Many of us might have dealt with a mold problem or at least heard about it. This type of fungus, if left unchecked, can significantly damage a house. Furthermore, mold also makes the entire household vulnerable to certain health issues.
These ailments include throat irritation, stuffy nasal passages, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, and even skin irritation.
Knowing about the types of mold in homes and the proper ways to get rid of them can allow your household to live a healthier life. So, let’s start!
What is Mold?
As mentioned, mold is a type of fungus. This means it belongs to the same family covering mushrooms and yeast. If you analyze mold closely, you will notice how it grows in multicellular structures known as "hyphae" (which happen to grow in a thread-like shape).
To the naked eye, mold growth looks a mossy covering which is generally green, black, or blue. It can also be yellow, orange, or white. What the mold eats tends to influence the color. So, yes, mold is alive, and it will continue to spread as long as it gets the required nutrients and environment.
Mold spores don’t care if the house is new or old. As long as it gets a suitable environment, these spores will cause a mold infection.
Types of Molds
You might be surprised to learn there are numerous types of mold out there. Some are hazardous to your health. These fall into several different categories.
There are:
Allergenic
These affect individuals with allergies (as the name states) or asthma.
Pathogenic
These can give rise to certain infections in babies, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system.
Toxic
These produce toxins which can lead to irritation or even long-term illnesses.
In short, it doesn't matter what kind of mold you need to deal with, the sooner you get rid of it, the better.
Let’s talk about some specific and common types of household molds you should be aware of. Each of these belongs to one or more of the above categories and all are harmful to your health.
Acremonium
We are going to begin with Acremonium. During the initial stages, it appears as a small, moist mold. However, with time, it transforms to resemble a fine, powdery substance. You might notice it as gray, pink, orange, or white as well. This type can easily grow in any environment with condensation. You will typically see it on cooling coils, window sealants, draining pans, and humidifiers. It usually grows along with Stachybotrys.
Beware, because this kind of mold is very toxigenic and pathogenic. It can cause impaired brain function, various cancers, a dangerously lowered immune system, and diseases in vital organs, as well as the bone marrow. It is also allergenic, meaning it can harm people with allergies. Additionally, this is harmful to pets. Even if a pet doesn’t get an infection, it can transfer the mold to humans (especially kids). You need to get rid of it as soon as possible if you wish to ensure the safety of your household.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is another common household mold. It has more than 185 species, however, we don't need to talk about them all. The important thing is realizing you need to get rid of it. This kind appears yellow-green. Similar to other types, this one too prefers spaces which are warm, dark, and damp. Some of the species of this kind are toxigenic. They produce carcinogens. Most of them cause allergies. Having it around the house means more cases of asthma attacks, respiratory inflammation, and lung infections.
You will find it on damp walls, PVC or paper wall coverings, carpet dust, acrylic paint, leather, wallpaper, shoes, unclean filters, and decomposing wood. You might even find it on old cloth fabrics. This mold produces an odor. Aspergillus spores can be transferred to humans (especially kids) through pets and cause health issues.
Aureobasidium
This is another allergenic mold you should be aware of. It is highly contagious. You can quickly experience an eye, skin, or nail infection from this mold on contact. That is why it is essential you don't touch it with bare skin. It also gives rise to skin rashes or dermatitis. This type is usually pink in color. It can also be brown or black. Upon maturity, it takes up a dark brown color. While a variety of molds prefer an organic food source, Aureobasidium can thrive on inorganic nutrition, too. In fact, it can eat glue, which is the reason it can grow on painted walls or behind wallpaper.
This is the allergenic kind and will increase allergic attacks in the household if not dealt with properly. Indoors, you will find it on the carpet, floor, window frames, and wet wood. It likes dark and damp spaces. It can even appear in stored food products such as old cereals.
Mucor
This is another dangerous type of mold. It appears white or gray. Take note that this type can grow very quickly. It forms thick patches which can be challenging to get rid of if you don't know the proper procedure. You will generally find Mucor near (or inside) ducts, HVAC systems, and window air conditioning units. It is also found in thick and damp places such as dirty carpets and mats.
This type is pathogenic and allergenic. You should know it will cause respiratory issues in humans. Symptoms of a Mucor infection are flu-like. Prolonged exposure to such mold can give rise to a fungal infection called Mucormycosis. Such an infection is capable of damaging the lungs and the brain, as well as sinuses. It can make its way into the bloodstream and damage the body from the inside. It can tolerate high temperatures. You need to be very careful when dealing with such a type of mold.
Penicillium
Coming to Penicillium, it is regarded as the most recognizable mold. It does save a lot of lives, but it is also dangerous. You will notice it has a blue or greenish appearance with a velvet-like texture. It appears in water-damaged buildings as well as materials. The mold that grows on bread is a type of Penicillium. You will see it in unkempt carpets, ductwork, wallpaper, and yes, even mattresses.
Having such type of mold around your house means lowered immune effectiveness in kids and the elderly. This is an allergenic type and will worsen asthma attacks, too. Even if a person doesn't have any pre-existing condition, this mold can give rise to pulmonary inflammation and chronic sinusitis. This type of mold is easy to get rid of if you can catch it before it grows too much. Making sure your house doesn't have unclean damp spaces or rotten food (especially old bread) can keep Penicillium at bay to protect your household.
