Is That Mold? Identifying the Black Stuff

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold found in a Spring Valley, TX home.

Most people feel certain they know what mold is – it’s green, black or brown, fuzzy and pretty gross. But the fact is that there are numerous things that can be mistaken for mold. It’s important to know if you’re dealing with mold and what kind to start combatting the problem. Here are some common things people mistake for mold and tips for getting proper mold assessment in your Spring Valley, TX, property.

What is Mold?

There’s lots in the media about the harmfulness of mold, but just what is it? Mold is a type of fungus. There are hundreds of different types found indoors and outdoors. In the home, mold tends to thrive wherever it’s dark and slightly moist. This includes:

• Crawl spaces
  
• Bathrooms
  
• Attics
  
• Basements
  

While mold tends to like these places, there are lots of things that merely mold lookalikes.

Mildew
Mildew is actually a kind of mold. Like mold, it’s a fungus that thrives in a moist environment and can cause smells. Unlike mold, however, it tends toward flat surfaces and the damage it causes can be much more cosmetic and easily resolved than that of mold.

Dirt
It can be surprisingly hard to tell the difference between black mold and plain old dirt. Both grow in some of the same areas and can be dark and caked-on in appearance. A proper mold assessment can help spot key differences.

Soap Scum
Like mold, soap scum has a tendency to gather in wet areas like your bathroom sink, drains and shower doors. In the worst scenarios, it can become darkened, taking a dusky appearance that can make it easily mistaken for mold.
The first step in banishing mold is making sure mold is what you’re facing. Schedule a proper mold assessment and you’ll be on your way to a mold-free home.