Black Mold: Its Cause and How To Clean and Prevent

Dec 17, 2022 | Mold Damage, Mold Inspection, Mold Testing

Feeling exhausted despite getting enough sleep? Your home might be making you sick from Mold Fatigue.

Sarah thought she was just getting older. The 34-year-old marketing executive found herself struggling to get through afternoons, relying on multiple cups of coffee just to stay alert during meetings. Despite sleeping eight hours a night, she woke up feeling like she hadn’t slept at all. After months of doctor visits and normal test results, a colleague suggested something unexpected: “Have you checked your home for mold?”

Three weeks later, after professional mold testing revealed significant contamination in her garage and HVAC system, Sarah finally had her answer—and more importantly, a path to recovery.

The Hidden Connection: How Mold Triggers Chronic Fatigue

Mold exposure doesn’t just cause obvious symptoms like sneezing or coughing. For many people, the most debilitating effect is an overwhelming, persistent fatigue that seems to have no clear cause. This happens because mold releases microscopic spores and toxic compounds called mycotoxins into the air, which can significantly impact your body’s normal functioning.

When you breathe in these contaminants, your immune system goes into overdrive trying to fight them off. This constant state of inflammation leaves your body exhausted, much like how you feel drained when fighting off a virus—except with mold exposure, there’s no recovery period as long as you’re still being exposed.

The most common fatigue-related symptoms of mold exposure include:

  • Persistent exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest
  • Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems and mental sluggishness
  • Weakness and reduced physical stamina
  • Sleep disturbances and non-restorative sleep
  • Mood changes including depression and irritability

Beyond Fatigue: The Full Spectrum of Mold Health Effects

While chronic fatigue might be your primary concern, mold exposure can trigger a cascade of health issues that often compound each other:

Respiratory symptoms are usually the first sign, including persistent cough, wheezing, throat irritation, and sinus congestion. Many people dismiss these as seasonal allergies, not realizing their home environment is the real culprit.

Neurological effects extend beyond fatigue to include headaches, dizziness, and in severe cases, tremors or seizures. The mycotoxins produced by certain mold species can cross the blood-brain barrier, directly affecting brain function.

Skin reactions such as rashes, itching, and unexplained dermatitis are also common, as mold spores can irritate sensitive skin upon contact.

Digestive issues including nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can occur when mold spores are ingested through contaminated food or simply swallowed after being inhaled.

The frustrating reality is that these symptoms often develop gradually over months or years, making it difficult to connect them to mold exposure. Many people, like Sarah, spend considerable time and money on medical tests and treatments before discovering the environmental cause.

Mold Fatigue: Whether you're searching for affordable mold testing near me or need a licensed mold inspector in Florida, our team is here to support your journey toward a healthier home. We offer comprehensive services, including Inspection for Mold in Miami and Coral Gables Mold Testing, using state-of-the-art tools to locate hidden mold. Don’t wait—get the clarity and peace of mind that comes from knowing your indoor air is safe.

Mold Fatigue: Whether you’re searching for affordable mold testing near me or need a licensed mold inspector in Florida, our team is here to support your journey toward a healthier home. We offer comprehensive services, including Inspection for Mold in Miami and Coral Gables Mold Testing, using state-of-the-art tools to locate hidden mold. Don’t wait—get the clarity and peace of mind that comes from knowing your indoor air is safe.

Who’s Most at Risk?

While anyone can be affected by mold exposure, certain groups face higher risks:

Children and elderly individuals have developing or compromised immune systems that make them more susceptible to mold’s effects. Pregnant women also face increased risks, as exposure can potentially affect fetal development.

People with existing respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD may experience severe symptom flare-ups. Those with compromised immune systems due to illness or medication are also more vulnerable.

Individuals with mold allergies or sensitivities can experience symptoms at much lower exposure levels than the general population.

Interestingly, some people seem naturally more sensitive to mold than others due to genetic factors that affect how their bodies process mycotoxins.

Where Mold Hides in Your Home

Mold is an opportunistic organism that thrives wherever moisture meets organic materials. Understanding common hiding spots can help you identify potential problem areas:

Basements and crawl spaces are prime real estate for mold growth due to higher humidity levels and potential water intrusion. Poor ventilation in these areas compounds the problem.

Bathrooms provide the perfect storm of moisture, warmth, and organic materials like drywall and wood. Mold often grows behind tiles, around fixtures, and in poorly ventilated shower areas.

