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What Kind of Mold Do I Have?

fungal mold on an interior wall 2021 12 09 04 46 58 utc

You just can’t ignore it any longer. Mold, your unwelcome house guest, just won’t go away. In fact, it could well be growing and spreading. In the winter months when the windows are closed and everyone is breathing warm air that condenses, mold is in its element. So what kind of mold do you have?

Answering this question is vital to getting rid of mold for good. Here’s how to tell what kind of mold is in your house.

What Different Types of Mold Look Like

What kind of mold is there? When we come to assess and remove mold, we can test it to be sure what type of mold is invading your home. To confirm what type of mold it is, you need to analyze it under a microscope.

However, here are some pointers based on what the mold in your home is likely to be from its appearance.

what type of mold do i have

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is a tricky fellow to pin down. And that’s because it’s something of a chameleon. Aspergillus mold can be black, white, yellow, green or brown.

This type of mold can appear as large dots, large bruise-like patches, or even lots of horrible little pinpricks.

Cladosporium

Likewise, these three uglies can appear in several different colors.

Cladosporium can be black, green or yellow, or an unattractive combination. On a wall or in the bathroom it typically looks like big spongy spots with faded edges.

Mycotoxin

OK mycotoxin isn’t technically a mold, it’s a toxic compound that grows on mold. It’s like mold’s nasty sidekick.

Mycotoxin looks much like Cladosporium, it’s impossible to say for sure without testing. Normally it’s black, green or brown spots, which may or may not be fluffy.

Penicillium

Sorry guys. But Penicillium looks much like its siblings mycotoxin and Cladosporium we met above.

Stachybotrys Chartarum

The only way you might be able to differentiate Stachybotrys Chartarum mold with the naked eye is that it’s sometimes really jet black.

Other types of black mold are, well, more of a nasty gray or green color.

Which Kind of Mold Is Dangerous In My Home?

Mycotoxin

Remember the toxin that grows on mold?

All types of mold can carry mycotoxins, especially Aspergillus and Penicillium. You won’t see it without a powerful microscope but please don’t peer too closely.

It’s even smaller than a mold spore, but it can cause cancer and other deadly diseases.

different mold types
different mold types

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is a really widespread type of mold, if there’s good news here we probably all breathe it in every day.

But some kinds of Aspergillus can lead to serious diseases of the lungs and respiratory system.

Cladosporium

Allergies? Cladosporium can cause rashes and other unpleasant skin conditions.

Penicillium

This one doesn’t sound too bad, right? Kind of like penicillin?

Wrong.

If anyone in your household has a compromised immune system, Penicillium can be deadly, especially if the spores come into contact with food.

Stachybotrys Chartarum

This is the most dangerous mold you can have in your home. If you have respiratory issues you may notice the difference in a short time.

Stachybotrys Chartarum is something that needs to be removed, sharp.

Why Do I Have Mold In My Home Anyway?

Mold can grow for a number of reasons. Poor ventilation, climate conditions, previous mold growth that wasn’t properly dealt with.

Mold From Water Damage

Did you have a disaster involving water in your home? Floods and water damage from leaks or burst pipes need to be pumped out and dried within a day. Why the hurry? Excess water in your home can mean the area gets moldy in as little as 24 hours.

Mold From Fire Damage

Suffered fire damage? People don’t usually associate fires with mold, but was the fire put out with a lot of water? If you don’t get water extraction quickly, all that water can soon lead to mold damage.

Should You Remove Mold From Your Home Yourself?

Aspergillus likes to live in the AC. Stachybotrys Chartarum likes to grow in the shower. Disgusting.

And we know. You just want to kill that ugly, toxic mold with some serious chemicals.

But whatever you do, don’t tackle mold yourself. Consider that mold is extremely dangerous. The more you handle it, the more it can become airborne.

This means you’ll not only breathe it in but it can spread to other areas of your home and take hold there too.

How To Get Rid of Mold In Your Home

Mold Remediation

When Save The Day Restoration carries out mold remediation we assess the whole area. Then we seal it off and get to work with professional mold-killing products and high-grade protective clothing.

Next, we restore and replace anything that was damaged such as walls, tiling and floorboards.

mold removal and disinfection

Sanitization & Disinfection

Everything in the mold zone needs to be totally sanitized so that you can use the space again safely.

Odor Removal

Finally, the smell. After we tackle any lingering odor with powerful chemicals, the mold will just be a distant memory.

You’ll be able to enjoy your home in a better condition than before, with no odor or danger.

Don’t Delay In Calling The Best Mold Remediation Team In Los Angeles

Need mold remediation on your walls, ceilings, floors or basement? No matter what kind of mold you have, Save The Day Restoration will get your home safe again in no time.

Just give us a call at (562) 246-9908 or get in touch by email. Mold can be deadly so take advantage of our 24/7 emergency services to get going quickly.

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