How to Prevent Black Mold

Unfortunately it's nearly impossible to rid mold from your home completely, but they can be kept under control with a few preventative measures.

Molds love humidity so checking for any moisture in the home is a must. Look for leaky water pipes, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Fix anything suspicious immediately and dry the area where moisture has occurred.

If you have a basement like I do or you live in a warm climate, you may want to consider investing in a dehumidifier. Although dehumidifiers won't keep your home completely dry, they can reduce a little moisture in the air

If you have a shower, be sure to use an exhaust fan when showering. If you don't have an exhaust fan, open a window to let out trapped moisture.

In the kitchen be sure to use a hood fan and if at all possible, you should invest in a fan that will allow steam to go outside.

Around the house, dust frequently and open windows when the weather is nice. This can help keep spores to a minimum and prevent toxic molds from forming.

Black mold is very toxic and can not only affect your health, it can also affect your home. Even worse, this type of fungus only needs a little moisture and organic food to grow and thrive. And the really bad news is that it's no longer as simple as throwing some bleach on the affected area and calling it a day. Bleaching the poisonous fungus is not only an unsafe toxin itself, it also won't completely eliminate the mold problem.

Instead, you need to find a safer alternative to mold removal from your home. However, the first step in freeing your home from mold is by getting rid of the source, which is moisture. Once you've removed the moisture, you can then move on to removing the mold.

Since molds don't need much to grow, any amount of moisture can cause a problem. One of the most common places to lower humidity is the bathroom. Other areas where mold can also thrive are crawl spaces, basements and attics. If you think you have a mold problem, look for discolored walls or ceilings that may have been damaged by water. Mold tends to leave dark gray or green splotches wherever it grows. Another indication that you have a problem is a musty smell that most people assume just comes with older homes.

If your mold problem is under 10 square feet, you can do the job yourself if you're a do-it-yourselfer. Anything more than that and you'll need to call in a professional. After you've fixed the source of the moisture problem, arm yourself with protective gear such as gloves, goggles and a respirator.

Then, scrub the affected surfaces with soapy water and a scrub brush. Wipe the area dry with a clean rag and apply a commercial based product that is made to remove and eliminate toxic mold. Finally, seal any damaged materials and items used in the black mold cleanup process in plastic bags before disposing of it.

Remember to take black mold seriously. Don't wait until it's too late. Black mold prevention is not just a good idea, it's essential to your family's good health. The Black Mold Removal Guide is a one-stop resource for getting rid of black mold once it gets in your home.