What to Do If Black Mold Is Discovered in a House

There are more than 30,000 varieties of mold, according to expert builder Tim Carter. Many black molds are toxic and could cause health problems, such as persistent coughing, if you do not take immediate remediation steps.

Steps

• As soon as you see black mold, you should contain the growth to keep it from contaminating other areas. Then kill the culture, removing the dead spores and sanitizing the area.

Cleaning Solutions

• You can remove most black mold the same way you would remove any mold: use soap and water or a mixture of 1 gallon of water and 1 cup of bleach, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Professional Cleaning

• The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that homeowners seek the help of a professional mold cleaner if the area of growth reaches beyond 10 square feet. Mold in wallboard or insulation cannot be treated, so you must replace the infected areas.