Stachybotrys
This is the very dangerous black mold. It loves spaces with a lot of moisture. The preferred nutrient source is anything made from cellulose. This means you will find it growing on cardboard, wood, wicker, and paper. It has a dark-green color. It is regarded as the most dangerous type of toxic mold. Stachybotrys can grow very quickly. It releases millions of mycotoxins in the air to cause significant health issues.
Even your first-time exposure to this mold can make you suffer from tightening in the chest, nose bleeds, fever, cough, burning sensations in the airways, fever, and painful headaches. Prolonged exposure to this mold intensifies the symptoms and leads to chronic fatigue. Exposed people are known to experience joint aches as well as sinusitis. Children are highly vulnerable to such mold. It has caused numerous neurological issues in kids. Infants can suffer from pulmonary bleeding due to this allergenic, pathogenic, and toxigenic mold. You will require timely professional help to get rid of it.
Mold Prevention: How to Stay Safe
The good news for you is there are ways to prevent mold from growing in your house. It is always a good thing to be safe, rather than sorry when dealing with a mold problem. The sooner you act, the better.
The preventive measures mentioned below can help you and your household to stay safe from mold-related medical issues.
Using a Dehumidifier
One of the most common ways for anyone to deal with mold is by using a dehumidifier. Using a dehumidifier allows you to control humidity and ensure mold doesn't get to grow in your house. A good quality dehumidifier (which we have reviewed below) can trap moisture in the air. It is recommended you keep the humidity levels below 60% for mold prevention.
No Wet Areas
Due to molds loving wet areas, it is important to clean up dampness as soon as possible. If there is water on the kitchen or bathroom floor, wipe or mop it all up. Leaving water in such areas increase the chances of mold growth.
Cleaning materials ensure a clean and dry floor. (Source)
This also includes making sure your house doesn't have any leaks. Do check to see if there are any leaks in the basement for mold prevention.
Using an Air Purifier
Molds don’t like well-ventilated areas. So, open windows and doors to increase ventilation in rooms. Having an air purifier in the basement can help prevent mold growth by aiding in proper air ventilation. Certain air purifiers also have a UV light to kill germs and mold spores.
Mold-Resistant Products
Another way to prevent mold growth is by using mold-resistant products in your house. For example, you can use mold-resistant drywall.
Review of the Best Models to Manage Mold
Now that you have learned about molds, the harm they cause, and prevention, let’s talk about the best electronic tools you can use to keep your household safe. As mentioned, having a dehumidifier and air purifier is an effective way to prevent mold.
Here are well-researched reviews of two items you should know about!
Best Air Purifier for Mold:
Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier
PROS
CONS
Our Review
The Blue Pure 211+ is our selection of the best air purifier for mold because of the features it has to offer. This model has a three-part filtration system. Such a system allows this unit to be very effective and able to capture 99% pollutants in the air. This means this model can capture allergens, smoke, mold spores, pet dander, dust mites, and odor-causing bacteria.
The activated carbon filter present in this model is capable of ensuring you won’t have to deal with annoying odors caused by pets, cooking, smoke, etc. The pre-filter is washable, which allows this unit to be more convenient in the long run. Dark blue and gray pre-filters are included when you purchase the model. All of the filters are recyclable. You will need to change them every six months (depending on use, of course).
You also don’t have to worry about loud noise because this unit produces higher air flow without causing a racket. The sound level is 31-56 dB. This air purifier is recommended for medium to large rooms. It can cover an area between 400 to 600 square feet. You can easily put it in the bedroom, basement, or even the kitchen. It draws air from all sides to give you uniform protection from pollutants in the air.
Bottom Line
The Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier is the best model you can opt for to prevent mold growth in your house. It is effortless to use. The three-stage filtration system ensures you and your household have clean air to breathe. You won't have to worry about mold problems with this one.
Best Dehumidifier for Mold:
hOmeLabs 4000 Sq Ft Dehumidifier
PROS
CONS
Our Review
If you are looking for a dehumidifier which offers a whole lot of area coverage, then this unit from hOmeLabs is for you. It is perfect for large basements and rooms. The best part is that it has been designed keeping modern homes in mind. This means you won't be stuck with a dehumidifier which looks out of place in your home décor.
This model is all about giving you a clean look. It also has built-in wheels and handles for portability. The fan is quiet to ensure you aren't distracted by this unit while you are reading a book, watching TV, or having a chat with friends and family.
This humidifier is a nine-gallon unit. Such capacity allows this unit to absorb an incredible amount of moisture from the air to keep humidity levels in check. Don't be scared by the large size though. This unit is Energy Star certified. It will give you the mold-free environment you want without producing an expensive energy bill.
It is very easy to use. This model can continuously run for a 24-hour cycle until the tank gets full (at which point it automatically shuts-off). This unit reduces allergens and odor by removing bacteria present in the humid air. It gives you a two-year warranty.
Bottom Line
This dehumidifier from hOmeLabs is our recommended choice if you want a dehumidifier effective for mold prevention. The large size and tank capacity enable this unit to be suitable for basements and cellars, areas exceptionally vulnerable to mold growth.
Conclusion
Mold can cause a lot of health issues as well as damage a lovely home if not kept in check. You need to make sure not to give mold spores an environment to thrive in. Using a high-quality dehumidifier and an air purifier can help you prevent a mold growth problem.
We hope our recommended best dehumidifier and air purifier for mold prevention units aid in making your life easier and your house healthier.
