One of the common household pests that causes worry in house owners’ minds is mold. Although there are toxic and bad molds, some, like nontoxic black mold, are less harmful but may cause discomfort and a few health issues if not removed early. Identifying and safely removing nontoxic black mold can save time and money to ensure a safer and cleaner place for you and your family. This guide provides what nontoxic black mold is, how it can be identified, steps in the safe removal process, and some effective tips that prevent it from returning.
What Is Nontoxic Black Mold?
The common indoor and outdoor mold species, nontoxic black mold or Cladosporium, do not make mycotoxins toxic to humans. On the other hand, it vastly differs from the toxic black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum. However, exposure to nontoxic black mold can irritate one’s skin, throat, and eyes, and the irritation is very distressing for people who experience respiratory sensitivities or have allergies.
Nontoxic black molds typically develop in moist, warm, poorly ventilated home sections like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and around window sills. Although they might not be dangerous, finding this black mold as soon as possible is important because if it is rampant or left alone, it can cause structural damage, nuisance smells, and poor indoor air quality.
How To Distinguish Toxic From Nontoxic Black Mold?
It cannot be ascertained by appearance whether the black mold is toxic. Mold can be diagnosed through mold testing. Look for health symptoms, such as an allergic reaction.
How To Identify Non-Toxic Black Mold
The first step toward effective treatment is identifying the nontoxic black mold. Though color is common in identifying black mold, not all dark-colored mold is toxic. Some important ways of determining the nontoxic black mold are as follows.
Color and Texture: Non-toxic black mold has quite a wide range of darker green, brown, and black spots. It often has a fuzzy or even slimy texture, as its texture depends on moisture content in the environment in which it is growing. Compared to mildew, a type of fungus with a powdery and even damp, almost spongy feel.
Location: Nontoxic black mold often thrives in damp, humid environments. Common locations include bathrooms and kitchens, basements, and window sills. Check areas that are consistently damp and poorly ventilated.
Odor: Mold often has a musty or earthy smell, which strengthens in confined spaces. Such a scent does not always mean that the black mold is nontoxic, but it can make you pay closer attention to certain areas for visible mold growth.
Size and Spread: Clusters of small black spots or irregular patterns on a surface may indicate nontoxic black mold. However, if the mold spots expand rapidly, it might indicate a more serious infestation that must be attended to immediately.
Health Symptoms: Although not toxic, this black mold may still cause mild symptoms in allergic or respiratory-affected people. If you or any members of your household experience chronic coughing, nasal congestion, or eye irritation indoors, it may be a sign of mold exposure.
If you are still determining what mold is in your house, buy a mold test kit at a hardware store or hire a professional mold inspector to choose it.
How To Get Rid Of Nontoxic Black Mold
Removing nontoxic black mold is easy and rarely requires professional help. You can use a commercial mold and mildew remover, bleach, or plain dish soap to remove mold growth. For best performance, do the following steps:
Preparation of Cleaning Solution
To remove mold, two quarts of water should be mixed with one cup of bleach. This solution works for non-porous surfaces, killing mold and preventing regrowth. The bleach solution should be diluted enough not to damage wood and other sensitive surfaces.
Application of Solution
Spray directly onto the moldy area, making it fully saturated with the liquid. This application works well with wood, tiles, and hard surfaces like concrete. After applying the liquid, allow it to spread to the mold for several minutes.
Mold Cleaning
Gently scrub the affected area with a soft-bristled brush. Avoid harsh-bristled brushes, as they may damage some surfaces. As you scrub, the mold must start rubbing off. Use more solution if necessary to wash the surface clean.
Don’t rinse
Let it dry. Do not rinse after scrubbing. The bleach solution will continue acting on the remaining spores to prevent regrowth. Check on the area in 3-4 days. Ensure that the mold is gone. If you still see signs of returning mold, repeat the cleaning process or use a more powerful mold remover.
Tips To Prevent Non-toxic Black Mold In The Future
Prevention of nontoxic black mold is just about maintaining a clean and dry environment, especially in moisture-prone rooms. Here are some proactive tips to help prevent mold:
Control Humidity Levels: Mold thrives in humid environments, so it is good to keep the humidity level in your house below 50%. It is also always good to install a dehumidifier and air quality monitor in damp areas such as basements and bathrooms, especially during humid weather.
Ventilate High-Moisture Areas: Ventilating kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms is the key to preventing mold from becoming too strong. Install exhaust fans in these areas and turn them on during and after showers and while cooking.
Fix Leaks Immediately: Leaks from pipes, roofs, and walls can lead to water ingress, facilitating mold growth. Check the ceilings and walls for stains or discoloration that could be watermarked, and fix any leaks as soon as possible.
Use Mold-Resistant Materials: Mold-resistant drywall, pain, or sealant can be used in areas of moisture buildup, such as bathrooms and basements. These will help prevent the growth of mold.
Clean Regularly: Cleaning regularly, especially in damp rooms, helps prevent mold from settling. Clean surfaces with mold-killing cleaners, and be meticulous about drying areas where moisture accumulates, such as shower walls or kitchen backsplashes.
Control Houseplants: While houseplants cleanse indoor air, they introduce relative humidity, which could sometimes cause mold in moist earth. To avoid such indoor mold growth, control the number of indoor plants or clear the soil surface.
Conclusion
Nontoxic black mold is not poisonous but dangerous and should not be ignored. If unaddressed, it could cause discomfort and, in specific circumstances, cause damage to your property. A house is easy to obtain if properly studied relative to the features and correct techniques for removing such a mold. Vigilance, repeated cleaning, and moisture control will result in a mold-free place, which makes your indoor environment healthy for you and your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How would you know whether black mold is toxic or not?
The toxic black mold growth would have a much stronger, more intense, and identifiable smell, which may remind one of decay, wet soil, or rot. It would appear greenish-black, grayish-black, slimy, or more furry than other mold or mildew forms.
Can I test myself for black mold?
While it is easy to distinguish, for most of us, it becomes dirt with hidden, small-growing colonies of it. In such a case, it is easy to identify through just a few applications of drops of bleach. If the area lightens within some minutes, you get positive results for mildew. It might only be so if it lightens up after several minutes.