cleanup. For this, mix 2 tablespoons baking soda with 2 cups into a spray bottle and spray the affected areas. To ensure the problem doesn’t occur again, clean up, spray again, and let it dry.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide – This item also has many uses outside of mold cleanup and is typically found in the average home. For this item, place the peroxide in a spray bottle, with no water or anything else to dilute it. Leave it on the affected areas for about 10 minutes before cleaning the area off.

Though there are plenty of home solutions you can utilize, there are also store-bought items specifically created for mold cleanup. If your problem is large, but still small enough to handle, you can buy a product to help. Home improvement stores always carry around concoctions specifically designed for mold cleanup.

When Should You Get Help?

While black mold is fairly harmless in smaller doses, the larger the problem becomes the more likely you are to run into issues. Black mold has a way of hiding and spreading around a building like it is no one’s business. If you’re unable to see mold, but can identify the damp, old, musty smell it produces, it may be time to call in the professionals. United Water Restoration Group technicians are trained to identify the source of mold. We are able to find the source, fix the problem, and get your home or business back to normal! 

United Water Restoration Group technicians are equipped and trained for all the steps of mold cleanup. We are able to replace drywall, insulation, and carpeting if needed. United Water Restoration Group is a company that focuses on water, fire, flood, and mold damage. If your home or business has a problem, we can help fix it and restore it back to normalcy. United Water Restoration Group has offices located all around the United States.

To discover the closest United Water Restoration Group office, go to our website and input your zip code into our database! We provide services in Ormond Beach, Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, Daytona Beach, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida, Melbourne, Florida, and many other locations around Florida!