What Is White Mold, Is It Dangerous, And How To Get Rid Of It?

What Is White Mold?

Many species of mold can be found in homes and have white appearances, including penicillum, cladosporium and aspergillus. Other colors may be present in these molds. When it’s first formed, mold will appear white. However, mold can change its color as it grows. Other molds will stay white throughout its life cycle due to the material it is eating.

It doesn’t matter what color the mold is, it must be eliminated. Mold can have a detrimental effect on your home, your possessions and your health. We recommend that you contact a mold remediation firm as soon as possible. You can reach us at (818)-264-4100 for a free visual inspection.

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What Does White Mold Look And Feel Like?

White molds can be difficult to spot when they first develop because the spores of these spores are tiny. White molds appear as white spots on surfaces once the colonies have formed. These spots can appear as powdery, fuzzy or filmy. White mold can appear similar to mildew, but it is more dangerous because it can also grow in organic materials.

What Causes White Mold?

White mold can be caused by the same causes as other types of mold. Two things are necessary for mold to thrive: a moist environment, and food sources. Leakage or poor ventilation are often the causes of moisture. Wood, drywall, carpeting, and other organic materials are common food sources.

Is White Mold Dangerous?

White mold health hazards vary greatly from one person to another. Some people have no symptoms while others may be allergic. An allergic reaction can cause a runny nose, skin rash, and sneezing. The effects of an allergic reaction can be even more severe and potentially dangerous if you have a compromised immune response. It is best to see a doctor if you suspect you have been exposed to white mold for a long time.

How To Remove White Mold?

These minor problems can be addressed by homeowners using tools, safety equipment, and cleaners available at hardware stores. What is the best way to kill white mold? Hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, and baking soda are all good options. If the mold is in an area that is large or difficult to reach, such as in an attic or basement or attic, you should call a mold removal company. The services of a professional like 911 Restoration will ensure that mold is removed completely and the source of the problem is addressed.

Which Areas Are White Mold Most Common In Homes?

Mold thrives in damp, dark environments that have a food source.

Attics

Because attics contain lots of food sources like insulation and wood, they are a perfect environment for white mold. Poor ventilation, leaky pipes and leaked roofs can all give mold the moisture it needs. Because of the small spaces in attics, it can be difficult to eliminate mold. Check your attic for white mold and musty odors.

Basements

Concrete walls, wooden floor boards and personal belongings such as clothes are all common places where white mold can grow in basements. Basement walls are often porous and water can seep through them to encourage mold growth. Condensation can also be caused by cold outside air coming in contact with warm basement air. This makes basements a breeding ground for white mold. It is easy to mistake white mold found in basements with crystalline efflorescence. Both can grow in areas with high humidity, but efflorescence doesn’t belong to the same category of mold. When moisture penetrates concrete, efflorescence is a salty deposit. To determine if it’s white mold or efflorescence, you can mist the area with water. If it is efflorescence, the salt will dissolve. You should still have mold testing done if you are unsure. Mold can grow inside walls and floor joists.

Crawlspaces
Basements and crawlspaces are likely places where white mold is found in homes. Mold in crawlspaces can be caused by leaky pipes, damaged downspouts and gutters, poor ventilation, or other factors such as moisture. Your crawlspace should not be used for storage as cardboard boxes and other organic materials can become a food source. When removing or remediating mold, it is important to identify the source of moisture.

Furniture and wood
Porous surfaces like wood, sheetrock, and furniture are susceptible to white mold. White mold can be found on wooden surfaces such as attics rafters, crawlspace floor joists, and wooden furniture. You can clean up mold from wooden furniture if you find it often enough. However, more porous materials like cloth on sofas or chairs will require professional cleaning.

Clothing with white mold

Clothing can also be affected by white mold, especially in the summer. Before you put clothing in your closet, make sure it is completely dried. The sun can dry clothing, which will also remove any moisture and act as a natural disinfectant. To kill mold spores, vinegar and hot water can be used to remove musty odors from clothing.

How To Stop White Mold?

Moisture control is the most important aspect in preventing mold. Your basement may flood if it has a leaky roof or broken gutters. It is important to address the root cause of mold. Otherwise, the mold can return. To find out where the moisture problem is coming from, a Los Angeles mold professional can inspect your home. It’s important to keep your home dry and free from excess moisture. Mold thrives on food sources. Mold can eat cardboard, paper, and organic materials.

Mold Remediation Professionals

We recommend that you hire a professional mold remediation company in Los Angeles unless the mold problem is severe. Mold remediators are able to find mold even in places that are not visible to the naked eye, such between walls. They are also skilled in dealing with mold that has been found in crawlspaces, basements, and attics. The contractor will also be able identify and correct the moisture problem. Give us a call at (818)-264-4100 for a free visual inspection.