The easiest method of removing black mold from porous materials is to simply discard the infected item. A carpet that has developed typical mold symptoms, such as dark green or black spots, should be thrown out because it could spread mold spores to other areas of the home. Infected books or files should also be discarded or left out in the sun for a long time. Sunlight can kill black mold quite effectively by drying up the moisture the fungi need to grow. Larger items such as mattresses should be thrown away as sanitizing them would be a difficult process.
When black mold has taken hold on porous materials like wood and concrete, you’ll need to take a different approach. A professional would first find out the exact spot where the infection occurred, and then remove parts of the wall or floor to get to the mold spores. They would then remove any dark or discolored parts of the wall to completely eliminate the contaminated area. A strong disinfectant should then be used on the area. This is the best way to remove mold that has penetrated deep into porous materials.
Another way to remove black mold from porous materials is to use a strong disinfectant like borax powder. When mixed with water, it will penetrate any porous material, killing spores and destroying their roots. It is best to pour a glass of borax into a gallon of water, stirring until the powder is completely dissolved. Before cleaning the affected area, you should take certain precautions such as wearing gloves and a face mask. The spores of the fungus are small filaments that can easily move with the air currents created by your movements. That’s why it’s important to close all doors and windows while cleaning and disinfecting the area, so as not to allow spores to spread to other rooms.
Before you start scrubbing the contaminated area, you should first dampen it with a little water to reduce the chance of mold spores becoming airborne. The next step is to clean the area with a detergent and a strong brush, concentrating on any cracks or fractures that may harbor fungus. Once this is done, you can begin to disinfect the area. To do this, apply the borax and water mixture to the infected area, making sure to cover the entire area. The borax will penetrate deep into the porous material, killing the roots and making the area uninhabitable to other fungi. Repeat this black mold removal process a few days later to prevent the infection from reoccurring.
Baking soda and water can also be used effectively against spore roots. Similar to the borax and water method, the baking soda should be dissolved in water and poured or sprayed on the affected area. Concrete and other porous materials can be effectively treated in this way, protecting the area with residue left over from the cleaning process.
