Cladosporium: A very common type of mold that is often blackish-brown to gray-green in color, Cladosporium grows both indoors and outdoors. Indoors it may grow as fungi on dead plants, decaying wood, or tree trunks, while indoors Cladosporium often grows on items like carpets, curtains, upholstery, and wallpaper.
Aspergillus: Aspergillus is very common indoors and outdoors, so most people breathe it in every day. While it’s generally not harmful to healthy individuals, it can be harmful to people who are immune compromised. It is a ubiquitous mold in home and hospital environments.
Penicillium: This common mold can be found on decaying fruits and vegetables, bread, and plant bulbs. It’s also found on indoor surfaces including wallpaper and ceiling tiles.
Stachybotrys: Known as black mold, Stachybotrys can grow on material with a high cellulose content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, and paper. The greenish-black mold occurs when there is moisture from water damage, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Exposure to black mold may cause sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and other health symptoms.
I’ve seen firsthand how sneaky mold can be, especially Stachybotrys, which thrives in damp, neglected corners. According to the CDC, about 1 in 10 homes in the U.S. has some form of mold growth, often due to unnoticed water damage. For instance, Cladosporium loves to creep onto curtains if you don’t air out your bathroom properly after a shower. To spot these molds early, keep an eye on discoloration or musty smells, especially in basements or laundry rooms. A quick tip I’ve learned: if you’re unsure about the mold type, a professional test can identify it, which can save you from guessing games and potential health risks.
How to Prevent Mold
Preventing mold in your home, which is best done by minimizing moisture, is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Damp environments can produce mold spores, so monitoring the humidity levels in your home is a must. “Ensure the humidity in your home is below 60 percent—it should ideally be between 30 and 50 percent,” says Jennifer Parnell, the co-founder of Humble Suds. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, which is available at most hardware stores.
Use Exhaust Fans
An exhaust fan is one of the most important tools for combatting high humidity levels and, thus, mold. “Running them while showering and cooking transfers moist indoor air outside of your home,” says Parnell. You should run your exhaust fan for at least 20 minutes after the shower has been used in order to remove adequate amounts of moisture. You should also run exhaust fans in other areas of your home, like in the kitchen while you cook.
Check Your Insulation
Check your home’s insulation to ensure there aren’t any cracks or leaks. “Proper insulation can help prevent condensation,” says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean. “Ensure your home is well-insulated and sealed in order to avoid drafts.” When conducting an examination of your insulation, also be sure to assess your gutters and roof to ensure water isn’t able to seep through them into your home.
Clean Regularly
Clean and dust your home regularly to prevent the accumulation of organic material, which mold can grow on, says Sokolowski. “Keep your home organized and minimize the potential for mold to grow in hidden areas,” she says. When cleaning, focus on areas that are prone to mold growth, like the tub, shower, and sinks. “These areas typically hold more water or are closer to a moisture source, so pay close attention to them and any areas that tend to pool with water, and make sure they stay dry,” says Parnell. Using a squeegee on the shower doors, floors, and walls after showering, leaving the bathroom door open, and spreading out the shower curtain so it can dry are actions that can prevent mold growth in the bathroom.
Keeping mold at bay is all about staying proactive. I’ve found that investing in a $20 humidity meter from a hardware store is a game-changer—it’s like having a weather station for your home. The EPA suggests that indoor humidity above 60% is a mold magnet, so checking it weekly can catch problems early. Also, don’t skip the small stuff: I always squeegee my shower glass after a steamy shower, and it’s cut down on those pink mold spots big time. For insulation, a quick walk around your attic or crawlspace every few months can spot leaks before they turn into mold havens. If you’re on a budget, focus on sealing windows with caulk—it’s cheap and can stop drafts that lead to condensation.
Safety Considerations
If the problem goes beyond basic moisture or insulation issues, contacting a professional may be your best course of action. “If you suspect a significant mold problem in your home, it’s advisable to consult with a professional mold remediation specialist to assess the situation and provide guidance,” says Sokolowski. As a general rule, if the mold covers 10 square feet or more, you should call a professional.
If you plan to remove the mold yourself, proper safety precautions are a must. Make sure you have the following personal protective equipment, as inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.
N-95 mask: To limit your exposure to airborne mold, it’s recommended to wear an N-95 respirator or mask that fits properly.
Gloves: Avoid touching mold or moldy items with your bare hands by wearing long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm.
Goggles: Wear goggles that do not have ventilation holes to avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes during the removal process.
Safety isn’t something to skimp on when dealing with mold. I learned this the hard way when I tried cleaning a small patch without a mask and ended up sneezing for days. The Cleveland Clinic notes that mold exposure can trigger asthma in sensitive folks, so even if you’re healthy, gear up properly. An N-95 mask costs about $5-$10, and you can grab gloves and goggles for under $20 total at most hardware stores. If you’re dealing with a big mold problem, don’t hesitate to call a pro—remediation can run $500-$2,000 depending on the size, but it’s worth it to avoid health risks or spreading spores further.
How to Remove Mold from Walls and Other Interior Surfaces
If you notice minor mold build up on surfaces inside your home, like the walls or floors, try removing it with a diluted vinegar solution.
Materials Needed
Here is what you need to remove mold from surfaces in your home.
