Green Mold - What is It, Is It Dangerous, and How to Remove it?
We’ve done white and pink so far. Now it’s time for green mold.
There’s no time for a cookie-cutter blog post introduction now. Mold requires prompt action, and we’ll deliver our removal tips accordingly.
Green mold is actually many types of mold, or “mold species”, and today we’ll cover what molds grow in green color, and how to get rid of green mold.
We’ll also examine common causes of green mold and how to make sure it doesn’t grow again.
With that out of the way, let’s get right into it!
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What is Green Mold?
As the name obviously suggests, green mold typically refers to a type of mold that has a greenish color.
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp and humid conditions. It can grow on all organic materials, ranging from food to your walls and wood.
The green color is often due to pigments produced by the fungus.
It’s important to note that there are many different species of mold, and they can vary in color, including green. Molds can be green, white, black, orange, yellow, grey, brown, pink, and so on.
What Mold Species Grow in Green Color?
Several mold species can appear green:
- Aspergillus: This is a genus of molds (a group of molds that share common characteristics and are classified together), and some species within it, such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger, can produce green spores. Aspergillus is pretty widespread and can be found in various environments.
- Penicillium: Known for medicine, some species of Penicillium molds can also be green. Penicillium chrysogenum, for example, is one species that may exhibit a greenish color.
- Trichoderma: Trichoderma is another genus of mold commonly found in soil and decaying wood. One example of a green-colored Trichoderma species is Trichoderma viride.
- Stachybotrys chartarum: While it’s often associated with a black color, Stachybotrys chartarum can sometimes appear dark green.
Is Green Mold Dangerous?
Not all green mold species are inherently dangerous. However, some molds, regardless of color, can produce mycotoxins or allergens that may pose health risks, especially to susceptible individuals with allergies or asthma.
The potential danger of mold depends on various factors, including the specific species, how much has it grown, and how prone is an individual exposed to it to mold-related health problems.
It’s all about mycotoxins and whether they produce more or less of them. Some green molds that do produce mycotoxins are:
- Aspergillus flavus: These produce aflatoxins, which are potent carcinogens and can contaminate certain crops, such as peanuts and grains. Aflatoxins are also harmful to humans.
- Stachybotrys chartarum: One of the most toxic molds. It has been linked to the production of mycotoxins known as trichothecenes, which can be harmful when inhaled or come into contact with the skin.
This is why we constantly reiterate throughout this website to be cautious when dealing with mold, regardless of its color.
Why Green Mold Grows in Homes?
Simple – humidity and organic matter. Mold needs moisture to grow, and many areas in our beloved homes are pretty prone to high humidity.
If there’s poor ventilation, condensation, humid weather, or even water damage, mold can grow.
Mold, as we know it, is made up of mold colonies. Mold colonies form when airborne mold spores land on a damp, organic surface. They then form that fuzzy, slimy texture while also eating up the surface they grow on.
Where Does Green Mold Grow?
Green mold species can grow where pretty much any mold species do. Note that molds, including green ones, grow on organic material. This includes:
- Food, including fruits, vegetables, bread, and dairy products
- Tiles, grout, and shower curtains in bathrooms
- Countertops, cutting boards, and inside refrigerators in kitchens
- AC units – ducts, coils, and drip
- Damp clothing, linens, or upholstery
- Attics
- Soil of indoor plants
You’ll also likely see green mold with other type of mold, like black mold.
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How to Remove Green Mold?
Firstly, identify and address the source of moisture that led to mold growth. It could just be humid weather. In that case, get a dehumidifier.
You may also have a water leak. This needs to be fixed either by you or someone specializing in water damage repair. In that case, the restoration professionals you work with will also likely remove mold for you too.
Resolving the underlying moisture problem is crucial, as mold will simply grow back again.
Once you’ve addressed the source of moisture, it’s essential to wear some protective equipment before starting the removal process – gloves, a mask, and safety glasses.
Contain the affected area by isolating it from the rest of your home. Use plastic sheeting and tape to cover openings and vents. Open up your windows to ventilate the area.
Now, clean the surfaces with mold-killing solutions. For green mold, a mixture of water and mild detergent or a specialized mold cleaner can be effective. Use a brush or sponge to scrub the affected surfaces thoroughly, paying attention to seams and crevices where mold can hide.
Not enough? Apply some white vinegar. This product penetrates deep behind the surface, killing mold’s roots.
After cleaning, ensure that the affected area is completely dry. Use dehumidifiers and fans to speed this up.
If mold has eaten up a lot of your items, like your drywall, carpets, or hardwood flooring, you will likely require replacements for these items.
Conclusion
That’s about it. Now, when should you call a professional?
If you find that the damage is too extensive, you have a lot of mold, and perhaps even some other water-related damage, you should call a restoration professional.
They will help you remove the mold, replace any damaged items, and mitigate any leaks or flooding that led to such severe damage.