If you’re looking to ensure you and your loved ones are safe from mold, you’ve come to the right place. Here at AirPurifiers.com, we understand that while many things are out of our control, the quality of your indoor air doesn’t have to be one of them. This is why we are passionate about providing trustworthy information to help you maintain a high standard of air quality, so you and your family can breathe healthy air. 

Read on to find out the risks associated with mold, why it’s essential to get rid of the fungus, the common types of mold found in homes, and how to clean mold.

The Dangers of Mold and Why It’s Important to Eliminate It

You may be surprised to learn that mold can be found in homes and buildings. You may also be surprised to learn that you, your family, friends — and even your pets — can bring mold into your home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold in the air can attach itself to clothing, shoes, and be carried indoors. Mold can even get into your home through open vents, windows, doorways, as well as heating and air conditioners.  

If there’s a lot of moisture in your home, get rid of it fast because it’s a breeding ground for mold. Mold needs moisture — as well as oxygen and dimly lit areas — to grow. In fact, in the right conditions, mold can reproduce in 24 hours. How so? Mold can snowball when mold spores in the air land on places in your home with excessive moisture. This can include leaky pipes, roofs, drywall, carpets, fabric, ceiling, cabinets, areas that can flood like the basement and bathroom, and much more. 

As previously mentioned, these times are even more dangerous if you or your loved one has been exposed to mold at home. While some may not be affected by mold in the house, the presence of mold for those sensitive to the fungus can experience severe mold allergy symptoms, including:

• Permanent lung damage
• Infections
• Cough
• Itchy eyes
• Stuffy nose
• Skin rash 
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Sore throat 

What Types of Molds are Commonly Found in Homes?

While there are more than 100,000 types of mold that can grow indoors and outdoors, here are some of the most common found in homes:

Alternaria – This mold is fuzzy and white with black spots. It can be found in your bathroom, kitchen, carpets, air conditioner, and near windows and can also grow in wallpaper and fabrics.

Aspergillus – This mold has a powdery look and can be green, gray, or white with dark spots. You can find it in fabrics, basements, attics, and walls.

Penicillium – Another fuzzy mold, Penicillium, can be yellow, green, or blue. You can find this type of mold with indoor moisture, including basements and under carpets and insulation.

Stachybotrys chartarum –  Also known as black mold, this toxigenic mold is greenish-black. This type of mold grows where there is constant moisture — water damage, water leaks, and more — it can grow on paper, fiberboard, and gypsum board.

Trichoderma – This mold can be found in soil, paper, stored cereals, decaying wood, and wood. This mold can start as white or yellow and turn dark green or gray as it matures.

Ulocladium – This allergenic mold grows in damp places and the air and can be found on paper, soil, wood, fibers, dung, textiles, and paint. Typically it is black in color and needs wetness and water to thrive.

How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Home

1. Protect Yourself First: Before starting the cleaning process, ensure your safety. Wear rubber gloves, a mask (preferably an N95), and goggles to limit exposure to mold spores. Mold can cause respiratory issues, so minimizing inhalation is crucial.
2. Identify and Eliminate Moisture Sources: Mold thrives in moist environments, so the first step is to identify the source of moisture. This might be from a leaky pipe, roof, window, or even humidity. Inspect areas with poor ventilation, like behind furniture, under carpets, or along baseboards, where mold often hides. Once you locate the source, address it by repairing leaks or improving ventilation to prevent mold from returning.
3. Use an Air Purifier: Running an air purifier in the affected area can help remove mold spores from the air and reduce moisture levels, making the environment less conducive to mold growth. Opt for a purifier with a HEPA filter, which can capture smaller particles, including mold spores.
4. Prepare Cleaning Solutions:
   • Ammonia and Water: Mix a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water. This mixture is effective at killing mold on non-porous surfaces like glass and tiles. Be sure to use this solution in a well-ventilated area and never mix it with bleach.
   • Bleach and Water: For stubborn mold on porous surfaces like wood or drywall, mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water. Apply it directly to the affected area using a sponge or cloth. After applying the bleach solution, don’t rinse the surface, as the bleach will continue to work even as it dries.
5. Clean the Affected Surfaces: Start scrubbing the moldy surfaces with the cleaning solutions. Use a stiff-bristled brush or sponge to remove the mold. Make sure to clean every corner, crevice, and surface where mold could be hiding. For porous materials like fabric or carpeting, you might need to replace them if the mold has deeply penetrated.
6. Dispose of Contaminated Items: If furniture, clothing, or shoes have been contaminated by mold, remove them from the home immediately. These items may need to be discarded, as they can be difficult to fully clean and may continue to harbor mold spores.
7. Dry the Area Completely: After cleaning, ensure the area is completely dry to prevent mold from returning. Use fans or a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process, especially in areas with high humidity.
8. Monitor the Area: Keep an eye on the cleaned areas to ensure that mold doesn’t return. If you notice any new growth, take action immediately to address the moisture source and clean the area again.
9. When to Call a Professional: If the mold infestation covers more than 10 square feet, it’s time to call a professional mold remediation service. Large-scale mold removal requires specialized equipment and expertise to ensure thorough cleaning and to prevent further health risks.

By following these steps, you can effectively get rid of mold in your living room and prevent it from causing health problems or structural damage.

The Bottom Line

If mold is growing in your home, you need to immediately act fast and eliminate the excess moisture in your home. As we mentioned earlier, for those sensitive to mold, merely inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, headache, cough, and itchy eyes. The symptoms for those with asthma or weak respiratory systems, exposure to moldy environments can trigger asthma attacks, infections, and much more.