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Types of mold

12 Most Common Types of Mold in a Home & How To Remove Them

Many people think that mold occurs in older houses, but that's not really true.

House of any age can create a mold problem as the source of mold spores is not age-dependent.

While mold isn't harmful to be around, but if left untreated, mold can become a risk inside your dwelling.

In this post, we will explain what the most frequent types of mold in houses are, how to find them, and the health impacts of being exposed.


How to Avoid Mold in the First Place

mold in a home

The best way to treat any sort of mold is to first try to prevent it.

The most frequent home mold types usually develop due to damp or water damaged surfaces that are not regularly cleaned and dried.

Attempt to fix any leaking pipelines, dry out damp areas in the house and to clean wooden floors carpeting and walls.

If you buy an old house, ensure there is a thorough check throughout the home for any growing mold problem.

If you are trying to abolish a mold problem inside a home, a good thing to use for clean up is an air purifier.

Some air purifiers use exclusive technology that's excellent at killing the mold spores from the air and keeping them from recontaminating your dwelling.


Most Common Household Molds

Hopefully, you will never experience a mold problem in your home, but seldom mold is unavoidable.

Below is a list of some of the more common kinds of mold that may present health risks if left untreated.

Alternaria

The most common molds that occur indoors and outdoors are Alternaria.

Antennaria usually appears in dark areas, like the shower, sink, or dark and dimly lit regions outside the home.

Health issues associated with Alternaria include allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

Aspergillus

Another typical indoor mold is Aspergillus.

This mold incredibly common and does damage to those who inhale it.

Severe reactions include allergic reactions, respiratory infections, and inflamed lungs.

Aureobasidium

The Aureobasidium mold is most usually found on surfaces, wooden furniture, painted walls and wallpaper as well as around windows and in caulk.

If you notice a substance that's black and pink in those areas, it's probably this sort of mold.

Since Aureobasidum is common, most individuals do develop allergic reactions, and it's been proven to cause more severe reactions than other molds.

Chaetomium

Chaetomium mold is usually seen in the drywall that has water damage.

People identify their existence when they smell an old or musty odor in their homes.

Cladosporium

Homeowners find the Cladosporium mold inside both hot and cold regions like wood floorboards, carpeting, wooden cupboard, and older fabrics.

The Cladosporium mold can make homeowners suffer from breathing difficulties and respiratory problems.

Fusarium

Fusarium is a mold that is likely to grow in colder areas.

The ideal targets for the fusarium mold are carpets and similar fabrics.

Fusarium can cause a common allergic reaction as well as respiratory infections and inflammation.

Penicillium

Penicillium mold

Penicillium is a mold that can be found inside the carpeting, furnishings, water damaged furniture, insulation, and more.

Penicillium usually spreads quickly throughout the home and may cause homeowners to have allergic reactions, in addition to sinus infections, lung inflammation.

Stachybotrys Chartarum

Black mold Or Stachybotrys Chartarum is also known as toxic mold.

This is because this kind of mold produces poisonous compounds known as mycotoxins.

The compounds cause the ones that breathe the mold in to develop sinus infections, breathing issues, fatigue, depression, asthma attacks, and more.

This kind of mold can be recognized by its odor and can be found in areas that remain moist, such as air-conditioning pipes and tubes.

Serpula lacrymans

The scapula lacrymans mold is mostly found outside but can also grow indoors on wooden surfaces.

This mold contributes to dry rot within the wood since it feeds solely on wooden surfaces.

It's most notable by its yellowish appearance.

Trichoderma

Trichodermin is another damp area mold.

Homeowners usually find the Trichoderma mold within wallpaper, wet carpeting, and similar surfaces.

The harm with Trichoderma comes with the formation of mycotoxins that can cause allergic reactions, sinus infection, and more.

Ulocladium

The Ulocladium mold is found both indoors and outside.

Ulocladium is usually found in areas that have been severely damaged by water, such as in the walls and floors of homes that have experienced a flood.

This type of mold causes many homeowners to evolve allergic reactions and infections.


Treating Common Molds

Once you identify a mold growing in your home, treating the issue is very easy.

A homeowner can treat common indoor molds with the help of household products.

Make sure to shield yourself with gloves and a breathing mask.

Go through the house and search for crevices or any moist or wet surfaces.

It is essential to seal off the region where the mold is to stop the mold from moving throughout the house.

Moldy surfaces should be cleaned using a solution containing water and detergent.

After the surface dries, use a bleach solution on it.

Then, wash and repeat three times. After the third wash, make a borate detergent solution and rub the surface.

After your mold issue is gone, do what you can to clean and check for any returning mold.

Also, think about investing in one of the best basement air purifiers to prevent mold spores so that they do not multiply as quickly.

Knowing how to recognize, treat, and prevent mold will keep you and your home healthy and happy.

About the Author Tom Hanson

I’ve worked as an HVAC tech in Phoenix, AZ for the past 10 years. I created CoolAndPortable.com to help home owners select the right portable air conditioner, cooler or air purifier for their needs & budget in just a few minutes.

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