by Shelly Mcrae

Created on: June 12, 2008   Last Updated: May 03, 2012

The black mold that grows in the corner of your shower stall or on the basement wall behind your washing machine is unlikely to be toxic. Toxic mold is usually found on materials containing cellulose. Cellulose is a fiber found in wood, cotton, hemp, and is used in the manufacture of such items as drywall.

Toxic black mold is usually found within walls, in crawl spaces, and around sump pumps. However, when removing any mold, be certain to protect your eyes, your skin, and your respitory system.

To remove non-toxic black mold you will need bleach, water, detergent, a scrub brush, sponges, clean rags, rubber gloves, and a facemask.

Make up a bleach mix of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Apply this mix to the mold with a sponge, repeating the process until the mold is gone. You may need to use the scrub brush to completely remove the mold. Once the mold is removed, wash the area with the detergent. Dry thoroughly with clean, dry rags.

Dispose of the sponge, being sure to place it in a plastic bag. Though this type of mold is non-toxic, it is still a trigger for those with respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Dispose of the gloves and face mask.

Cleaning this type of mold does not prevent its return. Non-toxic black mold will continue to grow in moist and damp areas with little or no sunlight.

Preventing mold growth means reducing or, if possible, eliminating the moisture content on the surface and in the air of our home.

Use the fan in your bathroom after showering to reduce moisture quickly. Keeping the air dry within your home with a de-humidifier may also help. Consistently wiping down areas prone to black mold will also aid in prevention.

Toxic black mold is more difficult to detect, and is a health hazard. Toxic black mold grows on materials containing cellulose, such as drywall and some insulation. Because these materials are not exposed, but rather within the infrastructure of your home, it's unlikely you'll be aware of the mold.

Undisturbed, this mold will continue to grow, its toxicity coming from the dispersal of its spores. As this greenish black mold continues to grow it sends out spores that infest the ventilation system of your home. The spores settle in your carpeting and upholstery, feed on the cellulose in the paint on your walls, the wood in your furniture, the cotton in your bedding.

How do you know if you have toxic black mold in your home, and if you do, how do you get rid of it?

You are probably familiar with the musky odor of common mold,

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