We’ve probably all faced the problem of mold in our homes at some point.
However, few people know about its types, health hazards, and ways to eliminate it.
Let’s take a look at the most common types of mold and the dangers they pose.
White Mold (Penicillium camemberti)
It appears on wood, under wallpaper, on plaster, and on textiles near damaged wood.
It forms due to high humidity, especially in places without heating or with low temperatures.
It’s common in homes where walls weren’t dried properly before decorating or installing wooden floors.
- Danger: Damages wood and textiles, causes allergies.
- How to combat it:
Identify the affected areas and clean them with white vinegar.
Then, apply 9% hydrogen peroxide.
Black Mold (Stachybotrys chartarum)
It appears in poorly ventilated bathrooms, near windows with condensation, and on damp walls in winter.
It also grows on damp textiles like sofas near wet walls or improperly dried carpets.
- Danger: Can leave permanent dark stains and damage textiles.
Releases mycotoxins that cause allergies, asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough. - How to combat it:
Ventilate well by opening doors and windows. Wear gloves and a mask.
Vacuum the surface spores using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.
For delicate fabrics, use essential oils, white vinegar, or ammonia.
On walls and tiles, use bleach with chlorine, boric acid, or hydrogen peroxide.
In large areas, perform ozonation, which destroys mold cells.
Green Mold (Aspergillus, Penicillium)
This is very common in homes and appears on damp textiles, leaky roofs, and dripping pipes.
Like black and white mold, it prefers poorly ventilated places with high humidity.
- Danger: Damages textiles, plaster, and creates an unpleasant smell.
For humans, it can cause allergies, bronchitis, or even pneumonia. - How to combat it:
Use the same methods described for black mold removal.
In large areas, perform ozonation and apply antiseptic primers from hardware stores.
These effectively eliminate mold and prevent its recurrence.
When to Contact a Cleaning Company for Help
If mold is spreading quickly on walls and spores reach hard-to-access areas, contact professionals.
The specialists at Harry El Sucio Clean can perform complete ozonation of the affected space.
Ozone covers the entire area and reaches inaccessible spots like cracks, under furniture, or behind wallpaper.
It’s especially effective for removing mold in hidden and deep areas.
Conclusion
Different types of mold require specific approaches, but the basic principle remains the same.
Eliminate the cause (humidity) and remove the fungus and its spores promptly.
To prevent mold:
- Keep your home clean and organized.
- Regularly clean soft furniture and change bedding.
- Perform wet cleaning with vinegar, bleach, or specialized products.
- Ventilate spaces frequently and use bactericidal lamps twice a year.
If your home has poor heating or ventilation, invest in electric underfloor heating and an extractor fan.
It’s more economical to prevent mold than to constantly spend on ozonation and repairs.