How to Deal With Black Mold: Safe & Easy Tips That Work

Black mold can be scary, but you can beat it with the right steps. If you’ve found mold in your house, don’t panic. This guide will teach you how to deal with black mold the safe and smart way.

We’ll cover what black mold is, where it hides, what it does to your health, and how to clean it up. We’ll also show you how to stop it from coming back. Let’s dive in!

What Is Black Mold?

Black mold, also called Stachybotrys chartarum, is a type of fungus that grows in wet, damp places. It looks dark green or black and usually smells musty or earthy.

It likes to grow in places where there’s water damage, like:

Leaky roofs
Damp basements
Flooded bathrooms
Wet drywall or carpets

Why Is Black Mold Dangerous?

Black mold isn’t just ugly — it can make you sick. When black mold grows, it sends tiny particles called mold spores into the air. If you breathe them in, it may hurt your health, especially if you have allergies or asthma.

Health Problems from Mold Exposure

Here are some signs that mold might be making you or your family feel bad:

Coughing or sneezing
Stuffy nose
Itchy eyes
Skin rashes
Headaches
Trouble breathing

Where Does Black Mold Hide?

Black mold loves hidden spots where water collects. Even if you don’t see it, it might be hiding. Look out for:

Under sinks
Behind walls
Inside air vents
On ceilings
Around windows
Inside washing machines

Signs You Have a Mold Problem

You don’t have to see mold to know it’s there. Look for these signs:

A strong, musty smell
Water stains on walls or ceilings
Peeling paint or wallpaper
Past water damage or flooding

If you’re not sure, call a certified mold inspector. They can test for mold safely.

Step-by-Step: How to Deal With Black Mold

Let’s break down the steps to deal with mold in your home.

Step 1: Stay Safe

Before touching mold, protect yourself. Wear:

Gloves
N95 face mask
Goggles
Long sleeves

Keep kids and pets away from the area.

Step 2: Stop the Water Source

Mold grows where it’s wet. Fix any leaks, dry out the area, and use fans or dehumidifiers.

Step 3: Seal the Area

If the mold is in one room, close the doors and windows. Use plastic sheets and tape to stop mold spores from spreading.

Step 4: Remove Moldy Items

Throw away:

Wet carpet
Moldy ceiling tiles
Rotted wood
Damaged drywall

Seal them in plastic bags before throwing them out.

NLP Keywords: mold removal, black mold cleanup, mold remediation

Step 5: Clean the Surface

Use a mixture of:

1 cup of bleach + 1 gallon of water OR
White vinegar and baking soda

Scrub hard surfaces like tile, glass, and metal. Never mix bleach with ammonia — it makes toxic gas.

Step 6: Dry Everything Fast

Mold grows fast in wet areas. Use fans and open windows to dry everything within 24–48 hours.

Step 7: Keep an Eye on the Area

Watch the area for a few weeks. If mold comes back, the moisture problem isn’t fixed yet.

When to Call a Mold Remediation Company

Sometimes, you need expert help. Call a professional mold remediation company if:

The mold covers more than 10 square feet
You smell mold but can’t find it
Someone in the house is getting sick
You’ve had major flooding or water damage

These pros use tools like HEPA vacuums, air scrubbers, and moisture meters to clean mold the right way.

How to Prevent Black Mold

It’s better to stop mold before it starts. Here’s how to prevent it:

Control Humidity

Keep your home’s humidity below 50%. Use:

Dehumidifiers
Air conditioners
Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens

Fix Leaks Fast

Check your roof, pipes, and basement for leaks and repair them right away.

Use Mold-Resistant Products

When building or remodeling, ask for:

Mold-resistant drywall
Mold-killing paint

Keep Air Moving

Open windows, run ceiling fans, and don’t let rooms get stuffy.

Clean Regularly

Wipe down bathrooms, laundry rooms, and anywhere else that gets wet often.

What Not to Do With Black Mold

Some mistakes can make mold worse. Avoid:

Painting over mold
Using a regular vacuum on mold
Mixing bleach with other cleaners
Ignoring small mold spots

What Products Help Kill Mold?

Here are some safe mold cleaners you can use at home:

White vinegar – great for non-porous surfaces
Hydrogen peroxide – kills mold and bacteria
Baking soda – absorbs moisture and scrubs well
Bleach – strong, but only for hard surfaces

You can also buy EPA-registered mold-killing sprays at home stores.

Entities: Clorox, Concrobium, RMR-86, Lysol Mold & Mildew Remover

FAQs About Dealing With Black Mold

How do I know if it’s black mold or regular mold?

Black mold is usually dark green or black and has a strong, musty smell. Only a mold test can confirm what type it is.

Can I clean black mold myself?

Yes, if it’s a small area (less than 10 square feet). Use gloves, a mask, and a mold cleaner. Bigger jobs should be left to professionals.

Is black mold always toxic?

Not always, but it can be harmful. Some types of black mold release toxins (mycotoxins) that may affect your lungs, skin, or brain if breathed in.

Will black mold go away on its own?

No. Mold needs moisture to grow, and once it starts, it spreads fast. You must remove it and fix the water source.

