Removing mold and mildew is not nearly that easy, though it may seem like it is. If the mold or mildew infestation isn't severe enough to go very deep, it may look good as new once you wash the area a bit. However, mold is a sneaky issue, and it often remains behind after the visual element is gone.
The Difference Between Mold and Dust
Unlike dust, simply wiping it away doesn't solve the problem; mold spores can linger and regrow.
Fill a bucket with water and a mild detergent like washing up liquid. Or use a dedicated mould remover to make quick work of it. Dip a cloth in water and wipe the mould off the wall. Don't brush it as this can release mould spores.
Instead, black mold is actually very dark green, brown, or black and is wet, shiny, and slimy. Black mold often looks fuzzy. It tends to form clusters of circular spots that may have fuzzy white edges and when wiped, leaves a green stain behind.
Black mold can be in streaks, clumps or patches. It may first appear to look like black dirt, black ink or black paint, which smears easily if wiped with a rag.
During the cleanup of mold, many spores may be released into the air. To prevent health effects, there are several ways you can protect yourself while cleaning up the mold. Anyone with a chronic illness, such as asthma or emphysema, or who are immune comprised, should not do the cleanup.
Aureobasidium
This yeast-type fungus can be mistaken for another more sinister and dangerous mold but is far less likely to make you sick. Aureobasidium can start as a slimy pink color, but it will turn brown or black and can look like black mold.
As mentioned, it may even lead to death. Thus, exposure to the toxicity of black mold can cause harm to our physical health. Cleaning it yourself risks a greatly increased chance of acquiring damaging health conditions by unsettling the toxins into the air.
Trying to take care of mold on your own isn't just dangerous to your health, but it can also cause the problem to multiply. Since mold spores can spread through the air, you can't simply wipe them away like you would with dust.
Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.
Whilst it's common belief that dry mould is safe, this is not the case. Mould spores do not multiply without a source of moisture but they will re-activate and start growing once they come into contact with water again.
While a little more challenging to remove than from tile walls, if you discover mold growing on walls that are painted or covered with wallpaper, then you can use natural ingredients to clean the mold off the wall. You will need a bowl, a spray bottle, a brush, water, white vinegar, and borax.
Pour some alcohol or vinegar onto a cleaning cloth and wipe it over the mould stains until they disappear. In the case of stubborn mould, you can leave the product to work for a little while. Then wipe the surface with clean water and dry it thoroughly.
Mildew and mold are both fungi, but mildew is not as invasive or troublesome as other types of mold. Typically found in wet areas, mildew looks grayish-white and may turn brown. It's flat and powdery and it's an easier fungus to clean because it lives only on the surface of a material (such as bathroom tile).
If the white mold is untouched, it will quickly come off without causing any damage. However, if the white mold is already worn down and has started to flake off, it is best not to risk it because the spores could become airborne.
Visually, it may be greenish-black, grayish-black, slimy, or more furry than other forms of mold or mildew. If you try to clean it with a heavy-duty cleaner, you might find that it remains on the surface and doesn't completely wipe away.
Adults who live in moldy homes are up to 50 percent more likely to develop asthma. Children are even more likely to develop health issues like asthma and rhinitis. Mold exposure has also been associated with other upper respiratory infections, with symptoms that can range from sinus infections to sore throats.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.
Occasionally, mold can be found in the bathroom, on a windowsill, shower curtain, or wall. This mold can be wiped off the surface with a damp cloth and cleaning agent (such as window or bathroom cleaner).
Activated Charcoal: Absorbs toxins, potentially helping to clear mold spores from your system. Take it in capsule form to absorb toxins. It's best used under medical supervision, especially after known mold exposure.
Mold spores stay airborne indefinitely. While in the air, they remain in a dormant state until they come into contact with wet or moist surfaces, at which point they may start growing into visible mold.
Stachybotrys chartarum often looks greenish-black and has a gelatinous, slimy, or slippery texture. If its moisture source runs out, toxic black mold can also appear dry and powdery, which makes identification even more difficult.
One of the most common forms of mold found in many homes is known as Alternaria. You may know exactly what it looks like, typically characterized by its velvet-like texture and dark green and brown coloring.
Many confuse mold and mildew, which is not surprising — they have more than a few things in common: Both are types of fungi that no homeowner likes to see in his or her home.