Black Mold vs. Regular Mold: What’s the Difference?
Black mold can present serious health issues if not addressed quickly. Read our guide to learn how to identify black and regular mold and how to remove both types.
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Mold can develop from a small nuisance into a full-blown health issue, causing rashes, sore throats, runny noses, and other sensitivities. Read our guide below to learn how to tell the difference between regular mold and black mold, how to get rid of your mold problem, and how to prevent moldy environments in your house.
Differences Between Black Mold and Regular Mold
There are many mold types, each with a distinct look and characteristics. Below are some of the main differences between black mold and regular mold.
Black Mold
This type of mold has a slimy or wet texture, a greenish-brown color, and grows in damp, water-damaged areas. It can sometimes have a fuzzy or velvety appearance. Black mold spores can cause health concerns such as skin irritation, headaches, respiratory issues, sneezing, and skin rashes. Black mold is also called Stachybotrys chartarum (S. chartarum). It’s less common than regular mold but produces mycotoxins.
Black mold is known for its strong, musty odor that resembles rotting wood or damp earth. This distinct smell is often one of the first signs that black mold may be present.
Black mold tends to grow in areas with constant moisture or water damage. It often appears in places that have experienced flooding or persistent leaks, such as basements, crawl spaces, or areas affected by plumbing issues.
Regular Mold
Regular mold grows in damp areas and has a dry, powdery appearance. It can appear gray, brown, or greenish-black and can also cause health issues, but not as severely as black mold.
Any type of mold can be a risk to human health, especially for people with weakened immune systems or existing sinus problems. Black mold is considered to be more dangerous than other types.
Regular mold generally has a less intense odor compared to black mold. While it can still produce a musty smell, it’s typically not as pungent or noticeable as the odor associated with black mold.
Regular mold can grow in a wider range of environments and is often found in areas with high humidity or occasional moisture. It may appear on bathroom tiles, around windows, or in poorly ventilated areas of the home.
Health Risks Associated With Mold
The mycotoxins in black mold can lead to severe health issues, especially if the mold lingers and goes unaddressed. Health risks associated with black mold include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, skin irritation, headaches and memory problems, and issues with your immune system. Exposure to black mold can also cause lung disease and chronic fatigue.
Symptoms associated with exposure to more general mold include coughing, wheezing, sneezing, nosebleeds, headaches, chronic migraines, and skin rashes. The severity of your reaction depends on the duration of your exposure and how many mold spores you inhale.
See a healthcare professional immediately if you suspect you have an illness related to black mold exposure. A doctor might perform a mold allergy test or take a blood sample to diagnose a systemic fungal infection. There are many treatments your doctor might recommend, such as taking antihistamines or reducing humidity levels in your home. Removing mold completely is the most powerful tool at your disposal.
How To Identify Mold in Your Home
Discerning between black mold and regular mold can be tricky. It’s best to let a professional make the distinction since you can put yourself at risk by exposing yourself to mold.
Identifying Black Mold
Black mold has certain traits that make it more distinctive than regular mold, including the following:
- A darker, more intense color than other types of mold
- A furry or slimy look
- A strong smell similar to rot or decayed wood
- Resistance to standard cleaning products or tools
Black mold forms in consistently humid or damp environments.
Identifying Regular Mold
Regular mold, or common mold, can be toxic, but it’s generally less of a health risk than black mold. Here are signs to look for when identifying regular mold:
- Appears dry or powdery
- Easy to remove with any cleaning product
- Grows in all types of spaces, such as drywall and underneath cabinets
- No strong smell
Common Areas for Mold Growth in Homes
Knowing where mold is likely to grow can help homeowners prevent and quickly identify potential problems. Here are some common areas to watch for mold growth.
Moisture-Prone Spaces
- Bathrooms: The constant humidity from showers and baths makes bathrooms prime locations for mold growth.
- Kitchens: Areas around sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators can harbor mold due to water splashes and leaks.
- Basements and crawl spaces: These areas are often damp and poorly ventilated, creating ideal conditions for mold.
- Laundry rooms: Washing machines and dryers can create moisture that leads to mold growth if not properly ventilated.
