So, you’ve spotted some suspicious black spots growing in your home. While this is far from ideal, there is no need to panic! 

Black mold can grow for a lot of different reasons, and while it can cause harm to people in the house, it is relatively easy to handle early on. 

For those who want to manage the black mold with non-toxic and natural remedies, you have come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of 8 simple solutions to manage black mold growing in your home, and made sure to include only non-toxic substances. 

Before we get into those treatments, let’s break down the basics of what it is and how to spot it.

What is Black Mold?

To the inexperienced eye, it can be difficult to spot the difference between the many types of growths. While there isn’t really a “good” type that you want growing in your home, there are some types that can be more harmful if left alone.

A great way to stay on top of mold growth in your home is by keeping a constant look out in the places that it is commonly found. Certain places throughout the home offer what is considered to be a perfect environment for fungus to form, so these places should be on your list!

These growths tend to thrive in dark and humid environments, so any room that has running water or poor ventilation is a possible contender for mold growth. 

Bathrooms and kitchens are the most common locations it’s found. Whether you have a leak that needs tending to, or things just tend to stay damp, there is a good chance that mold has already begun to form. 

As we mentioned above, there are many types of mold. Some are more harmful than others, with black mold landing at the top of the list. 

How to Identify Black Mold

Without having anything to base it on, differentiating what type of mold you have growing in your home can be quite a challenge. They can look relatively similar.

Black mold tends to take on a black or greenish color. The CDC points out that it will traditionally grow in materials like fiberboard or paper, so you should keep this in mind while you are inspecting. 

If you or a family member have been experiencing any wheeziness or minor chest irritation, this is also a good signifier of mold spores. This is because it can cause some respiratory irritation due to its toxicity. 

While the black stuff is one of the most harmful, it really isn’t in your best interest to be breathing in any type of mold or affected air. So, the next step is to work on removing the growth altogether.

How to Kill Black Mold

We want to help you to learn how to kill the problem, because this is an issue that is best handled when addressed quickly!

Any growths in your home should be cause for worry, but there are so many natural ways to approach the problem and have it handled very quickly. 

These non-toxic methods have been proven to work in the past and may be just the thing you need to rid your home of mold for good – and you probably already have them in the house!

1) Baking Soda

Baking soda tends to be one of those cure-all substances that most of us already have on hand. By adding a little bit of baking soda to either water or vinegar, you can quickly spot treat the affected area!

Baking soda and water is one of the most common at-home solutions to removing black mold, and we highly recommend that you give it a go.

2) Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another non-toxic thing to have on hand and can help you to get rid of black mold once and for all.

By putting a 3% mixture into a spray bottle, you can quickly cover the moldy area. Make sure that your spray bottle is thoroughly cleaned and dried before you put the hydrogen peroxide inside!

3) Tea Tree Oil

Essential oils are a natural remedy for a lot of issues including black mold growth! To use this method, take your tea tree oil and dilute it with some water.

Again, using a spray bottle for this method is probably going to be the easiest by allowing you to fully cover the entire area. 

The natural oil will quickly get to work in killing off those mold spores and can stunt any future mold growth as well!

4) Grapefruit Seed Extract

Similar to tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract is non-toxic and very effective in black mold removal.

Mold and mildew stand no chance when up against this highly acidic substance. To prevent any damage to your affected surfaces, go ahead and dilute this extract in some water and put it in a spray bottle for the easiest application.

5) Lemons

Lemon juice is highly acidic and is one the best ways to help in black mold removal. It does not do well when exposed to any level of acidity, and lemon juice is definitely going to help to remove mold in your home.

You can purchase lemon juice in a bottle or squeeze your own – just make sure to cover all moldy places in this juice for it to work its magic. 

6) White Vinegar

White vinegar alone can quickly kill fungal growths. This natural cleaner is used around the house for many reasons and can stop black mold from spreading. 

As with all the other substances, make sure you cover the entire area so that the vinegar can kill off the harmful black mold spores. 

7) Borax

Commonly known as another cure-all, Borax can indeed help with any of your black mold issues. 

Just by mixing this with water, you will soon have a mold-killing concoction! For this substance, you can use an old rag to scrub the area. By doing this, you will be leaving traces of Borax to continue killing off any black mold spores. 

8) Rubbing (or Drinking) Alcohol 

Whether you have rubbing alcohol or a highly alcoholic beverage on hand, you are in luck.

Both of these substances can sterilize the moldy area and will help to stop growth completely! For this liquid, you are going to need the full strength so don’t bother adding any water before using it. 

Black Mold Prevention

All in all, these methods may work to kill off the growth temporarily, but there is always the chance that it could grow back. 

The real challenge is to work to prevent mold spores from growing. You can do this in a variety of ways, but our main suggestion is that you dehumidify the problem areas and do regular checkups to ensure that there are no leaks or places of concern.

Prevention of black mold is very possible and rather easy to do, so get to it!

Call Us Today!

Black mold removal is no joke and sometimes even the most effective natural remedies can’t fix the problem. 

To ensure that the job is done right and that the air quality in your home is at its best, call IDC Repair & Restoration! Our experts are ready to help you remove mold and get your home back to normal in no time.