How to Identify Mold & Mildew

Mold is a fungus that grows on many organic hosts: food, wood, fabric, paper, and plants. Requiring little sustenance, mold can often be found on hard-surface items like plastic or ceramic tile, metal, or painted wood; it flourishes in humid, poorly ventilated areas, inside and out. Mildew is the kind of mold found most frequently on fabrics or paper, but it is only one of many varieties. Molds come in a wide range of colors (black, green, white, orange) and textures (slimy, furry, rough or smooth). Many people manifest asthma-like symptoms in allergic reaction to mold; and some molds are toxic to humans. Identifying mold and mildew is the first step in its removal.

Things You'll Need

• senses of smell, sight and touch
• flashlight
• soap and water
• chlorine bleach
• rubber gloves and protective face mask

Instructions

How to Identify Mold & Mildew

1. Identify mold by smell. If a room or area like a garage has a persistently musty, stale, earthy odor, suspect mold. In some humid climates, you will notice this most when vacuuming rugs or furniture because the activity loosens mold spores into the air. You may smell mold even before you see it.

2. Search chronically damp areas, such as the refrigerator drip tray or under-sink space. Poorly ventilated, dark areas such as basements, crawl spaces or areas close to plumbing pipes are classic mold areas. Inspect in full daylight or use a flashlight to identify mold. Look for discolorations and fuzzy, furry, solid patches or areas of many speckled dots. Inspect edges, crevices and cracks where you suspect mold; its concentration is likely greatest in these undisturbed areas.

3. Notice any physical reactions you have in close proximity to these areas. Do not handle the possible mold; just being close to it may produce watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and even dizziness and feelings of shortness of breath. If so, suspect mold, rather than spilled paint or other contamination.

4. Wash a patch with soap and water. Inspect the washed area over the next few days. If the stain never responded, has returned, or has even increased, suspect mold.

5. Wash the same area with chlorine bleach and repeat inspection. If the stain has diminished, suspect mold. Many, although not all, molds can be removed with bleach.

Tips & Warnings

• Common areas of mold can be controlled or eradicated by improving ventilation and decreasing humidity. With bath and shower use, frequent opening and closing of the refrigerator, and humid weather, expect to monitor and clean mold-prone areas frequently. Professional assistance may be needed to remove mildew from fabrics. Consult your dry cleaner and professional housecleaning services.

• In addition to bleach, commercial mold-cleaners contain other strong chemicals. Protect your skin and face when using them and ventilate your work area thoroughly. Persistent and rapidly growing molds may be toxic. Especially if family members seem to have chronic allergy, cold or flu-like symptoms, seek professional mold-abatement services. Ongoing exposure can result in damage to the immune system.

References

• Mold and mildew characteristics and dangers