How To Get Rid Of Black Mould

Black mould can be an insidious problem for homeowners, potentially leading to a costly removal process and even a host of health problems. But by learning how to get rid of black mould safely and effectively, you can protect the health of your family and the value of your home, without breaking the bank. Mould Can Be Unhealthy and Dangerous.

Removing black mould is a step-by-step process that requires patience, an investment in protective gear and black mould removal products, and, of course, the courage to brave dark, cramped spaces inhabited by toxic fungus.

First, you must remove the source of any moisture from the affected area. If any leaks or persistent condensation aren't alleviated, the mould will likely reappear after removal.

Next, seal any doorways or other openings leading to other areas of the home, place heavy plastic over them, then seal the plastic in place with duct tape. If there are outdoor openings in the room, place an exhaust fan near them to help remove mould spores from the room.

Wear a respirator or a facemask rated for black mould spore protection, and cover arms, legs and hands to avoid contact with mould spores. Use soap and a sponge to remove visible mould. If the mouldy area is dry, lightly spray with water, as this will reduce the incidence of airborne mould spores during cleaning. 

Next, use commercial black mould removal products, which can be found in most hardware or home repair stores, to disinfect the mouldy areas, in addition to any adjacent areas. If you use bleach, make sure it won't discolor the material or surface. Place all sponges, equipment and other materials used in cleaning in a heavy duty garbage bag, and if possible, remove the bag through an nearby exit as opposed to the main house, to avoid distributing mould spores.

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How to Clean Your Blinds!

No matter what kind of blinds you have—wooden, fabric and vertical are the three basic types—these tips will make their cleaning and maintenance easy:

1. Vacuum blinds often with the brush attachment. Vacuum across the slats, not up and down.

2. Use a lamb's-wool duster, again working across the slats and starting at the top. Do not use plastic dusters.

3. When dusting or vacuuming vertical blinds, brush downward only, as the slats often become unhooked if you brush upward.

4. Use a rubber sponge, also known as a dry sponge (found at hardware and paint stores), to remove dust and residue from both fabric and vinyl blinds. Simply wipe the dry sponge firmly across the blinds.

5. For spot cleaning, spray an all-purpose cleaner onto a clean dry cloth and wipe the soiled area of the blind. Never spray the cleaner directly onto the blind.

6. You can wet wooden blinds when cleaning, but don't soak them. Clean them in place instead of removing them as you would for other types of blinds.

7. If fabric blinds become very dirty, take them to a dry cleaner.

8. Do not try cleaning blinds by spraying them with a car-wash hose, dunking them in the tub or one slat at a time.

9. To clean metal and vinyl blinds, follow this method: Take the blinds outside to your patio or driveway and lay them on a small rug or piece of carpet. Put a few drops of dishwashing soap in a bucket of water. Wet a car-washing brush and brush the blinds from side to side, and then turn them over and brush the other side. Rinse the blinds gently with a garden hose while tilting them so that the water runs off. To prevent water spots from forming, quickly run your finger down the slats a couple of times to remove excess water. When done, drape the blinds over a fence or a couch to dry.

• Visit www.makemoneywindowcleaning.co.uk for information o n how to start a window cleaning business