The more common molds that most homeowners encounter can be classified into three categories: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxic.
Allergenic molds can require removal by a professional, but most allergenic molds can be removed with home disinfecting products.Pathogenic molds can be controlled with disinfectants but large colonies require professional removal.Toxic molds are the most harmful and require a professional to kill the mold and dispose of any affected materials.
Once mold is discovered, you should hire a professional or use our guide to help identify the 12 most common types of fungi and develop a plan for removal. Once the mold is removed, it is essential to identify the moisture problem that led to the growth.
DIY Mold Cleaning Methods
If allergenic molds are caught early, you can easily remove them with household disinfectants. When using any of these products, make sure there is adequate ventilation in the area and wear protective gear like gloves, eye protection, and old clothes that can be washed in hot water to kill stray spores.
Chlorine bleach: Sodium hypochlorite or regular household bleach works best to destroy mold and remove any discoloration. It is quite harsh and should be diluted before using. Hydrogen peroxide: Less harsh than chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide (three to 10 percent solution) will kill mold and lighten stains. While it does have a bleaching effect, it works more slowly than chlorine bleach but has no toxic fumes or residue. Distilled white vinegar: Vinegar is acidic and slowly breaks down the structure of mold and kills it. Vinegar is non-toxic but mold stains may remain and additional scrubbing with a household cleaner may be needed. Baking soda and borax: Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and borax each have a high pH that inhibits the growth and survival of mold. Both products are inexpensive, non-toxic, and easy to mix with water. Borax is more effective than baking soda but not as effective as a stronger cleaning product.
Hire a Professional
For any mold classified as toxic or extensive mold problems, you need to hire a professional. Here are all the different types of molds that could be in your home and how to identify each one.
Location
Often found in home humidifiers, HVAC cooling coils, drain and drip pans, and near leaky windows. It’s often found with Strachybotrys (black mold) and requires removal by a professional.
Location
Most often found in shower stalls, bathtubs, and near sinks. Its presence usually signifies water damage has occurred and the mold will quickly spread. Unless the colony has grown extremely large, it can be safely removed with proper cleaning.
Location
Often appears on wooden surfaces. Extensive infestation should be removed by a professional.
Location
Found in dark wet and water-damaged areas such as under carpets, behind wallpaper, and on wooden surfaces. Protective clothing, including eye protection and gloves, should be worn during clean-up of small infestations.
Location
Thrives in water-damaged drywall, wooden surfaces, wallpaper, and under wet carpet and roof shingles. Often mistaken as black mold, removal is best handled by professionals.
Location
Usually found on carpet, upholstery, drapes, and under floorboards. Small colonies can be cleaned away by the homeowner but larger ones require a professional.
Location
Often found growing on food, it spreads quickly and can be found in carpet, wallpaper, and water-damaged materials. Treat any clean-up with caution.
Location
Found in extremely wet spaces where condensation has formed such as near air conditioners, HVAC ductwork, and leaky windows and doors. Classified as allergenic, small patches can be cleaned by the homeowner. Larger infections require a professional.
Location
Often found in HVAC ducts, wallpaper, mattresses, and carpet. Small colonies can be cleaned by the homeowner with care. Larger infestations should be removed by professionals.
Location
Most often found in areas inside a home that have been exposed to excessive water and humidity for weeks. Typically develops behind walls and ceilings on wood. Removal and disposal of affected building materials must be done by professionals.
Location
Can grow on wallpaper, carpet, fabrics, and surfaces exposed to excessive moisture. Usually non-pathogenic, Trichoderma can be cleaned by the homeowner using proper protective measures. It does produce an enzyme that attacks wood, textiles, and paper and can cause damage to building foundations.
Location
Usually found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements that have suffered water damage or areas that stay wet for long periods. Caught early, clean up can be done by a homeowner.