Kitchens face similar challenges, with additional risks around sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators where water leaks commonly occur.

HVAC systems can harbor mold in ductwork, especially if there’s been water damage or high humidity. When the system runs, it can distribute spores throughout your entire home.

Attics and roof areas are vulnerable when roof leaks or ice dams allow water infiltration.

The tricky part is that mold often grows in hidden areas—behind walls, under flooring, or in areas you rarely inspect. By the time you see visible mold growth, the problem has likely been developing for months.

Why Professional Testing Is Essential

Many homeowners try to assess mold problems themselves using store-bought test kits or visual inspection alone. While these approaches might catch obvious problems, they often miss the complete picture.

Store-bought test kits have significant limitations. They typically only test the air in one location at one point in time, potentially missing mold that’s dormant or in areas with different air circulation patterns. The results also require interpretation by professionals to determine if levels are problematic.

Visual inspection alone misses hidden mold growth, which is often the most dangerous since it can continue spreading undetected. Additionally, not all mold species look the same, and some toxic varieties can be difficult to identify without laboratory analysis.

Professional mold assessment provides a comprehensive evaluation using advanced equipment and techniques. Certified inspectors know where to look, how to test effectively, and can identify the specific types and concentrations of mold present.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, or sleep disturbances, it might be time to consider a professional Air and Mold Inspection. At Mold Assessment Services, we specialize in detecting hard-to-find issues like Mold Testing in HVAC systems and conducting thorough evaluations. As a trusted Miami Mold Specialist, we help you uncover whether your home environment is contributing to chronic health issues.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, or sleep disturbances, it might be time to consider a professional Air and Mold Inspection. At Mold Assessment Services, we specialize in detecting hard-to-find issues like Mold Testing in HVAC systems and conducting thorough evaluations. As a trusted Miami Mold Specialist, we help you uncover whether your home environment is contributing to chronic health issues.

The Professional Assessment Advantage for Mold Fatigue

When you work with qualified mold assessment professionals, you get a thorough evaluation that includes:

Comprehensive inspection of all potential problem areas, including spaces that are difficult to access or commonly overlooked.

Advanced testing methods that can detect mold even when it’s not visible, including air sampling, surface sampling, and bulk material sampling when appropriate.

Species identification to determine not just whether mold is present, but what types you’re dealing with and their potential health risks.

Moisture detection to identify the underlying conditions that allowed mold to grow, which is crucial for preventing future problems.

Detailed reporting that explains the findings in understandable terms and provides clear recommendations for remediation.

Post-remediation verification to ensure that cleanup efforts were successful and your home is safe.

Taking Action: Your Path to Recovery

If you suspect mold might be contributing to your chronic fatigue or other health issues, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. The longer you’re exposed, the more difficult recovery can become.

The first step is professional assessment to determine if mold is present and at what levels. This gives you the information needed to make informed decisions about remediation and helps your healthcare providers understand potential environmental factors affecting your health.

If mold is found, professional remediation is typically necessary to safely remove contamination and address the moisture conditions that allowed it to grow. Attempting to clean up significant mold problems yourself can actually make exposure worse by disturbing spores and spreading contamination.

During and after remediation, you may also want to work with healthcare providers familiar with mold-related illness to address any ongoing health effects and support your body’s recovery.

Your Health Can’t Wait

Chronic fatigue from mold exposure is a real and serious health concern that affects thousands of people. The good news is that with proper identification and remediation, most people see significant improvement in their symptoms.

If you’re experiencing persistent fatigue, brain fog, or other unexplained health issues, don’t overlook the possibility that your environment might be making you sick. Professional mold assessment can provide the answers you need to reclaim your health and energy.

At MAS, our certified professionals use state-of-the-art equipment and proven protocols to identify mold problems and guide you toward effective solutions. We understand the health impacts of mold exposure and work quickly to give you the comprehensive assessment you need.

Don’t spend another day wondering if your home is making you sick. Contact Mold Assessment Services today for a thorough mold assessment and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.

Additional Resources

For more information about mold and health effects, consult these authoritative sources:

Remember: Your fatigue isn’t “just stress” or “getting older”—it could be a sign that your home environment needs attention. Professional mold assessment is an investment in your health that could change your life.

The Hidden Dangers of Mold

Answer these quick questions to see if your home may need a professional mold inspection.

