Signs Of Black Mold In Air Vents And How To Clean It

Black mould is a toxic mould commonly found in houses as well as buildings that have poor air circulation or water damage, leaving the area constantly damp. Humid weather conditions also create an ideal opportunity for black mould to grow. Many homeowners experience mould growth and mould spores following the flooding of a basement or on the moist drywall. Due to poor ventilation, black spores are likely to grow and spread in air vents in a matter of 24-48 hours.

If a particular area of your home constantly smells like mildew or you can spot mould spores on the wall, black mould might be the reason. Once you have spotted it, you must use the correct method for cleaning, just like the ones professionals use for budget end of lease cleaning Canberra.

Here are the signs of black mould in air vents and how to clean it. This method will help you deal with it appropriately.

What is Black Mould?

Black mould, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is a harmful type of fungus. It is dark blackish in colour but might look greenish-black or even grey in some cases. In terms of texture, it is slimy and wet in comparison to the other types of mould. It typically grows off of moisture. Usually, you can spot it on porous surfaces, such as drywall, carpets, insulation and air vents. Not maintaining your air vents will result in excessive moisture and dust, allowing the mould to grow. Once it grows, it releases spores that contain harmful chemicals like mycotoxins into the air. Such spores can lead to health issues, including nausea, fatigue, headaches, and long-term lung problems. This is why expert bond cleaners Canberra recommend eliminating it as soon as possible.

Signs of Mould in Air Vents

If you think you might have black mould in your air vents but are not sure, there are some signs you can look for that will clear your doubts. These signs might not always indicate mould, but most of the time, they will. Here are the possible signs of black mould growth in your air vents:

Unpleasant Odours

If there is an unpleasant odour coming through your vents when you run your AC, chances are, there is mould in the air vents. Black mould is known to have a musty and earthy smell, just like how rotting leaves smell. The smell will be noticeable and it will increase when you turn your AC on.

Black Dust around Vents

Black dust around the air vents is often quite a significant indicator of black mould. If you spot them, it is best not to touch them with bare hands because that could make way for skin rashes and irritation. Budget end of lease cleaners in Canberra recommend cleaning them before dealing with the mould is essential.

Mould Sickness Symptoms

If you or any of your family members experience consistent headaches, a cough, sore throat, or fatigue, especially out of spring season, chances are black mould could be the reason. So, it is vital to make a note of your symptoms, especially if you have asthma, and let your doctor know about it.

How to Eliminate the Mould Appropriately?

Unless you have visual proof, it is difficult to know whether you have mould in your air vents or not. So, it becomes crucial to conduct a test first. After that, you can move on to the next stage. Here are the steps you need to follow to keep your home mould-free and healthy.

Figure Out the Source of the Mould

Figuring out the source of the issue can be tough, but it is more common in homes with water leaks. If you are experiencing mould issues, figure out and deal with the problems related to leaking water.

Conduct a Mould Test

There are plenty of DIY mould test kits available for your convenience. However, if you think you have mould, including the air vents, it is best to leave the job to a professional for safety purposes.

Deal with the Black Mould

It is ideal to hire professionals for the best bond cleaning Canberra or even just mould removal, as they have the right equipment and take safety precautions. They can tackle the issue easily. However, it is still possible to get rid of black mould through the DIY method. It is best to use a bleach solution (1:16 bleach to water), dawn dish soap, or laundry detergent to eliminate the mould. It is also recommended to keep a HEPA-filtered vacuum along with a long-handled scrubbing tool.

• Turn off the AC entirely
• Remove the vent covers
• Soak them in your preferred cleaning solution for a while
• Scrub them until they are completely clean, and keep them aside

Use the cleaning solution and tools to clean the area inside the vent, around the vent, and other affected areas. As a last step, vacuum out the ducts before reattaching the covers back. Allow everything to dry out for a couple of hours before turning on your AC. If you can still spot the black mould in the air vents, it will be better just to hire a professional due to the severity of the problem.

Wrapping Up

Identifying the early signs of black mould in your air vents is important to minimise the risk of health issues. By following the tips from this article, you can spot the black mould early and deal with it appropriately.