How to remove black mold under sink


Black mold under sink is something that can invoke fear in any homeowner. Mold is, however, a common problem that comes with dampness or moisture, making it a very common sight in bathrooms and under sinks. Depending on the size of the problem, you can get rid of mold under the sink by yourself with some disinfectant and masks. A mold issue too large will probably require professionals though, as the health risk posed will be greater.

black mold under sink

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Causes of black mold under sink

Mould occurs naturally outdoors, although it only becomes a problem inside when there is an issue with moisture, such as water leaks or high humidity. Because mould reproduces through spores, it’s important to address any moisture problem as soon as possible. The US EPA recommends drying all damp and wet materials in your home within 24 to 48 hours after a spill or leak occurs. Within this short time frame most mould won’t grow. If you’ve noticed a leaky sink in your kitchen or bathroom long after the issue started, most likely the mold has had enough time to establish itself. You’ll need to disinfect everything in the affected area, dry all surfaces completely and fix the leak to prevent mold from returning.

If you find mold under a sink and there is no leak, chances are the room has high humidity. Humidity between 30 and 50% is ideal indoors. If you aren’t sure if humidity is the problem, purchase a humidity-meter from a hardware store. These devices can be as little as $10 and are a good aid to make sure your home is protected from mould damage.

Remember, health dangers from mildew come from inhalation of the spores. If you take care to avoid breathing in the spores and remove the mold completely from your home you’ll be in no danger.

Smelly sink drains in kitchen or bathroom?

Pay close attention if something doesn’t smell quite right in your kitchen or bathroom sink. Odd smells are a telltale sign that you could potentially have a black mold problem. If you do, don’t let it linger. Mold left to its own devices can cause serious health problems. Check under everything. It loves to hide.

Fix the problem at its source

The best way to kill any kind of mold is start from its roots. Killing it from the bottom up will ensure that it can’t grow back. Easy and effective products that can kill black mold at the root level include baking soda and bleach. There are also stronger substances out there, but be mindful, as the chemicals used to kill the black mold can be more dangerous than the mold itself.

Tools and protective gear

Getting rid of mold requires little more than a few simple tools. Plastic sheets, duct tape, disposable cloth, warm water and disinfectant are usually necessary, as well as water spray bottle and protective gloves. You may also want an exhaust fan to clear out excess moisture in the area, a flashlight to check for leaks and a dehumidifier to lower the humidity in the room. A respiratory mask is also highly recommended to prevent the inhalation of mold spores that can cause serious health problems.

mold under sink

How to remove black mold under sink

Once mold has been discovered under a sink you’ll need to take the proper steps to remove it completely. Many homeowners are afraid to remove black mold themselves because of the attention surrounding this type of fungus. If the affected area is relatively small, however, it can be cleaned easily with the right protective gear.

Step 1: The first step to removing mold from under a sink is to identify the cause. The problem may be poor ventilation, a leaking pipe or high humidity; by identifying and fixing the problem first you’ll make sure the mould doesn’t return.

Step 2: Next, dry all wet or damp items in the area properly. Mold will grow on any damp item, including grooming items and the cabinet walls. Remove anything stored in the cabinet and discard anything that can’t be dried within the 48 hour time period.

Step 3: Simply scrub off mold with detergent and water and allow the area to dry completely.

Step 4: Next, clean everything thoroughly. Mix 1/2 cup of bleach to one gallon of water to create a simple and effective disinfectant. Spray or apply the solution to everything that has come in contact with mold and allow the disinfectant to dry on the surface instead of wiping it off. Ventilate the area well during this process and leave the area to avoid inhaling fumes.

Special attention should be taken to properly clean and disinfect the entire area after the problem has been fixed and everything is removed. Non-porous surfaces like glass, metal, solid wood and hard plastics can be cleaned easily.

The best mold cleaners

Let’s compare a few cleaners and see what what we can come up with.

The RMR 141 Mold Killer

This cleaner does the job of a hundred cleaners. It promises to 99.9% of household and odor causing bacteria. It covers a wide range of bacteria and surfaces, making this cleaner a mold killing multi tool. It’s safe for any facility, including schools, due to its formula that contains no abrasive chemicals.

The Puracy Organic Homecare Set

If I could pick one word to describe this product, it would be “natural”, which is exactly the message Puracy wants to get across to consumers. In this set are five different cleaning products, each with “Natural” printed across the bottles. This of course implies that Puracy only uses natural and organic products to create quality cleaning products, because natural is obviously an effective selling point. What’s better than a natural bathroom, kitchen or sink.

The Forcefield ScumBlaster Bundle

This product boasts a kit that comes with enough industrial strength cleaning chemicals to fill five spray bottles and to prove it, it also gives you a spray bottle and a measuring cup. You’ll have everything you need to tackle the black demon in your kitchen, bathroom, drains, sink, and even under places you would never expect to find it.

The RMR 86 Mildew Stain Remover

RMR is back on the list with a product that took thousands of hours to develop by their cleaning experts. The name speaks for itself. It can remove mildew stains on or under any surface with great efficiency. Long gone are the days of scraping stains and blasting them with dry ice. This affordable cleaner will rid your kitchen, bathroom, sink, drains, and any surface in your home of black mold and mildew.

Congratulations! You are informed about the dangers of the black fungus. Now you can keep your house clean. Everything from your kitchen to your sink, your bathroom to your drains, and everything under and over can now be properly protected with the cleaning product of your choice.

Prevention tips

Preventing mold from invading your home is fairly straightforward. First, make sure the humidity level in your entire home is at least below 60%. Always check bathroom and kitchen areas for leaks and excess moisture, which invite mould and allow it to reproduce. Whenever a problem is noticed clean it as soon as possible to prevent a much larger contamination.

Warnings

black mold in sinkNo matter what type of mold you’re dealing with, avoid inhaling spores while cleaning and disinfecting the sink in the kitchen or bathroom. The best way to do this is to wear a protective mask [GOOD DEAL] over your mouth and nose and avoid stirring up the affected area more than necessary, which sends the spores into the air. Also, never mix bleach and ammonia when disinfecting mold because they can product a toxic gas. We hope you get rid of black mold under the sink in your home.