There are hundreds of types of mould that grow in homes and it can cause significant problems in the home.
As well as being unsightly, it can produce a nasty smell, damage your fixtures, and potentially spread into paint, wallpaper, cloth, and plaster.Mould removalis important because the spores can also cause respiratory health problems.
Dampness and poor ventilation is almost always the cause – and improving those conditions can help eliminate mould from your home.
And remember, small amounts of mould can be dealt with yourself, but you should seek the help of professionals if the mould is severe.
What are the different types of mould?
There are several types of mould of varying colours and textures. HereiHeatheating expert Stephen Day helps to talk us through the key four types of mould that might be growing in the damp areas of your home as well as explaining how each one can be identified by appearance, where it is likely to be found, the potential health issues it might cause as well as how to eliminate them whenremoving mould from wallsor looking athow to clean mould off wood.
1.葡萄穗霉属chartarum(黑色有毒霉菌)
There are several types of black mould, and identifying the different variations can be difficult without professional expertise and proper testing.
Stachybotrys chartarum appears dark greenish-black, and often has a wet, shiny, or slimy appearance – rather than the dry, more velvety look of other types of mould.
Where it can be found:It thrives on damp walls, particularly behind or asmould on wallpaperand fibreboard, and in cool, damp conditions.
Health issues:Most black moulds come from the same strain as green mould and aren’t too much of a concern – but one type is toxic. Stachybotrys chartarum produces mycotoxins that can be harmful if inhaled or ingested over an extended period.
How to kill it:Small areas of mould can be dealt with by using mould remover, increasing ventilation, reducing humidity, and maintaining consistent temperatures throughout the house – but it’s best to get professionals to deal with larger amounts of black mould
2. Cladosporium (non-toxic black mould)
Cladosporium isn’t toxic, so isn’t dangerous to humans, but it can cause allergies or worsen asthma symptoms.
Where it can be found:It can appear as black or greenish-brown, with an appearance that ranges from powdery to suede-like and is most commonly found in July and August.
Health issues:Cladosporium can grow on various materials, including fabrics, carpets, wood, and damp walls, but it’s commonly found in areas with high humidity and poor ventilation, like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
How to kill it:Small areas can be treated with bleach or a vinegar solution. Use dehumidifiers and dry any condensation that forms on walls and windowsills, to prevent the mould forming.
3. Trichoderma (green mould)
Trichoderma often appears as fuzzy patches which starts white or yellow and turns green-grey as it matures.
Where it can be found:It’s most commonly found in forests and soil, but also thrives in paper and wood, in damp and high-humidity areas.
Health issues:Some species of Trichoderma can produce mycotoxins, but they are generally considered less harmful to human health compared to other mould species.
How to kill it:You can clean affected areas with a mixture of water and white vinegar or a mild detergent. Ensure proper ventilation and address any moisture sources.
4. Alternaria (green mould)
Another variety of green mould, Alternaria is often dark green or brown, with a velvet-like texture.
Where it can be found:发现在潮湿的地方像在水槽漏水,bathrooms, and kitchens, and is most common between July and September, but it does grow all year.
Health issues:It spreads quickly, and although most species are not harmful, the spores can cause allergies and asthma-like symptoms. It can also cause respiratory issues and skin irritation in some pets and animals.
How to kill it:You can get rid of Alternaria with mould remover, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar if you’d prefer not to use chemicals.
How to prevent mould in your home
Keeping your home adequately heated helps prevent the formation of condensation and inhibits mould growth.
Make sure your heating system and boiler is working efficiently to keep a consistent indoor temperature, especially in colder months, and insulate walls, floors, and roofs to prevent heat loss and temperature fluctuations.
Dehumidifiers, likethis dehumidifier from B&Q by Blyss, are effective tools for controlling indoor humidity levels, as they extract excess moisture from the air, making it less conducive to mould growth.
Place dehumidifiers in areas prone to high humidity like bathrooms and kitchens, and anywhere that isn’t well ventilated, like cupboards under stairs.
Empty and clean the dehumidifier’s water collection tray regularly to prevent mould growth within the device.
Proper ventilation helps maintain indoor air quality and reduces excess moisture; open windows regularly, even during colder months, to allow fresh air to circulate. This will also make it easier toremove black mould from silicone sealant.