1. Do you notice a persistent musty or earthy smell in your home?


2. Have you or anyone in your household experienced unexplained allergies, asthma, or respiratory problems?


3. Have you seen visible signs of mold growth on walls, ceilings, or furniture?


4. Have you had recent water damage, leaks, or flooding in your home?


5. Does your home have areas with poor ventilation (bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces)?



Black mold, also called stachybotrys chartarum, is a greenish-black fungus often found in indoor environments, especially damp and warm places. If left unchecked, it can cause structural damage to your home. If you suspect you have black mold in your home or office, here’s what you need to know about how to kill mold and mold remediation. Keep reading to learn what causes black mold and how to clean and prevent mold. Mold Assessment Services is ready to help Florida mold sufferers with a free consultation.

Black mold is not only unsightly, but it can also cause serious health issues for those with asthma or allergies. These tips will help you get on top of the problem, but you may need to contact a professional for more help.

What is Black Mold?

Black mold is a fungus found on soil, plants, and trees, decaying material in houses, and anywhere moisture is present. It may look like the spongy black stuff you find under your bathroom or kitchen sink, but it’s not just dirt! It’s dangerous because it’s toxic to breathe in, so people can get sick if there is a lot of it in a home.

Black mold is common in homes and buildings and is generally easier to see growing in a bathroom or kitchen than in other rooms. It can also grow in spaces with too much moisture or insufficient ventilation — like HVAC vents and attics.

Black Mold: What Causes Black Mold & How To Clean and Prevent Mold. Mold Assessment Services is ready to help Florida mold sufferers with a free consultation.In the battle against black mold, understanding the dynamics of indoor environments is crucial. Fungi thrive in moist conditions, leading to structural damage and posing health risks to occupants, especially those with asthma or allergies. Effective mold inspection and humidity monitoring are essential to identify hidden mold and assess environmental risks. While DIY methods like natural cleaning solutions can mitigate small mold infestations, professional remediation services offer expertise in thorough mold spore removal and environmental assessment, ensuring a safe and healthy indoor environment for all.

In the battle against black mold, understanding the dynamics of indoor environments is crucial. Fungi thrive in moist conditions, leading to structural damage and posing health risks to occupants, especially those with asthma or allergies. Effective mold inspection and humidity monitoring are essential to identify hidden mold and assess environmental risks. While DIY methods like natural cleaning solutions can mitigate small mold infestations, professional remediation services offer expertise in thorough mold spore removal and environmental assessment, ensuring a safe and healthy indoor environment for all.

Black Mold is a Health Hazard

Black mold can be dangerous if you or a family member become exposed to it. Exposure can be through breathing in the toxic spores or skin contact. Black mold can cause irritation and caustic burns when it touches human skin, coughing, and eye irritation over an extended period.

Narrowing the Black Mold Source

Determining the origin of mold is essential to its control. If you see mold in your home, the first thing to do is evaluate your situation. Mold can enter in many ways, such as roof leaks, windows or doors, missing caulking in toilets and sinks, and condensation due to improper ventilation. If you see mold around the house but don’t see any of the symptoms listed above, a water leak or flooding problem might be causing it. It’s essential to fix any potential sources of water damage as soon as possible because continued moisture can lead to more severe issues.

Cleaning Small Affected Areas

When killing black mold, many DIY products come with their cautions. In most cases, it’s best to opt for natural solutions to clean up the mold. Here are some standard mold removal methods used by professional remediation companies and recommended for DIY homeowners.

Ammonia

Ammonia is a common ingredient in household cleaners and is often used to clean toilets, kitchens, and bathrooms. Ammonia is also a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, which makes it an excellent choice for cleaning mold on hard non-porous surfaces such as countertops, glass, or tiles.

However, ammonia will not kill mold on porous surfaces such as wood or drywall because it cannot penetrate through the surface of the absorbent material to reach the mold growing inside. Additionally, ammonia is a harsh chemical that can cause skin irritation and lung damage if you aren’t careful.

Ammonia will kill surface mold but not dead mold or spores, so it’s vital to ensure you remove them.

Baking soda

Baking soda is a mild, harmless household cleaner that can kill mold. It’s also safe for your family and pets and can be used to remove stains from carpets, clothing, and upholstery.

Baking soda and vinegar are sometimes combined when dealing with a mold problem since they kill different species of mold.

