Home Solutions to Remove Black Mold
- Hydrogen peroxide is a natural, oxygen-based bleaching agent, capable of killing mold with oxygen ions. White vinegar uses acetic acid to destroy mold on contact. For an effective attack on black mold, spray the spores with full-strength white vinegar and immediately follow with a spray of hydrogen peroxide. Before applying your solution, the mold should be almost entirely dry (use sunlight or a powerful space heater or exhaust fan to dry mold). Wait a few after applying your solution, then wipe the moldy surface with paper towels (wear gloves).
- Chlorine bleach is a highly toxigenic cleaning solution, but it can serve as one of your best lines of defense against black mold. Chlorine bleach consists of sodium hypochlorite, a chemical compound used by mold removal specialists. If you use this compound, wear protective gloves and dilute your bleach with water before getting to work. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using no more than 1 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water when cleaning up mold. Insert the mixture into a spray bottle and let the liquid rest on the moldy surface for 15 minutes before you rinse with water and dry.
- Like bleach, ammonia works as a powerful disinfectant. In fact, ammonia is every bit as effective as bleach in killing mold, according to Reader's Digest. Just don't mix the two ingredients, as the combination will create a dangerous chlorine gas. Add a cup of clear ammonia to a gallon of water and apply it to your surface. As when working with bleach, wait 15 minutes before rinsing to allow for the disinfecting process.
- Mold spores are highly sensitive to acids. Just as you can benefit from the acetic acid in white vinegar, you can also benefit from the citric acid in lemon juice and powdered fruit juice. Just pour some juice into a spray bottle and spray the black mold surface. As always, dry out the mold and remove lingering dust before applying liquid solutions, to contain the problem. Wait 15 minutes and rinse.