Black mold likes to spread in rooms with high humidity. But how dangerous is it and what can you do about it? Here you can find out more about mold and how you can effectively fight it.
Black mold is a type of fungus that spreads in living spaces, especially in damp environments such as bathrooms, basements or laundry rooms. However, there is not just one black mold, but many different black molds - i.e. dark-colored molds - all of which are referred to as black mold. Black mold leaves dark spots on the infected areas, which typically spread in a circle.
Mold spores spread through the air and can cover longer distances. Votes humidity and temperature, the spores can multiply quickly indoors.
Is black mold harmful to health?
How dangerous molds are depends on the genus. A laboratory analysis is usually necessary to determine this. The black mold species "Aspergillus niger" (also called watering can mold) and "Alternaria alternata" are considered harmful. These release harmful mold spores - so-called mycotoxins - in the room, which are harmful to human health.
Black mold can lead to allergies and asthma as well as irritating the respiratory tract and eyes . This is especially dangerous if you are exposed to black mold for a long time.
Removing the mold is also at a greater health risk, as mold spores are released into the air and can get into the airways. However, these two types of mold are rarely found in living spaces.
When does black mold form?
Black mold can spread particularly easily under the following conditions:
- high humidity of over 65 percent
- Condensation on windows
- Incorrect ventilation : ventilating too long at cold temperatures encourages black mold (for example tilted window instead of short burst ventilation)
- nutrient-rich environment (for example, organic materials such as wood, skin cells, paper, or food)
- mild temperatures
Wallpaper, joints, windows or organic materials (e.g. food) are particularly affected by black mold.
Remove black mold: you have to pay attention to this
Before you remove the mold, there are a few things to consider:
If only small areas of black mold are infected, you can remove it yourself with the help of a stiff brush or sponge. However, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should leave this to someone else.
It is also important that you only remove mold with appropriate protective equipment . These include gloves, protective goggles and a face mask or breathing apparatus. Because not only the black mold spores, but also the cleaning agents can be harmful to health.
Mold on absorbent materials cannot be removed or can only be removed with difficulty. Here it may be necessary to completely replace the materials (for example in the case of carpets, furniture or drywall).
If there is pronounced mold growth on larger areas, you should hire a specialist. This also applies if the mold returns after removal or if the heating and ventilation systems are infested with black mold.
Professional service providers can be recognized by the TÜV seal, among other things.
These cleaning agents are suitable:
To combat black mold effectively, you need certain cleaning products. You can either buy agents specifically against mold growth ( biocides ) or mix an appropriate solution yourself.
For example, hydrogen peroxide is suitable, one part of which is mixed with two parts of water. In some cases, high-proof alcohol (at least 70 percent) and spirit are also suitable.
The best thing to do, however, is to get advice from an expert as to which cleaning agent is best for the mold infestation.
Removing black mold: step-by-step instructions
- Open as many windows in the room as possible so that when you remove the spores, they can get outside and fresh air can get into the room.
- First, scrub the infected areas thoroughly with warm, soapy water . This softens the surface and the cleaning agents can then penetrate deeper into the material.
- Put the detergent in a spray bottle and spray the solution generously on the affected area. Let the remedy sit for 15 minutes .
- Now scrub the surface with a stiff brush or sponge so that the solution penetrates the material and the mold is removed.
- Wash the surface with clean water. This is how you remove residues of mold and cleaning agent.
- It is important that you dry the surface thoroughly with a cloth at the end to prevent new mold from forming.
This is how you can prevent black mold
- Keep the humidity low and ventilate regularly (especially after cooking in the kitchen and after showering or bathing in the bathroom). (More on this: the ideal humidity in rooms )
- Seal leaks.
- Make sure that you ventilate properly ( ideally several times a day for ten to 15 minutes push ventilation ).
- Remove condensation on windows and grout.
- Heat your living spaces evenly and ensure that the temperature is as constant as possible. This is how you can prevent condensation.
- If possible, do not dry your laundry indoors, but rather on the balcony, terrace or in the garden.
- Wipe the shower, tub, and sink dry, or use a rubber squeegee to remove the water.
- Do not leave the organic waste standing too long so that black mold does not form there and can spread in the living space.