Lake Elsinore is not exempted from having a humid environment. High humidity plus some food source for mold can cause this organism to thrive and spread in your home rapidly. Moreover, hundreds of species of mold including safe and dangerous species can live both indoor and outdoor.
While most people focus on black mold, only a few are worried about white mold problems. This is not that known to many but it is still extremely dangerous to deal with. In this article, you will have a broader idea of what is white mold and how to prevent it.
If you suspect mold in your home or office, calling a mold removal professional is necessary.
What is White Mold
White mold is a term used to describe mold species that may appear white and have a powdery texture. Molds sometimes will be white in their early stages of development then change color after producing mold spores. However, some molds are white regardless of age due to non-pigmented spores and are determined by the kind of material or surface they developed on. Commonly found species at home include penicillium, Cladosporium, and aspergillus.
Ideal Environment
If your home has moisture problems, any type of mold can grow and proliferate. White mold growth occurs in these areas:
- Furniture and wooden surfaces.
- Attics
- Basements
- Crawlspaces
- Carpets.
- Fabric/Clothing
- Other porous materials
Identify White Mold or Efflorescence
Examine white mold by its color, smell, and texture. In most cases, this mold is white, fluffy, slimy, and has a musty smell. However, white mold can be mistaken for mildew and efflorescence due to its white appearance.
Efflorescence is a type of salt deposit caused by salty water that evaporates then leaves a white crystalline appearance and looks similar to white mold. You can usually find them on concrete, stone, or brick. To check the difference between the two, try doing these simple tips:
-Wear gloves.
-Take a sample of the white substance.
-Drop it in a small cup of water.
-Dissolve or squeeze the substance
If the white substance sample breaks or dissolves in water, it’s most likely efflorescence. Efflorescence doesn’t spread and does not pose any health risks.
Is White Mold Safe?
Any type of mold and mildew including white mold can enter your home without permission. Exposure to it can lead to different health problems and symptoms such as:
- Allergic reactions
- Aggravates asthma
- Respiratory infections
- Eye and skin irritations
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Depression/ anxiety
- Memory loss
- Insomnia
When it comes to your property, you cannot trust white mold because it will just eat away building materials as a food source. Thus, compromising its structural integrity. It’s really necessary to act immediately if you see mold growing and spreading in different areas of your home. Preventing mold can safeguard you and your family’s health and home.
Prevent White Mold Growth
One aspect to prevent the growth of mold in your home is to control moisture issues. Moreover, it’s always best to call a professional to properly remove white mold. They can inspect your home and have the right tools to eliminate this fungus in large and even hard-to-reach areas.
Nevertheless, mold removal on small areas can be done on your own. For DIY cleaning solutions on how to get rid of mold, see the following tips:
- Protect yourself by wearing a mask, safety goggles, rubber gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and other important gear that keeps you safe from harmful mold spores.
- Ventilation is necessary. Open the windows and use a dehumidifier if possible especially if you cannot put affected materials outside to make sure that fresh air flows through the room.
- Before getting rid of the mold, use a vacuum to clean up the moldy area. Vacuuming can help minimize the number of loose spores that spread as you begin to wash it.
- Use soap, water, and a soft-bristled scrubber to clean and scrub down the affected area. In cleaning raw wood, use a cloth rag with a small amount of bleach to wipe down the affected area. In cleaning drywall, only use a soft rag to clean the mold to prevent the material from scratches.
- Treat mold growth. You can use baking powder solution, undiluted distilled vinegar to eliminate mold. Put onto a spray bottle and leave the treatment for one hour. You can also use chlorine bleach to get rid of surface mold only.
- After treating the mold growth, sand down the affected area, especially if working with a wood surface. Use a sanding tool or sandpaper to clean the rest of the moldy wood or other surface and repaint/reseal if necessary.
Mold Remediation Services by Superior Restoration
After DIY cleaning and taking care of moisture issues, why does mold still keep coming back? In that case, we recommend that you hire trained and certified professionals to effectively get rid of white mold and prevent it from returning. They can detect mold in areas that aren’t visible to the eyes.
Contact our 24/7 office today, Water Damage Lake Elsinore. We provide free Mold Inspection.