Baking soda is an excellent deodorizer to freshen up your refrigerator or freezer.

The best way to use baking soda is by sprinkling it on the affected area and letting it sit overnight before wiping away any residue in the morning.

Bleach

Bleach is one of the most effective ways to kill mold in your home, but it can be dangerous.

Bleach kills virtually every indoor mold it comes into contact with, including mold spores, which leave a sanitized surface and make it resistant to future mold growth. However, bleach is only effective if the mold grows on non-porous materials such as tiles, bathtubs, glass, and countertops.

Bleach cannot penetrate porous materials such as wood and drywall, so it cannot get rid of mold growing beneath the surface of these materials. Using bleach to kill mold on these surfaces will only kill the mold above the surface. It will not reach the mold within the material and will soon return.

Bleach is a harsh, corrosive chemical that can damage the materials used. It also produces harsh fumes and toxic gases when mixed with ammonia (which many household cleaners contain). There are safer alternatives, such as borax or vinegar.

Borax

Borax is a natural cleaning product used to remove mold. It does not emit dangerous fumes or chemicals like other mold killers, and it is safe to use around children and pets.

To use borax to remove mold from your home, combine one borax with three parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the moldy area, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush or cloth.

Borax is also a natural mold inhibitor, which can help prevent future mold outbreaks in your home by creating an inhospitable environment for fungi.

Detergent

Mold can be a nuisance, but it’s possible to remove it. If you’re dealing with surface mold on non-porous surfaces like tiles, plastic, or glass, you can use a mixture of detergent and warm water to scrub the mold.

This method works because detergent helps loosen up the mold’s attachment to the surface, while warm water helps loosen up the mold. It means wiping away the mold and its attachment using a rag or scrub brush will be easier.

If your situation is more complex than this—if you have a large amount of mold growth or your home has porous surfaces like wood or carpeting—then we recommend calling in an expert specializing in mold remediation.

Grapefruit seed extract

Grapefruit seed extract naturally kills mold and is used around your home to keep your family safe. The citric acid from the grapefruit attacks the mold, which helps to destroy it. It also disinfects the area and deodorizes it after cleaning up, so you don’t have to worry about lingering smells.

The best way to use the extract is to mix it with water in a spray bottle and then apply it to your moldy areas. You can also mix it with vinegar in a spray bottle to create a natural cleaning solution that will kill molds and mildews while leaving behind a clean scent.

The main ingredient of grapefruit seed extract is citric acid, produced by squeezing grapefruits or lemons into the water. This acid kills molds by dissolving their cell walls, which causes them to die off naturally within 24 hours of application.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has many uses in the home, and it’s easy to find at drug stores or hardware stores. It comes in liquid form and powder form. The liquid can be diluted with water before use and then poured into a spray bottle. You can also buy hydrogen peroxide pre-mixed with detergent, so you don’t have to dilute it yourself before using it on clothing or other fabrics damaged by being washed with pure hydrogen peroxide alone.

Another benefit of using hydrogen peroxide to kill mold is that it doesn’t leave behind a toxic residue like bleach when used in high concentrations for cleaning purposes, such as removing stains from carpeting or cleaning upholstery fabric surfaces.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is the most effective natural solution to killing mold. It is an antifungal that is capable of destroying all types of mold. While it is a more expensive option, a small amount of tea tree oil goes a long way in removing mold. Make sure the tea tree oil you purchase is from the Melaleuca Alternifolia.

Tea tree oil can be diluted with water and used as a spray or wipe on surfaces where mold has grown. Alternatively, it can be added to a cleaning solution and used as a daily cleaner for areas prone to getting moldy such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

When using tea tree oil to kill mold, please read the instructions before applying it directly onto drywall or wood surfaces. It may cause damage if left on too long before being cleaned off again afterward!

Vinegar

Vinegar is your best bet if you’re looking for a safe and natural way to kill mold and prevent mold growth on surfaces. It is a safe, natural acid that can kill mold and keep it from growing back. It doesn’t have dangerous fumes like bleach and is a disinfectant, so there are no harmful side effects.

If you want to use vinegar to prevent mold growth on surfaces, spray vinegar on the surface and leave it. Repeat every few days to keep the surface mold-free.

If you’re dealing with mold in your home, there are many things you can do to get rid of it yourself. However, there are also times when hiring professional mold remediators is the best choice to eliminate that pesky fungus and ensure it never returns.

