You have Black mold behind baseboard?!
Damn! That is an eyesore and shouldn’t be entertained in your house.
This is what you MUST do:
Rush to a nearby store for a mild detergent or biodegradable mold spray. Get a clean cloth or paper towel too.
Wet it with the solution and clean off the surface mold. It should come right off.
Oh! It didn’t?
Well, that is because you are dealing with an active black mold, not a superficial or surface mold. (I will explain more on this)
But this is what the media fails to tell you.
What To Know About Black Mold Behind Baseboard
Most homeowners often call in a panic, “Oh, I have Black Mold!” when they see one.
That is because there is a myth it produces mycotoxins that is extremely dangerous to your health.
Later you can read about the health effects from Healthline. But you will be surprised by the truth.
For us, it simply ruining our houses’ curb appeal. Not the mention the ridiculously musty smell these fungi give off that worsens the longer it sits wet.
And since they are contagious, you need to understand this fungus to obliterate them.
They are most common in bathrooms. But you can also see them in damp basements, laundry rooms, and kitchens.
They love such sneaky areas because they provide them with three things:
- Water
- A humidity of 60% and above
- A nutrient (wood, drywall, etc.)
…And with a certain amount of darkness makes the ideal breeding ground.
Eliminate these sources, and they won’t have any reason for growth.
But how can I effectively do this? It is medicine after death. I already have black mold behind my baseboard; what can I do?
No need for nerves. I will show you how (in a minute).
But if you notice mold has colonized your baseboards, it results from these sources.
And since it is a black mold, it is likely an active mold because active mold is often black.
Unlike superficial mold or surface mold that comes in different colors and is easily wiped off the baseboards, active mold growth tends to be inside out.
And 9 out of 10 times, the infected area requires replacement.
We will consider all the possible angles…But one thing is certain: you are SURE leaving this page with a solution.
How To Remove Black Mold Behind Baseboard
Black mold grows behind the baseboard because the board atop the drywall denies the walls air and light, which causes it to retain water.
And without a dehumidifier, the walls stay wet for an extended period. When neglected for weeks or months, black mold can thrive.
Remove the baseboard and use a mild detergent or biodegradable mold to clean the affected area. Rinse and let it dry.
Replace the area with a new baseboard.
But black mold behind the baseboard, sometimes, requires more than just that –especially if it is the cause of extensive water damage.
Call in a mold remediation professional. You might be dealing with mold, leaks, and other recurring causes.
How To Prevent Black Mold Behind Baseboard
1. Keep Humidity Low
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
So your primary focus is on what black molds can’t do without. And that is moisture.
Once you keep moisture under control, you have won the battle.
If you can tame the humidity level below 60-65%, the chance of mold infestation will be slim.
Whether dehumidifiers or air conditioners, get your home a device that keeps humidity in check.
2. Caulk Your Windows
Caulking your windows at least twice yearly also helps since they deteriorate over time, causing little cracks where water sips in.
Whenever this happens, the water gets inside the wall. You might not notice anything at the moment. But in the long run, it results in water damage behind the baseboards.
3. Painting The Exterior Of Your Home
YES, painting the exterior of your home actually waterproofs it.
A faded exterior is more prone to cracking, which allows water to wicker the building envelope. Leave it long enough, and you will see overnight mold and mildew.
Hence, adding a fresh lick of exterior paint helps fight against mold growth.
4. Moving Sprinklers Away From The Home
For those who seek consistent lawn hydration, ensure the sprinklers are distant from the house.
You don’t want water hitting the home, finding ways through little creaks in the concrete, or soaking up the woods.
5. Install Gutters Or Other Drainage System
Good drainage system channels water away from your home.
It doesn’t matter where you live; if you don’t have this, it creates an atmosphere where mold can thrive.
Conclusion
Look:
I’m not a big fan of performing do-it-yourself mold removal, especially for areas larger than 10 square feet.
The mold remediation should be conducted by a specialist or a licensed contractor with only expertise in mold abatement.
Removal of excessive mold growth is severe. It is not a thing for DIY or handyman.
There is a whole school for mold removal. And people have to spend countless hours learning and taking training classes to attain the certificate.
So there is a lot you don’t know. Your little internet reads aren’t enough.
But most professionals often refer to these two sources for the proper procedure:
- New York City Department of Health Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments,
- The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certificate (IICRC) S520
Just in case…