How much does black mold removal cost?

Small cleanups cost $50–$200 with DIY. Professional mold remediation costs between $500 and $6,000 depending on damage size and location.

Final Thoughts: Stay Safe and Take Action

Black mold is serious, but with the right steps, you can keep your home and family safe. Don’t wait — deal with it early and stop it from coming back.

If the job is too big or dangerous, call a licensed mold professional. It’s worth it to keep your home healthy. Contact us today on how we can help you remove black mold.

Eric Allison

Eric Allison is a seasoned professional in property restoration, serving as the primary contact and founder of Preferred Restoration Services, LLC, based in Tustin, California. With a career spanning over two decades, Eric has developed extensive expertise in addressing fire, water, and mold damage, ensuring properties are restored to their pre-loss condition.

Mold Removal

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 62 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Yelp  
   
   Michelle D. 
 April 23, 2025
 
 
 Verified A straight up honest broker who knows his stuff.  Excellent communication and very helpful problem solving our mold issue
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Jessica M. 
 April 1, 2025
 
 
 Verified Giving Eric a 5-star review, and we haven't even started any work yet. He came to gave us his professional opinion and quote to address a mold issue in our house. He is clearly very knowledgeable. His opinion was wildly different than the previous estimate we received, from an agency that wanted to charge us about 4 times as much. He did a much more thorough assessment, and explained his reasoning for why he felt that our issue wasn't as extreme as the previous agency. He even gave us some suggestions as to how we could address our issue on our own, if need be. He doesn't appear "out to get you"... there are a lot of companies that work off the "mold is gold" motto, but he doesn't seem to be one of them. If we end up going with him for the job, we'll update the review... but, I was just so happy and relieved with his approach, estimate, knowledge, and his overall professionalism. Glad there are still people like this out there!
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Ben T. 
 March 10, 2025
 
 
 Verified Eric and his team were prompt and professional. From diagnosis through cleanup they were very thorough.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Julia H. 
 March 7, 2025
 
 
 Verified Above and beyond expectations. Eric and his team were not only helpful, kind, and relatable to our issues, they were extremely professional and reliable. Always answered our calls. Showed up on time with great attitudes. Respected our home. Most importantly, got the job done in a fast and timely manner. Can't recommend enough.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Lorraine R. 
 March 2, 2025
 
 
 Verified We had a leak under the kitchen sink and called another company first. We were told there is mold and they would have to tent the area to remove it and that we'd also need a whole new cabinet. Of course, it was pretty expensive and they said we couldn't use the kitchen for a couple weeks. Feeling it's always wise to get more than one estimate, I called Preferred Restoration as they had excellent reviews. Eric replied promptly and came out to look things over. He felt the mold wasn't bad enough to require a tent and also felt a whole new cabinet was not required. Needless to say, we accepted his estimate immediately and the work was done in a professional manner. (They don't do the carpentry work, but can make a recommendation.) I highly recommend Preferred Restoration. I believe it's an honest company with skilled professionals.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   William P. 
 January 31, 2025
 
 
 Verified Eric the owner was great to work and keep me informed the entire time that the moisture was being removed from my home. Highly recommend Eric and his team for any job!
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Elizabeth R. 
 January 3, 2025
 
 
 Verified Right from the start I knew I was going to be in good hands with this company. The response time was super quick and getting Eric to come out to my home to assess the situation was quicker than expected. Eric was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions thoroughly. He took his time to listen to all my concerns to carefully address the issues in my home. He made a stressful situation feel less stressful and manageable. I definitely recommend this company and will contact Eric if needed in the future. Thanks again Eric!
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Binh N. 
 December 5, 2024
 
 
 Verified We discovered a mold issue in one of our bedrooms and reached out to Preferred Restoration Services for guidance. Eric was extremely helpful in helping us navigate what needed to be done since we had no experience with this type of issue. He shepherded us through the process and helped us understand every step that needed to be performed. He referred us to a couple of contractors which we used for plumbing and testing and they were also excellent. This was helpful so that we didn't have to figure out who else we needed to work with and vet them as well. Everyone from Preferred Restoration Services was very professional, communication was excellent, and customer service was outstanding. We had a lot of questions and they were all answered very quickly. I highly recommend Preferred Restoration Services for any damage restoration needs.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Tyler H. 
 November 23, 2024
 
 
 Verified Preferred Restoration is the best service in town! If you want quality, fair pricing & guidance, call Preferred Restoration!  Ask for Eric, he is very helpful and quick.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Phil L. 
 November 1, 2024
 
 
 Verified We had an issue with a sewer line that leaked and potentially needed some soil remediation under the house.  I gave Eric a call and made an appointment for the next day for him to come out and assess the situation.  Throughout the process his communication was great and he was on time (even gave me a call to let me know he was on his way).  He went above an beyond to even check inside the house for potential water damage/mold.  We did not have to move forward with any remediation. I appreciate Eric's communication, thoroughness, and HONESTY.  We will keep his contact if we need any work in the future.  I highly recommend Eric and Preferred Restoration!