How to Get Rid of Black Mold on Cement Blocks
Black mold is a common concern for most homeowners and can grow on a variety of surfaces both inside and outside your home. Since cement blocks are typically outside your home, black mold growing on them may not seem like cause for alarm. However, the spores that mold releases in the air can hitch a ride inside your home via your clothing. Once inside, the spores will grow and spread to other areas. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Rubber gloves
- N-95 respirator
- Safety goggles without vent holes
- Rag
- 5-gallon bucket
- Trisodium phosphate or oxygen bleach
- Long-handled spoon
- Scrub brush
- Water hose
Instructions
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Protect yourself from the black mold during the removal process by wearing a pair of rubber gloves and an N-95 respirator. Wear safety goggles without vent holes to prevent possible mold spores from coming in contact with your eyes.
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Mist the surface mold with water. This will keep the amount of spores released in the air during the mold removal process to a minimum. Wipe the mold off the cement blocks with a rag.
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Fill a 5-gallon bucket with 2 gallons warm water. Add 1 cup trisodium phosphate and mix with a long-handled spoon. Alternatively, use 2 cups of oxygen bleach instead of the trisodium phosphate.
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Dip a scrub brush in the mixture and scrub the cement blocks. Continue scrubbing the blocks until you have removed the mold.
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Let the mixture sit on the concrete blocks for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing the blocks clean with a water hose. Repeat the process if needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Trisodium phosphate -- also known as TSP -- is a concentrated cleaning chemical that kills mold. You can find it at home improvement centers.
If possible, move the cement blocks into sunlight to dry. Sunlight will help kill any lingering mold spores.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
