How to Get Rid of Black Mould With Natural Cleaners

Have you noticed black spots on your shower walls or kitchen ceiling? These spots could be black mould that can be a persistent and dangerous problem if you do not treat it in time. Black mould is a fungus, often dark green or black in colour, with many variations.

One of the most common and dangerous forms of black mould is Stachybotrys chartarum, which grows on most wooden, drywall and paper products. If you have allergies or a weak immune system and inhale these black mould spores, it can cause respiratory problems and worsen asthma symptoms.

Thus, treating black mould and getting rid of it as soon as possible is important to keep you and your family safe. However, many store-bought mould removers contain toxic chemicals that can be as harmful as black mould. In such cases, it is better to use natural solutions that are more cost-effective and will not harm your health.

Here are some natural solutions you can find in your pantry that will help you kill black mould:

How To Get Rid Of Black Mould Naturally

Black mould generally thrives in warm, humid and damp areas of your home, like behind your door frames, in your drywalls and in areas where water collects, like your basement, kitchen and bathroom.

Treating these mould spores before they become airborne and toxic and harm your health is important. Bond cleaning in Gold Coast professionals recommend the following ways to help you get rid of this black mould naturally:

1. Wear Protective Gear To Prevent Infections

Before you start scrubbing and cleaning black mould, it is important to wear goggles, rubber gloves and disposable clothing. You must do this because mould spores can become airborne, contaminating your body and immune system with air toxins like volatile organic compounds.

This will weaken your immune system, cause eye, nose and ear infections, and heighten respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis.

Besides wearing protective gear, it is also a good idea to ventilate your home when cleaning black mould and open your windows to let the spores go out.

2. Check And Inspect Your Rooms For Mould Infestations

Once you have all your protective gear on, you must check your rooms for mould infestations. Look behind the drywalls, underneath sinks, and around door frames and also check your kitchen and bathroom ceilings, shower walls and tiles, and damp and humid areas.

If the black mould has spread over an area larger than 10 square feet, it is best to let a professional remove this infestation.

Tip

Use these tips to remove mould from your ceilings.

3. Baking Soda: Kills Mould And Absorbs Odours

If the black mould is spread over less than 10 square feet, scrub it off with a natural cleaner like baking soda. Baking soda is a potent alkaline solution that kills the mould, absorbs moisture, prevents it from returning, and absorbs any foul odours.

To make this solution, expert bond cleaners on Gold Coast recommend mixing one cup of baking soda with one cup of water in a spray bottle.

You should spray this on the mould and leave it for around 30 minutes.

Next, use a toothbrush or microfiber cloth to wipe off the solution.

Rinse the area and spray the baking soda again to prevent any future growth of black mould.

4. White Vinegar: Acetic Acid Can Kill Most Of The Tiny Spores

Another natural solution that you can use to remove mould is white vinegar. According to a study, the 5% acetic acid in white vinegar is powerful enough to kill around 80% of mould spores.

To use vinegar to kill mould, bond cleaners on Gold Coast suggest mixing one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray this on the mould and leave it for an hour so the acetic acid breaks down and kills the black mould spores. Next, scrub the solution off with a microfiber cloth and rinse the area thoroughly.

Tip

You can also use vinegar for these quick and safe DIY cleaning hacks.

5. Tea Tree Oil: Antifungal And Antiviral Properties

Tea tree oil is highly effective in removing black mould as it has antifungal and antiviral properties. This essential oil is also natural and will prevent further growth of black mould in your home. Mix two drops of tea tree oil with 4 cups of water in a spray bottle. Spread this all over your black mould and leave it for 15 minutes.

Then scrub the area and reapply the oil to keep mould spores away from the area.

Other Natural Cleaners You Can Use

Hydrogen peroxide

Grapefruit seed extract

Borax

Tip

Here are some useful tips to help prevent the growth of mould.

Some Additional Tips

While it is important to treat the mould, you must also ensure that you remove the source of the problem, like fixing a leaking pipe and ensuring enough ventilation in the room.

If the area is too contaminated, like floor tiles or a part of the ceiling, it is best to replace it.

Lastly, when removing objects with mould, place them in a double trash bag to avoid exposure to this harmful mould.

Conclusion

Black mould is very toxic and harmful to your body as it weakens your immune system over time and causes allergic reactions. It is best to inspect your home for mould infestations regularly, and either call a professional or clean these spots on your own with the above natural solutions like vinegar and baking soda.