The Mold Guide

There is not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to mold, because there are several different types. Generally, they are split into one of three categories: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxigenic. Some are more harmful than others, so if in doubt, give a professional a shout. 

Cladosporium

Cladosporium is a super common mold that is mainly an allergenic mold. That is, it can cause allergy-like symptoms such as rashes, respiratory problems, and itching. It can grow on many surfaces and can range in colors from greens, browns, and blacks.

Black Mold

Water damage and black mold go hand-in-hand. If you’ve been following us for a while, you know the importance of treating water damage effectively to prevent mold in the first place. But things happen, and sometimes you are faced with a generous helping stachybotrys chartarum that will need more than a wipe down with bleach – it should only be treated by licensed professionals. 

Black mold should be dealt with professionally, because the untrained individual can inadvertently release the highly toxic spores into the air, affecting the air quality of the building and negatively affecting your health, and that of those around you. Black mold is toxigenic and is no joke. Other molds might appear to be the dreaded black mold, but it is not always the case.

There are some instances where you can tackle the mold yourself. When mold appears on a hard surface, such as a shower floor or tile grout, it is generally from the presence of water and/or damp. On drywall, as the name suggests, there should not be moisture. But where water and damp are inevitable, such as in the shower, you can indeed clean the mold.

Cleaning Mold From Hard Surfaces

Mix one part bleach to two parts of water in a spray bottle and spritz the affected area. Leave to soak in for ten minutes, then use a hard-bristled brush, or a toothbrush (however angry you are with your partner, don’t use theirs, use an old one!) and gently scrub away the mold. Rinse thoroughly, and dry the area. 

If you prefer not to use bleach, you can try with white distilled vinegar or a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Vinegar can kill up to 82% of mold, and baking soda kills different species of mold than vinegar does, so it is a powerful but non-toxic mixture.

Top Tip: Use a window cleaning squeegee after each shower to prevent mold from appearing in the future.

Did you know? The mold in your shower may be black, but it’s probably not black mold. It’s more likely to be Alternaria, which is not a toxigenic mold but rather an allergenic one.

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is one of the most common types of mold. There are a few different types. One can be found in air conditioning units and as such, you should periodically check the HVAC units both in your residential and commercial properties. The mold feeds off the dust that generally collects in the units, and if you have ever checked your air-con filter, you’ll know there’s no shortage of dust. Remember to thoroughly clean your car aircon, too!

Mold Mites

Mold mites feast on the mold in your property. They are tiny, almost imperceptible to the human eye, and cause no more damage to human health than the mold itself. But as with any infestation, you will want to get rid of them. Gross fact: their fine hairs that are used for sensory purposes can fall out and become airborne, meaning you may breathe them in. So how do we get rid of mold mites?

The trick is to get rid of their food source – the mold. If you are not sure what type of mold you are dealing with, it’s better to call professionals, like Superdry Restoration Inc., if you’re in Los Angeles. This way, you can ensure the mold is safely removed and can cause no further damage to human health.