What Is White Mold and Is It Dangerous?

When we think of mold, the picture that usually comes to mind is of a harmless, dark goop on your ceiling. But did you know that the picture is factually incorrect? Mold is not just harmful, but it also comes in a different hue - white. And… anything white is considered harmless, right?

Well, white mold isn’t! It wreaks equal havoc like black mold. If this is your first time hearing about white mold, we recommend thoroughly searching your home for any traces of it and contacting your local mold removal company.

Now, as you wait for the terminators to arrive, let us understand white mold better.

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What Is White Mold?

White mold is a wide umbrella term used to refer to all mold species that are white in color. They are called white because they grow on a damp surface and do not change their color or texture due to their hyphal structure.

The structure has filaments called hyphae, which extend from the main body of the fungus. It penetrates porous surfaces, which allows it to spread and thrive. It prefers to dwell in dark, humid, and moist environments with poor ventilation, such as - basements, attics, crawl spaces, air ducts, and bathrooms.

They feed on organic materials like - wood, drywall, fabric, and paper. There are two primary types of white mold -

Aspergillus/Penicillium - This is the most common mold species found indoors. While they are non-toxic, people with a compromised immune system may suffer from direct exposure. Hence, we recommend contacting your service provider for mold removal if you notice this species of mold.
Cladosporium - This is another type of white mold that can be found inside your home, particularly in your attic. They are especially hazardous in higher quantities and can pose a significant risk.

Note: These can also occur in shades of dark grey or green.

What Causes White Mold Growth?

Like every other type of mold and mildew, white mold grows and thrives in regions with excess moisture. This happens when rain, precipitation, snow, or the overflow or leak from a plumbing pipe is not addressed and cleared immediately.

Check your basements, attics, bathrooms, and air ducts for signs of white mold, as these are the primary areas where it typically grows. Also, check the cardboard boxes, hay, straw, paper products, clothes, shoes, and wood to ensure there are no signs of white mold growth in your room.

What Does White Mold Look Like?

White mold is identified by its distinctive appearance, which can vary depending on the surface and environment in which it grows. Most commonly, white mold appears as a light, powdery, or fuzzy texture, but it may also appear slimy with cobweb-like filaments.

Sometimes, white mold may have a yellow or greenish tinge due to its coming in contact with other materials. The variation in appearance can make it easy to confuse white mold with efflorescence or other types of mold. Hence, you need to inspect it properly.

If you suspect you have white mold in your home, you should take proper precautionary measures to protect your family’s health and get rid of the mold as soon as possible.

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Is White Mold Dangerous To Our Health?

White mold, like any other mold type, causes allergy-like symptoms such as itchy, red eyes, sores, and a dry cough. The reactions become more severe due to prolonged and continuous exposure, even in pets. In more severe cases, exposure to white mold can cause memory loss and depression.

Here is a list of common symptoms you may experience if you are exposed to white mold -

Asthma - Prolonged exposure can worsen your case of asthma and leave you with problems in breathing.
Watery eyes - A common reaction to white mold is having red and watery eyes with constant itchiness.
Skin rashes - You may also experience skin rashes if white mold is present.
Wheezing - Another common reaction to the presence of white mold is wheezing, sneezing and having a dry cough with a sore throat.
Pneumonia - This is undoubtedly the worst and most severe symptom of exposure to white mold. If you notice white mold growth anywhere, please contact your trusted service provider, offering mold abatement services.

you spend more time around white mold, chances are you’ll suffer from greater health issues. Hence, it is advisable to consult mold remediation professionals to remove white mold and prevent further growth effectively.

Does White Mold Cause Structural Damage?

Yes, of course! White mold can cause more damage than any other type -

It feeds on fabrics, papers, etc., which breaks down the fibers of these materials. This leads to weakening, rotting, and deterioration.
In wooden structures, prolonged exposure to white mold can compromise the beams, joists, and studs, potentially resulting in floor sagging or warped walls.
It lurks in hidden spaces, such as crawl spaces, basements, and attics, and eats its way through the surface, spreading to other parts of the home.

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Step-By-Step White Mold Removal Method

If there’s a severe mold infestation, it should be left to experts. But if you see a small amount of mold here and there, and you want to DIY, here is the step-by-step method you must follow -

1. Gear Up For Maximum Protection

The first thing you must do is use safety gear, such as rubber gloves, protective dressings, eye protection glasses, and a high-quality face mask. This prevents direct contact with white mold and reduces the inhalation of mold spores.

2. Ventilate Properly

Next, clear the area to remove the dampness and remove all mold-affected items. They may also use a dehumidifier to ventilate the area. If you have good ventilation, it helps dry surfaces and prevents the mold from spreading.

3. Vacuum Mold-Affected Area

It is advisable to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove any mold from surfaces. Once you’re done, dispose of the vacuum bags or clean the canister outside to contain the collected spores.

4. Cleaning Off The Mold

After you’re done vacuuming, consider cleaning up the contaminated area. Depending on how severe the mold growth is - you may be able to handle it on your own using mold-killing solutions. If you have a larger infestation, consider calling a professional for mold removal.

5. Sand Down The Wood, If Needed

Even after cleaning and sanitizing the surface, you see some molds and sand the surface down. It removes deep white mold spores. After sanding, don’t forget to add a finishing touch to the wood to restore its original look.

Precaution- Removing white mold is a hazardous task that should not be attempted without professional assistance. To address it, you need to reach out to a mold removal company that will take the necessary steps to clean out your home.

How To Get Rid Of White Mold In Your Home?

Here are a few ways to get rid of white mold in your home -

1. Bleach

Bleach is a powerful household cleaner that kills mold spores on non-porous surfaces like tiles, sinks, and bathtubs. To use bleach -

Mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water
Apply using a spray bottle or a sponge
Allow it to sit for 10 minutes
Scrub thoroughly and rinse

Note: Never mix bleach with any other chemicals or cleaners, as this can create hazardous gases.

2. Duct Tapes

Duct tapes are not tools for mold removal. But it can help isolate mold-affected areas by sealing them off. This prevents the mold spores from spreading throughout the house.

Note: Use it cautiously and always follow up with proper cleaning or professional mold remediation service afterward.

3. 10% Sodium Hypochlorite

10% sodium hypochlorite is a concentrated disinfectant that effectively eliminates mold and mildew. Here’s how to use it -

Apply the solution directly to the moldy area using a sponge or spray.
Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes.
Scrub using a brush
Rinse thoroughly

Note: Ensure the area is well-ventilated, and wear gloves when working with sodium hypochlorite.

4. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol helps in removing mold from non-porous surfaces like metal, tile, glass, etc. Here’s how to use it -

Pour it into a spray bottle
Spray the moldy area and allow it to rest for several minutes
Wipe the area clean with a microfiber cloth.

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Takeaway

Though white mold may look less threatening - it can still pose significant risks to health and property. It feeds on organic materials that your home is made of, as well as fabrics, paper, and other materials. They cause respiratory issues and also trigger allergies when inhaled. So, it is necessary to get rid of them immediately.

The mold removal method may seem like an easy job - but it carries risk. Without using proper equipment, you can be exposed to mold spores that can cause several health issues. So, it is advisable to call a professional for mold remediation services.

Have You Recently Discovered White Mold Growth In Your Home? JM Environmental Is Your One-Stop Solution!

Our two decades of experience in hazardous material abatement and demolition, especially mold remediation, removal, and abatement, make us the best in the industry. JM Environmental professionals undergo rigorous training to make your safety our top priority. No wonder we are the best mold removal company in Vacaville.

Now, you can rest assured while we tackle every mold problem without breaking the bank. Contact us now!