Black Mold Clean Up Process

Once you’ve killed the mold, you’ll need to clean up the moldy mess. Use soap and a sponge to remove visible mold. Wear a respirator or a facemask rated for black mold spore protection, and cover arms, legs, and hands to avoid contact with mold spores.

Black Mold: What Causes Black Mold & How To Clean and Prevent Mold. Mold Assessment Services is ready to help Florida mold sufferers with a free consultation.. Smartphone with launched application for for ventilation adjustment, air quality monitoring. Black mold, scientifically known as stachybotrys chartarum, poses a significant threat to indoor environments, particularly in damp and warm areas. Exposure to this greenish-black fungus can lead to severe health hazards, especially for individuals with asthma or allergies. To combat this menace, it's crucial to understand the causes of black mold and implement effective prevention and cleaning strategies. Determining the source of mold, whether it's through roof leaks, windows, doors, or condensation due to poor ventilation, is the first step towards mold remediation. While DIY methods using natural solutions like baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or tea tree oil can be effective for small affected areas, professional mold remediation services offer comprehensive solutions for larger infestations. Mold Assessment Services provides expert mold inspection and assessment for homes and offices, ensuring a safe and healthy environment. Contact us today for a free consultation!

Black mold, scientifically known as stachybotrys chartarum, poses a significant threat to indoor environments, particularly in damp and warm areas. Exposure to this greenish-black fungus can lead to severe health hazards, especially for individuals with asthma or allergies. To combat this menace, it’s crucial to understand the causes of black mold and implement effective prevention and cleaning strategies.

Prevent Future Growth of Black Mold

When trying to prevent the future growth of black mold in your home, you first need to ensure that the humidity in your home is below 50%. If you need to learn how to measure the moisture in your home, several tools available on the market can help. You can also check with your local hardware store or online retailers to see if they sell these tools.

Once the humidity is acceptable, it’s essential to keep it there by using fans and dehumidifiers whenever possible. These devices will help keep air circulating throughout your home so that moisture does not build up anywhere.

Be sure that any vents or air ducts get cleaned regularly so no dust or debris gets trapped inside them, which could cause mold growth later on down the line.

When Should You Call a Mold Remediation Company?

If you are trying to remove mold on your own but are having difficulty finding where it is growing or how to get rid of it, then hiring a professional is probably the best choice for you. Professional mold remediation companies can find all the mold in your home, even hidden behind walls or hard-to-reach places. They will also have the proper equipment to remove the spores left behind by mold infestation.

Hiring professionals may also be necessary if you have large areas affected by mold growth or multiple levels in your home where contamination has occurred. You don’t need to waste time dealing with such a significant problem when professionals can quickly and efficiently get everything taken care of at once!

Black Mold: What Causes Black Mold & How To Clean and Prevent Mold. Mold Assessment Services is ready to help Florida mold sufferers with a free consultation.Preventing the future growth of black mold requires proactive measures to control indoor humidity levels and ensure proper ventilation. Maintaining indoor humidity below 50% and regularly cleaning air ducts and vents are essential steps in mold prevention. However, if mold growth persists or becomes extensive, seeking professional help is recommended. Mold Assessment Services offers high-quality mold remediation services, specializing in identifying hidden mold and providing thorough mold spore removal. Our experts utilize safe and effective cleaning techniques, including natural solutions and professional-grade equipment, to ensure the complete eradication of mold. Don't let black mold compromise your health and home's integrity. Contact Mold Assessment Services today for a free consultation and take the first step towards a mold-free environment!

Mold Assessment Services offers high-quality mold remediation services, specializing in identifying hidden mold and providing thorough mold spore removal. Our experts utilize safe and effective cleaning techniques, including natural solutions and professional-grade equipment, to ensure the complete eradication of mold. Don’t let black mold compromise your health and home’s integrity. Contact Mold Assessment Services today for a free consultation and take the first step towards a mold-free environment!

Got Black Mold? Get a Free Consultation from Mold Assessment Services

Mold Assessment Services can help you get information about mold in your home or work environment. If you notice mold in your home or work environment, it’s essential to get it checked out by an expert.

If you’re worried about the health risks of mold exposure and want to find out what high-quality mold inspection services can do for you, contact us today at 305-244-7379 or fill out the form to contact us.