Mold is an organism that’s part of the fungi family, and is found virtually anywhere moisture and oxygen are present. Outside, molds are an important part of the ecosystem. Mold spores survive in moist areas and play a role in nature by breaking down dead and decaying organic matter such as plants, leaf piles, damp grass, mulch, and other debris.
These outdoor molds release tiny spores, which float through the air. They then enter our homes through doors, windows, vents, clothing, and pets.
Multiple types of mold might grow in the same area, and you generally cannot tell the difference between mold varieties without thorough testing. Fortunately, we don’t need to know the type of mold to get rid of it.
The most common molds are referred to as indicator molds. These are the first to show up, and are some of the fastest spreading. They are:
- Cladosporium is brown, green, or black, and grows in both warm and cool locations. Often found in bathtubs and showers, under sinks and water heaters, on wood, carpets or fabrics, and in heating and cooling ducts.
- Penicillium is fuzzy, and blue, green, or yellow. It’s often growing under carpets, in bathrooms, and in insulation, especially when there’s been water damage.
- Aspergillus is white, or gray with dark spots and a powdery look. This type doesn’t need much ventilation. It thrives on fabrics, in walls, attics, basements, and laundry rooms, as well as on various food items
Mold in the home is never a good sign, and can quickly become problematic. In fact, in the case of water damage, mold can take just 24-48 hours to begin growing. More than a cosmetic predicament, mold can damage your home, and may contribute to health issues for your family. Removing infestation becomes a top priority.
According to the EPA, there is no simple way to eliminate all molds within a home. Reports indicate approximately 70% of homes in this country—including the spotless, sparkling clean ones—may contain a certain level of mold hiding in the darkest, dampest spaces of the home.
Fortunately, the EPA also points out as long as the mold count is reasonable, the human body is unlikely to be affected. Nonetheless, the agency underscores the importance of treating mold buildup and colonization quickly to keep the number of spores in your home to a minimum. This means you must remain vigilant in recognizing possible signs of mold in your house.
Well, then, how does one discover mold? You can usually see or smell a mold problem. Mold can appear as fuzzy, discolored, or slimy patches increasing in size as they grow. These could be specks along grout lines, on walls, or other surfaces. Further, an early indication of a problem are mildewy, earthy odors—reminiscent of old books—emanating from floors, walls, or cabinetry.
Most importantly, obvious signs of mold in your home can be allergic reactions, asthma flare-ups, and infections. Respiratory issues—such as a runny nose and congestion, sore throat, sneezing or coughing—along with eye irritation, fatigue, headaches, and skin rashes become more apparent among household members.
Here are additional warning signs of mold in your home:
- White or black spots on fibers of your clothing that feel fluffy or slick to the touch.
- Spots, stains, and odors on carpeting, area rugs, and padding.
- Fungus in and on furniture. Mold particles retained in moist porous materials like leather, wood, and upholstery.
- Warped walls. Bubbling paint and peeling or surface abnormalities on wallpaper.
- Leaky plumbing. Water pipes, waste and icemakerlines, along with plumbing fixtures.
- Yucky air filters. A standalone airconditioning unit emitting a musty smell, or black, fuzzy spots on the filter.
- Previous water damage. An unfortunate event like flooding or burst pipes where water was not properly or efficiently extracted.
Preventing mold growth in the first place is best. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the old saying goes. Promptly fixing leaks, drying wet structural materials and, as recommended by the EPA, maintaining indoor humidity between 30-50% are ways to beat the beast.
The moment you notice mold, act fast to thoroughly remove colonies before they multiply. And, remember, it’s entirely possible there is more existing mold than what meets the eye.
If the mold is somewhat contained and located within reach, you can likely handle the problem yourself. It goes without saying, you’ll wear gloves and other protective gear to safely scrub the entire affected area. Solutions like vinegar and baking soda are non-toxic, pet-friendly, and eco-friendly alternatives to chemicals such as bleach and ammonia.
Handling mold remediation yourself is not always the best idea, though, as you can do more harm than good. It is a safe bet to consult a professional before attempting to deal with the infestation. A highly trained technician can safely remove mold and make the necessary repairs, particularly when mold is hidden within your home’s walls, beneath floors, or above ceilings.
No one wants to look at a ceiling or wall tainted with unsightly black splotches. And, a mold infestation involves more than just what you see. It can be harmful for your family, and potentially damaging to the structural integrity of your house. Plus, your peace of mind is greatly affected, not to mention the process of selling your home some day. Mold will undoubtedly become part of any inspection report.
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