We've talked a lot about mold, mold treatments, and the harmful effects mold can have on the home and its inhabitants. If you're looking for more general information on mold types, check our blog The Colorful World of Mold. In this blog, we're going to address the hot topic of black mold again, and contrast it with white mold.

Like black mold, this term is a huge umbrella, and could include many types of mold. Three of the most common types of mold that appear white are aspergillus, cladosporium, and penicillium (yes, the mold that scientists used to create Penicillin). Here's what you need to know:

• White mold is NOT mildew. Mildew is more picky about the materials it chooses, and is not able to destroy things the way white mold can.
• It can appear like cotton balls, cobwebs, collected dust, or white powder.
• Most often found on food, all three of these white molds are most likely to be found in a bowl of fruit.
• Other than food, it usually chooses wood.

What Is Black Mold?

Some of the most common black molds include nigrospora, cladosporium (yes, also included in the list of white mold!) and finally, stachybotrys chartarum, often called "Toxic Mold". Here's the breakdown:

• Mold. If the damage goes untreated, you're going to end up having a mold problem.
• Staining and Rings. While new water damage will be harder to spot, old water damage will have clear, dark stains, often made more obvious because of multiple, back-to-back incidents of water damage following the same path into the home.
• Softening. Finally, you're going to notice a softness to the structure of surfaces that have been damaged for a long time, whether it's the flooring, wood beams, or the drywall. 

How Do I Treat Them?

While we don't recommend trying to treat mold on your own, especially without knowing for sure what type of mold you're dealing with and how it might react to the products you're using, there are a few steps you can take to stop mold from spreading, and prevent it from growing.

• Immediately replace/clean any surfaces or materials with mold.
• Reconsider ventilation- talk with a professional about problem areas. Where is the warm air being funneled? Is the air too humid?
• Clean air filters and vents regularly.
• Keep track of symptoms (coughing, sneezing, headaches) when you spend time in a certain room, or certain areas are being aerated for the first time in a while.

BioClean

If you have concerns about a certain mold, whether white or black, in the home, contact us for professional, efficient treatment, and peace of mind.