- White vinegar
- Water
- Scrub brush or sponge
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber cloth
- Protective gear (gloves, mask, and eye protection)
Steps
Follow this method from Sokolowski when removing mold from your home’s interior surfaces.
- Use an old, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any loose mold or debris from the surface. (Remove the cloth from the room afterward.)
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the vinegar and water mixture directly onto the moldy surface, allowing it to sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
- Using a scrub brush or sponge, scrub the moldy area in a circular motion, ensuring you cover the entire affected area.
- Rinse the surface with clean water and wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any remaining cleaning solution and mold residue.
- Ensure the cleaned area is completely dry. Use fans or open windows to facilitate the drying process.
Vinegar is my go-to for small mold patches because it’s cheap—about $3 for a gallon—and works like a charm. The acetic acid in vinegar kills about 80% of mold species, according to studies from the EPA. I’ve used this method on bathroom tiles, and letting the solution sit for 15 minutes really makes scrubbing easier. If the mold is stubborn, try adding a drop of dish soap to the mix for extra cleaning power. Just make sure the area dries completely afterward; I once skipped this step and the mold came back in a week. A small desk fan can speed up drying for just $10-$15.
How to Remove Mold From Fabric
Mold can also accumulate on fabric if it’s exposed to too much moisture, but it can be removed with a few common household cleaning supplies. “Take the moldy fabric outdoors if possible,” says Sokolowski. “This helps prevent mold spores from spreading inside your home.”
Materials Needed
Here is what you need to remove mold from fabric.
- White vinegar
- Natural detergent
- Cold water
- Bucket
- Scrub brush or toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
- Safety gear (gloves, mask, and eye protection)
Steps
Follow this method from Sokolowski for removing mold from fabric.
- Outside, use an old scrub brush to gently remove any loose mold or debris from the fabric. (Dispose of the brush afterward.)
- Mix a solution that’s equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a bucket. If the fabric is delicate or you’re concerned about the vinegar odor, you can dilute it further.
- Submerge the moldy fabric in the vinegar solution, ensuring the entire affected area is covered. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour. You can also add a few drops of mild detergent if the fabric is washable.
- After soaking, use a scrub brush to scrub the moldy spots gently. Be careful not to damage delicate fabrics. Continue scrubbing until the mold stains are gone.
- Rinse the fabric thoroughly with cold water to remove any vinegar residue and mold debris.
- Inspect the fabric for any remaining mold stains. If some stains persist, repeat the cleaning process.
- If the fabric is machine-washable, launder it as usual with natural detergent. Use cold water, as hot water can set mold stains. Consider professional dry cleaning if the fabric is not machine-washable or delicate.
- Hang the fabric outside in the sunlight to dry, if possible. Sunlight can help further eliminate mold spores and odors. Ensure the fabric is completely dry before storing it.
I once saved a favorite curtain from mold after a leaky window left it damp. The sunlight drying trick really works—UV rays can kill lingering spores, per research from the EPA. If you’re dealing, say, with a cotton shirt, soaking it for an hour usually does the trick, but delicate fabrics like silk need extra care. A toothbrush is perfect for gentle scrubbing and costs less than $2. For stubborn stains, I’ve repeated the soak-and-scrub cycle twice, and it’s usually enough. If the vinegar smell lingers, a quick rinse with a splash of lemon extract in the water can freshen things up.
How to Remove Mold Outside the Home
Mold can also form on the outside of your home as it is exposed to the elements, like rain and snow. Before getting started, examine the exterior of your home to identify areas with mold growth. “Common areas include siding, wooden decks, concrete, and brick surfaces,” says Sokolowski.
Materials
Here is what you need to remove mold from outside the house.
- Baking soda
- Water
- Scrub brush with a long handle or pressure washer
- Garden hose or bucket
- Safety gear (gloves, mask, and eye protection)
<気持ち>White vinegar
Steps
Follow this method from Sokolowski when removing mold from outside the house.
- Remove any obstacles, furniture, or plants from the area you plan to clean. This ensures that you have unobstructed access to the affected surfaces.
- If the exterior surface is particularly dry or sunny, wet it down with a garden hose before applying the cleaning solution. This helps prevent the solution from drying too quickly.
- Mix a solution that’s equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle.
- Spray or apply the vinegar and water mixture directly to the moldy areas.
- Using a scrub brush with a long handle, scrub the moldy areas vigorously in a circular motion. Continue scrubbing until you remove the mold stains.
- Rinse the area with clean water. You can use a garden hose or a bucket of water. Ensure that all cleaning solution and mold debris are thoroughly rinsed away.
- For additional mold prevention, create a baking soda paste by mixing it with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the cleaned area, scrub gently, and then rinse with water.
- For stubborn mold stains, you may need to repeat the cleaning process.
- Allow the cleaned exterior surfaces to air dry completely. This can take several hours, depending on the weather conditions.
I tackled mold on my deck last summer, and the vinegar solution was a lifesaver—way cheaper than the $50+ commercial cleaners. Baking soda paste is great for prevention; its alkaline nature makes it tough for mold to come back, according to cleaning experts. If you’ve got a pressure washer, it can cut cleaning time in half, but be careful not to blast delicate surfaces like wood too hard. I rented one for about $40 a day, which was worth it for a big job. Check your deck or siding every spring—mold loves to hide in shaded, damp spots, and catching it early saves a ton of effort.