Hidden Mold Hotspots
- Behind wallpaper or drywall: Moisture trapped behind wall coverings can lead to hidden mold growth.
- Under carpets and floorboards: Spills, pet urine, or flooding can create mold problems beneath flooring materials.
- In HVAC systems: Air conditioning units and ductwork can accumulate moisture and become breeding grounds for mold.
- Attics: Poor ventilation and roof leaks can create conditions for mold growth in attic spaces.
How To Safely Remove Mold
It’s important to remove mold as quickly as possible, whether dealing with black mold or regular mold. Mold can cause health issues and cause certain surfaces to deteriorate, damaging your home and decreasing your property value.
Removing Black Mold
Black mold can grow quickly, so you must act quickly when you spot it. Before removing, put on safety equipment, including a respirator, safety glasses, and safety gloves.
Determine the extent of the mold growth and the surface area it has covered. Then, determine whether you can simply remove the mold with bleach or an industrial-strength cleaning agent or whether you’ll have to replace carpet, drywall, or untreated wood surfaces.
Removing black mold can be tricky and painstaking, and it’s usually a job that professionals should undertake. A professional will perform a complete mold inspection, remove and sanitize affected areas, and ensure mold doesn’t spread.
Removing Regular Mold
Regular mold isn’t as toxic as black mold, but you must take precautions when removing it. Wear safety glasses and gloves, and don’t let your skin touch mold while cleaning. Use a heavy-duty cleaner such as chlorine bleach, removing discoloration and eliminating mold.
Use a soft-bristled brush or similar tool to remove mold from wood or any other surface. Turn on fans or open your windows to keep the area ventilated while you work. If you’re removing mold from a cloth surface, take the affected item outside while cleaning it to avoid getting bleach on any other items in your home.
Allow the cleaner to sit on the affected item or surface for up to 15 minutes. This allows the cleaner time to soak and penetrate the mold growth. Rinse the item or surface and let it air dry. Check to see if any trace of mold remains. If you still see mold spores, call a professional cleaning company. Professionals can determine whether you have an underlying moisture problem or need to turn to more drastic mold remediation procedures.
Preventing Future Mold Growth
The best way to stop mold is to prevent it from growing. The best prevention technique is to monitor humidity levels in your home. Humidity breeds mold, and too much of it can trigger extreme mold growth.
A dehumidifier can help control humid air. Consider placing a dehumidifier in your attic, crawlspace, or basement to keep the air dry. Put another in the main living area of your home. Remove any standing water you notice immediately, since it can lead to mold growth and cause structural problems in your home.
Never delay mold removal. If you don’t feel comfortable removing mold, call a contractor or handyman for advice or to schedule a cleaning.
Our Conclusion
Learning how to discern between black mold and regular mold is important so that you can fix your mold issues accordingly. With the right safety precautions, homeowners can safely remove either type of mold, but if you have a serious infestation or you don’t feel comfortable performing the job, call a handyman.
Preventing mold is the best way to maintain a safe home, so monitor your home’s humidity levels at all times and act fast if you notice mold forming.
FAQ About Black Mold vs. Regular Mold
What’s the main difference between black mold and regular mold?
The difference between black mold and regular mold is that black mold has a more pronounced, musty smell. It’s also typically black or greenish-black and has a slimy or furry appearance. Regular mold looks dry or powdery.
How can I tell if I have black mold or regular mold in my home?
You can tell whether you have black mold or regular mold in your home by evaluating its color, smell, and appearance. Black mold is darker and musty-smelling. It also grows in areas with standing water and creates health problems.
Is black mold more dangerous than regular mold?
Black mold is more dangerous than regular mold. Its toxins can cause severe allergic reactions, skin rashes, and symptoms such as coughing and congestion.
Can I remove black mold myself?
You can remove toxic black mold yourself if you follow safety precautions. Always wear safety glasses and goggles, and be cautious when using industrial-strength cleaners.
How can I prevent mold growth in my home?
To prevent mold growth in your home, use a dehumidifier and control moisture levels. Remove any standing water immediately.
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