How To Safely Remove Black Mold Around Windows After A Hurricane

Hurricanes bring strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding, which can leave behind serious damage to homes. One of the common problems after a hurricane is black mold. Mold loves moisture. The water from hurricanes is perfect for it to grow, especially around windows. This post will show you how to safely remove black mold after a hurricane. We’ll cover how to prevent its return and when to call a pro in Charlotte.

Why Mold Grows Around Windows After A Hurricane

Mold grows when there’s too much moisture, and after a hurricane, your home might have water damage from rain or flooding. Even if it doesn’t flood, high humidity from the storm can lead to mold growth. Hurricane mold loves dark, damp spaces like window frames, seals, and sills. If your windows don’t dry out quickly after the storm, mold can start growing in just 24 to 48 hours. That’s why it’s important to act fast.

Health Risks Of Black Mold

Black mold after a hurricane isn’t just ugly—it can also make you sick. It can cause problems like coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and even asthma attacks in people who are sensitive to mold. If someone in your family has allergies or breathing problems, mold can make them feel worse. That’s why it’s so important to clean up mold as soon as you see it and make sure your home stays dry.

When cleaning hurricane mold, always wear protective gear, like gloves, a mask, and goggles, so you don’t breathe in the mold or get it on your skin. If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning it yourself, you can always call a mold removal company in Charlotte for help.

Supplies You’ll Need For Mold Removal

Before you start cleaning up the mold, it’s important to have all the right supplies ready. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Gloves, mask, and goggles: Mold can be harmful, so protect your skin, eyes, and lungs.
• White vinegar: Vinegar is a natural cleaner that kills most types of mold.
• Baking soda: This helps with scrubbing the mold away.
• Hydrogen peroxide: This can be used for tough spots of mold.
• Spray bottle: To spray the vinegar or peroxide on the mold.
• Scrub brush or sponge: For scrubbing off the mold.
• Paper towels or cloths: For wiping down the cleaned area.
• Plastic bags: To throw away any contaminated towels or sponges.
• Dehumidifier or fan: To help dry out the area and keep mold from coming back.

Step-By-Step Guide To Remove Black Mold Around Windows

Here’s a simple guide to cleaning up black mold after a hurricane around your windows:

1. Protect Yourself

Always wear gloves, a mask, and goggles. This will keep you safe from mold spores that can make you sick.

2. Ventilate The Area

Open up the windows (if it’s safe) and turn on a fan to get fresh air moving. Mold spores can travel through the air, and ventilation helps blow them outside.

3. Apply White Vinegar

Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Spray the vinegar directly onto the moldy area and let it sit for at least one hour. Vinegar will kill most types of mold.

4. Scrub With Baking Soda

Make a paste with baking soda and water. Use a scrub brush or sponge to scrub the mold away. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive, so it won’t damage your windows, but it will help lift the mold from the surface.

5. Wipe And Dispose

Use paper towels or cloths to wipe up the mold and throw them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly and throw it away outside. Don’t let the moldy towels sit inside your home, or the spores could spread.

6. Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Tough Spots

If the mold doesn’t come off with vinegar and baking soda, try spraying hydrogen peroxide (3% strength) on the mold. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub again. This should help with the tough spots.

7. Dry The Area Thoroughly

Use a fan or a dehumidifier to dry out the windows completely. Mold needs moisture to grow, so keeping the area dry is the best way to make sure it doesn’t come back.

8. Clean Regularly To Prevent Mold

Even after you’ve cleaned up the mold, keep an eye on the area. Regularly check your windows for any signs of hurricane mold returning, and make sure to wipe away moisture if you see it.

Preventing Black Mold From Coming Back

After cleaning up black mold after a hurricane, it’s important to take steps to keep it from returning. Mold loves moisture, so the best way to stop it is to keep your windows and the rest of your home dry. Here are some ways to prevent mold:

• Use a dehumidifier: This helps to reduce the humidity in your home, which is especially important after a hurricane.
• Keep windows dry: If your windows are wet after rain, wipe them down quickly. Don’t let water sit around the frames or sills.
• Fix leaks: If you have a leaky window or roof, repair it as soon as possible. Even small leaks can lead to mold growth.
• Check your windows often: Regularly inspect your windows, especially after storms, to make sure there’s no water damage or mold growth.

When To Call A Professional Mold Removal Company

Sometimes, mold can be too much to handle on your own. If you’ve tried cleaning and the mold keeps coming back, or if the mold covers a large area, it’s time to call a professional mold removal company in Charlotte. A professional can check for hidden mold in places you might not see, like behind walls or under carpets.

Here are some signs you should call for professional help:

• The mold covers more than 10 square feet.
• The mold keeps coming back after you clean it.
• You can smell mold, but you can’t see it.
• Someone in your home is having health issues that might be caused by mold.

Professional mold removal companies have special tools and training to safely remove mold from your home. They can also help find the source of the moisture that’s causing the mold to grow. If you’re wondering who cleans up after a hurricane, a mold removal company is a great place to start.

How A Mold Removal Company Works

When you call a mold removal company in Charlotte, they will start by inspecting your home to find out where the mold is and how bad it is. They might use special equipment to find hidden mold that you can’t see.

After they find all the mold, they will clean it up using professional tools and cleaning products that are safe and effective. They will also fix any moisture problems, like leaks, to make sure the mold doesn’t come back. The goal is to leave your home dry and mold-free.

Conclusion

Cleaning up black mold after a hurricane can be a big job, but with the right tools and steps, you can do it safely. Remember to protect yourself, dry out your home, and call a professional mold removal company in Charlotte if the mold is too much to handle. By acting fast, you can keep your home and your family safe from the dangers of mold. Always remember that keeping things dry is the key to preventing hurricane mold from coming back.